Although there is no official registry listing all firms, several specialized directories allow for an estimation of the market size.
A Market Concentrated in Montreal
It is estimated that there are between 150 and 300 firms specializing in executive recruitment in Quebec.
The majority of these companies are located in the greater Montreal area.
Region Approximate Share Montreal 60 to 70 % Quebec City 15 to 20 % Laval / Montérégie 10 % Other Regions 5 to 10 %Montreal dominates due to:
- its corporate headquarters;
- its technological ecosystem;
- the presence of multinationals;
- its financial sector.
Major Players in the Market
Among the well-established firms in Quebec are:
Humania- Proxima Centauri
- Thorens Talents
- Lachasse Recrutement
- Recrutement ART
However, the market is primarily composed of small specialized boutiques with fewer than 10 employees.
A Strongly Growing Demand
Executive recruitment has seen a significant increase since the pandemic.
Companies are particularly looking for:
- experienced leaders;
- technology experts;
- bilingual profiles;
- rare specialists.
This situation is prompting many recruiters to start their own independent firms.
The Future of Executive Recruitment
With the rise of artificial intelligence and automation, headhunters are increasingly focusing on:
- networking;
- behavioral assessment;
- confidentiality;
- a human approach.
The role of the headhunter is therefore becoming more strategic than ever.
