Progress Associés, 50 years of expertise for executives

Today, Progress Associés has set the benchmark in France for independent firms working in Executive Search.

Through the recruitment of executives through a direct approach, assessment and coaching, and governance and board services, Progress Associés supports your development.

Firmly rooted in France, close to our clients, Progress Associés is also open to the global market as a member of the international network IIC Partners and the AESC (Association of Executive Search & Leadership Consultants).

Founded 50 years ago, Progress Associés was an executive search pioneer in France. Over the years, the firm has broadened its savoir-faire to also become the go-to partner for clients to enhance managerial performance and raise the bar for corporate governance.

Progress Associés’ services are centred around four areas of expertise:

Executive Search: Recruiting executives and their staff using a direct approach,
Board Services: Supporting boards of directors, searching for independent directors and conducting performance assessments,
Executive Assessment & Coaching: Assessing and developing management teams,
Leadership Advisory: Managerial due diligence, management audits, succession plans and coaching for executive committees.

Our evolution has been built on strong, lasting values, grounded in our ethics and our commitment:

Working closely to support our clients in the long term,
A partnership culture with Partners sharing a joint project,
Financial independence.

We look forward to seeing you at our Paris office on Rue de la Paix.

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Founding of Progress

Founding of PROGRESS as experts in recruiting executives using a direct approach and pioneer of the concept of “head-hunting” in France.

Member of IIC Partners

PROGRESS joins IIC Partners, the 8th independent network worldwide in Executive Search, and gains an international footing. PROGRESS becomes the exclusive member of IIC Partners in France.

Launch of our consulting services

Our consulting services are launched by Frédérique Deriquehem. PROGRESS offers consulting services, including management auditing and assessments of managerial skills.

Appointment of Alain Prestat

Alain Prestat is appointed Chairman and CEO. He specifically develops PROGRESS’ Board Services, which include governance and boards of directors’ assessments and board director searches.

Progress becomes Progress Associés

A new partnership is formed with the firm’s current Partners. Jean Marc Danton is appointed CEO. PROGRESS ASSOCIÉS reinforces and develops its offerings: executive search, board services, executive assessment and coaching.

Jean-Philippe Demaël appointed Chairman

Jean-Philippe Demaël is appointed Chairman, with Alain Prestat becoming Honorary Chairman. PROGRESS ASSOCIÉS develops new services in leadership consulting and forms new partnerships.

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Étude de Rémunération des Cadres Dirigeants

Dans le cadre de ses activités de Leadership Advisory, Progress Associés propose une offre Etude de Rémunération des Cadres Dirigeants. Nous accompagnons nos clients autour de leur politique de rémunération au niveau du Comité Exécutif, et apportons un éclairage factuel sur l’état de l’art du marché. L’expertise de Progress Associés permet une proximité et une relation de confiance avec les cadres dirigeants, et donc une capacité à s’appuyer sur des panels qui permettent une étude sur-mesure. Les données communiquées sont traitées de façon confidentielle, en respectant les normes et exigences RGPD.

Édition 2025 du palmarès Choiseul Conquérants qui met en valeur 200 ETI françaises.

Palmarès Choiseul Conquérants 2025

L'Institut Choiseul a dévoilé hier l’édition 2025 du palmarès Choiseul Conquérants qui met en valeur 200 ETI (Entreprise de Taille Intermédiaire) françaises. Progress Associés est fier d’être le partenaire de ce palmarès depuis son lancement en 2019. La France a la chance d’avoir un tissu d’ETI remarquables sur tout son territoire. Elles sont indispensables pour le développement et l'avenir de notre pays.

PROGRESS ASSOCIES au classement Les Echos : 5 étoiles Executive Search

Pour la 6ème année consécutive, Progress Associés fait partie du palmarès Les Echos-Statista des meilleurs cabinets de recrutement dans la catégorie Executive Search avec la note maximale « 5 étoiles ». Nous sommes fiers de cette reconnaissance dans la durée qui traduit l’engagement constant de notre équipe et la confiance que nous nous attachons à construire avec nos clients et nos candidats.

Photo of Vanessa Dalas as new Vice President of IIC Partners, EMEA

Vanessa Dalas nommée Vice President IIC Partners EMEA

Vanessa Dalas est nommée Vice President de IIC Partners (EMEA). «Je suis heureuse et honorée de continuer à œuvrer au sein du Conseil d’Administration d’IIC Partners en tant que Vice President, EMEA, au service de nos membres, de nos clients et de nos candidats et d’avoir l’opportunité de continuer à contribuer au développement d’un réseau d’envergure internationale.»

In the heart of Paris

Progress Associés welcomes you
in its offices at 2 rue de la Paix in Paris.

Contact us
+33 (0)1 53 45 16 45

Highlighting the best talents

Highlighting
the best talents

The leader in hiring in France

Our offers for executives

Our mission is underpinned by values and a strong sense of service

« Progress Associés Place Vendôme, in the heart of Paris. »