Eblinger & Partner

Executive Search & Leadership Consulting in Vienna

Eblinger & Partner is one of Austria's top 10 specialized executive search and management consultancies. For over 30 years, we have provided leading HR and executive recruitment services, adhering to our core philosophy of "connections that create value."

From our headquarters in Vienna’s 1st district, we act as a strategic partner to both international corporations and Austrian family businesses. Our consultants are valued for their absolute discretion, personalized service, and commitment to finding solutions that drive sustainable growth.

Eblinger & Partner is the exclusive member firm of IIC Partners in Austria. This long-standing membership—championed by our Managing Director Charlotte Eblinger-Mitterlechner, who has served as Global Chair of IIC Partners—grants our clients access to global talent pools while retaining the high-touch service of a local Austrian boutique.

Our Services

We offer holistic, strategic consulting services designed to deliver long-term impact. Our methodology is transparent, solution-oriented, and tailored to each client's structural conditions.

• Executive Search: We employ a strategic and methodically efficient approach to identify and attract C-suite executives. We focus on finding leaders who fit both the professional requirements and the corporate culture.
• Personnel Development: We support the entire employee lifecycle with tools designed to develop, challenge, and prepare staff for the future. Our services include: Assessment Centers & Audits, Leadership Development, and Executive Coaching.
• ESG Consulting: We advise organizations on becoming ESG-compliant, specifically within the dimensions of Diversity & Inclusion. We optimize selection processes to eliminate unconscious bias and ensure fair opportunities for all talent.

Industry Expertise

Our consultants possess extensive industry expertise and a broad network built over three decades in the Austrian market. While we fill positions across all major sectors, our core areas of specialization include:

• Life Sciences & Healthcare: We have a renowned name in this sector, supporting pharmaceutical, medical technology, and biotechnology companies. We recruit for specialized roles from Medical Directors to Market Access Managers.
• Industrial: We partner with Austria’s industrial champions in mechanical engineering, plant engineering, and chemicals to find operational and technical leaders capable of managing complex export-oriented businesses.
• Consumer & Retail: We work with FMCG, branded goods, and retail companies to identify commercial leaders who can navigate changing consumer behaviors.
• Financial Services: We serve banks and insurance companies, recruiting experts in compliance, risk, and general management.
• Technology & Digital: We place technology executives, sales leaders, and technical specialists who drive digitalization and innovation within established enterprises.

Our Approach

Our work is characterized by "relationships that make a difference." We view every company as a system, and we find the right leaders based on your specific strategy and culture.

• Holistic & Sustainable: We advise clients not just on the hire, but on the long-term integration and development of the candidate. Our goal is to secure your company's success through sustainable placement.
• ESG-Compliant Process: Since 2024, we have offered a fully ESG-compliant search process. We are actively committed to diversity and inclusion, ensuring our shortlists include a diverse selection of candidates tailored to your requirements.
• Strategic Partnership: We work in close partnership with our clients, offering holistic advice informed by diverse perspectives. We combine traditional HR consulting with innovative approaches to solve the problem at hand.

Market Insights in Vienna, Austria

A return to growth and a dual focus on digital innovation and green transformation define the Austrian business landscape in 2026.

1. The Life Sciences Boom: Vienna is solidifying its position as a central European hub for biotechnology and pharmaceuticals. With sector revenues exceeding €22.7 billion and significant infrastructure projects, such as the new "Life Science Center Vienna," entering critical planning phases, demand for specialized leadership is intensifying (European Biotechnology, 2026). We are seeing high competition for executives who combine scientific expertise with the commercial acumen needed to scale R&D operations and manage complex regulatory approvals.
2. The Digital Skills Gap in the Mittelstand: While 87% of Austrian firms have adopted advanced digital technologies, a significant skills gap remains a barrier to full implementation (European Investment Bank, 2025). As the "AI Factory Austria" initiative accelerates in 2026, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are hiring "Transformational CIOs" and AI implementation leaders. These organizations need executives who can move beyond pilot programs to integrate artificial intelligence into core industrial processes.
3. ESG Reporting as a C-Suite Mandate: With the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) now fully impacting over 50,000 EU companies, Austrian firms face increasing pressure to professionalize their sustainability data (CSE-net, 2026). Sustainability is no longer a niche function but a central operational requirement. This drives demand for "Green Finance" experts and Chief Sustainability Officers who can deliver audit-grade reporting and align diversity and inclusion metrics with business performance.