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White Papers

Short, fact based reports from executives who have done the job. Read them online or download the PDF to share with your team.

White paper: The Cost of Making the Wrong Hire

ELITE LEADER SEARCH · NOVEMBER 2026

The Cost of Making the Wrong Hire

Poor hiring decisions cost more than money. They can stall key projects, cost bonuses and morale, bring lawsuits and, worst of all, damage your reputation with the board. A wrong leader can cost 200% or more of that executive's salary. This paper lays out the simple math of time vs. cost, and why candidates should be vetted by executives in the field, not by generalists.

  • 40% of senior hires fail, quit or are pushed out within 18 months
  • 213% of annual salary: the high end cost of one failed executive hire
  • $175K to $222K of risk carried on every hire

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White paper: The Cost of Making the Wrong Hire, full page