Marie-Claire Lemaitre | Consultant
Exactly 30 years ago, in November 1995, I had the chance to join an extraordinary consulting firm that would transform my career and my life. I joined Mercuri Urval (MU), driven by a great desire to learn the profession of Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, but above all to learn it from a leading player in the field.
From my first contacts, I was impressed by the brilliant personalities I encountered. Later, I had the privilege of developing alongside exceptional professionals who daily shared their knowledge, proudly represented our group, and enhanced its expertise. Each day offered me the opportunity to enrich myself both personally and professionally.
Offering decision-makers tailor-made solutions across a broad spectrum of human capital topics and thereby contributing to the long-term performance of their companies, has brought me immense satisfaction. At MU, I discovered an ethical approach to candidate treatment and an objective analysis of their backgrounds, all aimed at fostering their future development. Witnessing their progress and professional success has been a source of great pride. I have consistently admired MU for its forward-thinking approach and powerful innovation in designing cutting-edge tools for the benefit of candidates, clients, and collaborators, establishing it as a pioneering player in our fields.
The international dimension of MU allowed me early on to collaborate with colleagues from around the world, conduct diverse missions, and build a strong network based on trust, professionalism, and shared values. This experience also enabled me to explore new cultures and enrich my journey while strengthening the global bonds that unite us.
Another aspect that attracted me to MU, and continues to distinguish us from our peers, is our total financial and ethical independence, resulting from its foundation status. This structure frees us from external pressures. Our group was created in 1967, and our French subsidiary, Mercuri Urval France, which I had the privilege of leading from 2008 to 2020, celebrates its 45th anniversary this year. I am proud to embark on my 31st year serving this pioneering group with exceptional expertise.
These three decades have been an extraordinary adventure marked by memories, challenges, significant collective successes, and the transmission of values that continue to inspire me every day.
It is a great source of pride to belong to a unique firm that stands out for its originality and commitment—a rare privilege for which I am infinitely grateful and that I continue to savour.