We support executives across every stage of their career journey through a strategic, research-driven approach.
Strategic career networking is a dedicated practice within Be-EXEC (part of Benchmark Executive, an international executive search and leadership advisory group).

For more than 11 years, we have specialized in executive search and leadership consulting. We know the markets, the people who actually make business decisions, and we understand how those decisions move through owners and shareholders.
  • 11+ years
    of executive search expertise
  • 450
    closed searches for top roles
  • 500
    contacts among executives and HR leaders

Where we outperform career consultants?

01
Team

A team behind every engagement

Traditional career consultants work alone. At Be-EXEC, you work with the company backed by years of expertise and trusted relationships with business and HR leaders.

02
Access

Access to hidden opportunities

We work on executive search assignments every day, giving us first-hand insight into leadership opportunities before many become publicly available.

03
Decisions

We know how employers think

We frame your experience in the language, priorities, and expectations that companies use when assessing senior leadership talent.

04
Positioning

Proven executive positioning

With executive search background, we know what differentiates successful executive profiles and helps leaders stand out in competitive selection processes.

Be-EXEC team

Strategic career networking channels

Be-EXEC network

Be-EXEC's warm network

More than 11 years of live relationships with HR leaders, owners, and CEOs. Your introduction comes through Be-EXEC, not directly from you.

  • The email gets opened because the recommendation carries our name.
  • We learn about a leadership need before the role is posted, and sometimes we create the demand.
  • Your profile has a real shot at entering the company's talent pipeline.
Targeted executive outreach

Targeted outreach

For companies where we don't have established relationships, we build new connections using the same methods we apply in executive search.

  • Before the first touch, we research the company, its challenges, and the right entry route.
  • We run personalized communication instead of relying on mass outreach.
  • We build the outreach strategy and own the communication for you.

The top executive market runs in long cycles

Many executive opportunities never reach the open market. You may never know a role exists — business typically fills it through personal recommendations and trust in a known leader.

01

Executive introductions

Direct outreach to CEOs, CHROs, founders, and senior executives through the Be-EXEC referral.

02

Executive talent pipeline

Your profile is retained for future leadership opportunities, even without an open role today.

03

Referrals

Your profile is shared with decision-makers within companies and professional networks looking for leaders with your experience.

04

Market intelligence

Market response validates your positioning or helps refine our shared career hypothesis.

05

Market visibility

Your profile becomes visible to organizations and decision-makers aligned with your career goals.

06

Interview invitation

The outreach lands: a company from the agreed map invites you to meet the business or HR.

What working with us looks like from the inside

Live project
Companies engaged
26
Decision-makers contacted
64
Profiles accepted
23
In the talent pipeline
8
Interview opportunities
2

48% of introductions came through the Be-EXEC network, while 52% were generated through targeted executive outreach.

01

Career hypothesis

Career strategy: an audit of your track record, target roles, market value, and compensation. We build 2-3 realistic scenarios.

02

Market positioning

CV, LinkedIn, cover letter, self-presentation. The goal is to package what problem you'll solve now for the business and its owners.

03

Target market map

A tailored list of target companies together with a prioritized map of decision-makers. For each one, we choose the point of entry: warm network or targeted outreach.

04

Strategic outreach

2 channels in parallel: warm introductions and new ones through targeted outreach. 2-3 touches, introduction of your profile, work with the talent pipeline.

05

Feedback from the market

How employers and the market respond to your positioning: what worked, what needs strengthening. Not the end of the engagement — the basis for the next step.

Our programs

5 formats of strategic work

Strategic networking. Foundation program

01

Strategic networking.
Foundation program

Full preparation and a market map. You go to market yourself.

Who it's for

Executives who need systematic preparation to enter the market and networking with a defined set of companies.

What's included

  • Career assessment, market analysis, and target role definition
  • Resume, LinkedIn profile, and executive biography
  • Interview preparation and compensation guidance
  • Target market map with up to 20 companies
  • Contact map with at least 30 key decision-makers
  • Networking templates and ongoing advisory support
Strategic networking. Full engagement program

02

Strategic networking.
Full engagement program

Complete preparation and market strategy. We execute the market outreach on your behalf.

Who it's for

Executives at Head, Director, or C-level who need a systematic route to market and access to hidden opportunities.

What's included

  • Everything included in the Foundation program
  • Target market map with 25–40 companies
  • Up to 60 executive contacts with multiple outreach touchpoints
  • Warm introductions through the Be-EXEC network
  • Communication management and progress tracking
  • Market feedback analysis and strategy refinement
Strategic networking. Premium program

03

Strategic networking.
Premium program

A move to the next level within 6-12 months. A dedicated team runs the engagement.

Who it's for

CEOs, C-suite executives, Board members, and senior business leaders pursuing their next leadership role.

What's included

  • Executive positioning across all career materials
  • Personalized target company and stakeholder mapping
  • Strategic market outreach through referrals, trusted introductions, and executive talent pipelines
  • Alignment of your existing network with the Be-EXEC ecosystem
  • Peer-to-peer introductions to senior executives
  • Long-term opportunity pipeline for the next 6–12 months
Strategic advisory session

04

Strategic advisory
session

Single session

One focused challenge. One expert discussion. One clear action plan.

Who it's for

Executives with a specific career question that sits outside a long-term strategy.

What's included

  • Reviewing your request: LinkedIn, CV, interview, negotiation
  • Assessment of your current situation
  • Expert recommendations
  • Supporting templates and resources
  • Personalized action plan
Executive career assessment

05

Executive career
assessment

Entry point

The starting point for understanding your career situation and selecting the right level of support.

Who it's for

Executives weighing a comprehensive career engagement who want to understand which format fits.

What's included

  • Review of your resume and career background
  • Assessment of your current career position
  • Discussion of career goals and potential scenarios
  • Strategic recommendations
  • Selection of the most suitable Be-EXEC program

How it really works

We don't guarantee

  • A job offer for a specific position
  • Placement within a specific timeframe
  • A positive response to every outreach
  • Results without your active involvement

What we do provide

  • Strategic market coverage through multiple channels
  • Introduction of your profile to the right decision-makers
  • Honest market feedback and continuous strategy refinement
  • Ongoing visibility among relevant employers

How to strengthen your results

Every engagement can be enhanced with additional services tailored to your career goals.

Mock interview

Preparing for an important interview? Practice in advance and receive honest feedback from one of our executive consultants.

Executive coaching

Working through a specific career challenge? We'll connect you with one of our executive coaches for focused one-on-one support.

Leadership profile

Want to better understand yourself? We'll recommend the right assessment (CliftonStrengths34, Hogan) and provide feedback.

Personal brand

Looking to strengthen your visibility for your next executive role? We'll help you build your personal brand with a long-term strategy.

Our executive consulting team

Ekaterina Bakhareva

Founder and CEO of Be-EXEC
An expert in executive search, leadership assessment, and executive development with over 15 years of experience across international markets. Specializes in identifying and attracting senior executives, building leadership teams and boards of directors, assessing leadership potential, and supporting critical talent decisions. She advises CEOs and senior business leaders on leadership, team development, succession planning, and career transitions.

Former executive at a leading international recruitment company, Ekaterina has spent over 15 years helping organizations identify and attract high-impact leaders, while advising CEOs and C-level executives on finding roles aligned with their experience, strengths, and long-term career goals.
Throughout her career, she has successfully placed more than 400 senior executives across leading organizations. Her expertise combines deep knowledge of executive search with a strong understanding of leadership development, talent strategy, and executive career management.

As an executive and career coach, Ekaterina works with senior leaders on defining their next career moves, identifying opportunities aligned with their competencies and ambitions, and developing strategies for sustainable career growth and leadership impact.

Industry expertise:
  • Technology
  • Retail and digital commerce
  • Media and digital
  • FMCG and premium consumer brands

Ekaterina provides coaching and advisory services for:
  • C-level executives
  • CEOs and CEO-1 leaders
  • Senior management teams

Professional qualifications
  • Certified coach, Institute of Psychoanalysis and Psychodrama
  • Certified in DISC, MBTI, and Hogan assessments
  • Female Foundry 2021 nominee (Dentsu), a program supporting women entrepreneurs and founders.

Olga Prozorova

Senior partner, Be-EXEC
Senior HR and executive search professional with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition, leadership team development, and executive advisory for international companies. Olga specializes in executive search, senior leadership recruitment, and market intelligence projects across the retail, e-commerce, and technology sectors.

She advises organizations on executive hiring strategies, leadership team development, and identifying high-impact leaders capable of driving business growth and transformation. Her expertise combines deep market knowledge with extensive HR leadership experience and a strong track record of helping companies build effective management teams aligned with their strategic objectives.

Throughout her career, Olga has supported organizations in strengthening leadership teams, hiring key executives, and navigating periods of transformation and growth. She has extensive experience working with C-level leaders and developing talent strategies for businesses across technology, retail, and digital commerce.

Through career consulting, Olga helps senior executives define their next career moves, identify relevant market opportunities, strengthen their professional positioning, and prepare for executive interviews and career transitions.

Professional qualifications
  • Certified in Thomas International Personal Profile Analysis (DISC)
Executive coach, consultant, and business trainer with extensive experience in international consulting. Julia specializes in executive assessment, leadership development, and coaching for senior executives, boards of directors, and leadership teams.

She has conducted more than 1,000 hours of executive assessments and coaching feedback sessions for leaders across technology, industrial, and financial organizations.

Julia has led executive assessment and leadership development projects within an international consulting environment, supporting organizations in evaluating leadership potential, developing senior executives, and strengthening key management teams.

She helps executives address critical career and leadership challenges, including:
  • Making strategic career decisions
  • Improving alignment and reducing internal tensions within teams
  • Enhancing teamwork and collaboration
  • Building cross-functional cooperation and leadership synergy
  • Defining individual roles and contributions within teams

Professional qualifications
  • Certified Hogan assessment practitioner
Julia Poltaratskaya
Partner at Benchmark Executive, certified Hogan expert
Career consultant and strategist with over 20 years of experience across international markets. Diana specializes in executive coaching, career strategy development, leadership development, and supporting senior executives through career transitions.

She helps leaders enhance their effectiveness, navigate complex career decisions, adapt to changing business environments, and build sustainable career paths aligned with their strengths and professional goals.

Diana has extensive experience working across FinTech, AdTech, IT, healthcare, fashion, and beauty industries in the Americas, EMEA, Eastern Europe, and other international markets. Her expertise includes C-level executive coaching, leadership development, change management, and improving individual and team effectiveness.

Key areas of expertise
  • Leadership coaching and mentoring for C-level executives, including career and transformation strategy development
  • Leadership team development, cross-functional collaboration, and performance improvement
  • Executive preparation for negotiations, interviews, and public speaking engagements
  • Emotional intelligence development and building authentic leadership capabilities
  • Career transition support, including preparation for new roles, international career moves, and adaptation to organizational changes

Executive coaching focus
Diana works with leaders on:
  • Preparing for the next career step and transitioning into senior leadership roles
  • Managing change and adapting to new environments while maintaining effectiveness
  • Developing leadership capabilities and increasing influence while staying authentic
  • Navigating careers in international companies and expanding into global markets
  • Identifying career paths aligned with individual strengths, expertise, and long-term goals

Education and certifications
  • Certified CliftonStrengths and Hogan assessments coach
  • International education in HR management, Kingston University London
  • Professional training and certifications in leadership, organizational development, and change management

Diana has been providing career consulting since 2015, helping senior executives and business owners strengthen their professional positioning and achieve greater career impact. Her approach is based on a structured and systemic methodology that enables a deep understanding of each client’s goals and supports sustainable career growth.

Diana Abdrakhmanova

Career consultant and coach, international labor market expert
Career consultant and internationally certified coach with over 16 years of experience. Snezhana works with executives and senior leaders, helping them develop career strategies, identify new professional opportunities, and make informed decisions in complex and changing environments.

She specializes in career transitions, leadership development, and building sustainable career paths in international markets.

Snezhana helps executives identify new growth opportunities and develop effective advancement strategies. Her expertise covers a wide range of industries, including finance, investment, IT, real estate development, transportation, manufacturing, sales, FinTech, telecom, oil and gas, government relations, HoReCa, and other sectors.

Professional experience
  • 16+ years of experience in leading international companies, including more than 10 years in executive and leadership roles
  • 5+ years of experience in career consulting and coaching
  • Reviewed over 10,000 resumes and conducted more than 4,000 interviews
  • Delivered 1,200+ hours of career consultations and supported 200+ clients, including senior executives and C-level leaders, helping them strengthen their confidence, secure new career opportunities, achieve internal promotions, and develop clear career strategies

Education and professional affiliations
  • Certified program: Career consultant. Talent development technologies – Natalia Tokarskaya
  • International career development program – School of Career Management, ICF coach (Level 1), 5 Prism Academy
  • Member of the Association of Career Consultants and Career Support Specialists (AKKS)
  • Speaker at career development events at leading educational institutions and business platforms

Executive coaching and career consulting focus
Snezhana works with executives on:
  • Building clear career strategies and identifying strengths and areas for development
  • Developing effective job search strategies, strengthening professional positioning, networking, and personal branding
  • Planning and achieving career goals within organizations
  • Improving communication and collaboration within teams
  • Developing conflict resolution strategies
  • Building flexible career paths and growth strategies inside and outside organizations
  • Preparing for salary and role advancement negotiations

Snezhana’s mission is to help clients identify their unique professional value, communicate it effectively, navigate career transitions with confidence, and build purposeful and sustainable careers.

Snezhana Zakharova

Career consultant for senior executives and internationally certified coach
Career consultant with extensive experience in talent acquisition and leadership development across international and technology companies. Ksenia works with executives and senior leaders, helping them build effective career strategies, strengthen their professional positioning, and navigate career transitions.

She specializes in career development for professionals in artificial intelligence, product management, and technology leadership roles, helping executives unlock their potential and develop sustainable career paths.

With 7 years of experience in talent acquisition and leadership development within the technology sector, Ksenia has worked with senior executives and specialists across AI, product management, and digital industries. Her expertise includes career transitions, leadership development, and supporting professionals entering international markets.

Key areas of expertise
  • Developing career strategies and supporting executives in identifying new opportunities
  • Building job search strategies during career transitions and international moves
  • Managing career growth within organizations, including transitions between professional tracks
  • Overcoming professional burnout and restoring motivation and energy
  • Defining and achieving career goals based on personal values, strengths, and potential

Professional experience and specialization
Ksenia has held leadership roles in HR within the technology sector, focusing on talent acquisition for innovative areas, including machine learning, artificial intelligence, and product management. She has successfully supported the recruitment and development of senior professionals and leadership roles, combining deep market knowledge with practical experience in technology companies.

Approach
Ksenia’s approach is based on a deep understanding of career dynamics in IT and digital industries. She combines strategic thinking, hands-on experience from technology organizations, and an individual approach to help executives address career challenges, identify opportunities, and build long-term career strategies.

Ksenia Strokina

Career consultant, expert in executive career development in IT, product management, and AI
Career consultant with over 12 years of experience in human resources management and career consulting. Kristina works with executives and senior leaders, helping them define career strategies, build development paths, and achieve their next level of professional growth.

With more than 1,000 hours of consulting experience, she supports executives through career transitions, professional positioning, and international career development.

Kristina specializes in supporting professionals and executives at different stages of their career journey – from defining goals and choosing the right strategy to entering new markets and adapting to changing professional environments.

Her clients include specialists and leaders from IT, consulting, education, public sector, manufacturing, telecommunications, finance, marketing, and other industries. She has delivered more than 1,100 hours of career consultations, supported over 2,000 professionals in their career development, and conducted numerous training programs and educational initiatives.

Key areas of expertise
  • Developing individual career strategies aligned with personal goals and market trends
  • Job search support, including creating competitive resumes and interview preparation
  • Career transitions and change management for experienced professionals
  • International career development, including adapting professional profiles and application materials for different markets
  • Optimizing LinkedIn profiles to strengthen professional positioning and expand career opportunities

Professional experience and specialization
Kristina works with professionals and executives who seek a structured approach to career decisions: defining their direction, strengthening their professional positioning, building an opportunity pipeline, and confidently navigating career conversations.

She helps clients adapt career strategies to different markets, enhance their professional brand, and expand their networks.

Education and professional development
  • Career development management – ANCOR Recruitment Agency
  • Group facilitation and session design – School of Applied Facilitation
  • International job search – School of Career Management
  • Coaching – International Business Academy
  • Adult career guidance – School of Career Management
  • Individual career consulting – School of Career Management
  • IT recruitment – IT Recruiter School
  • Talent acquisition and assessment – SRC Business School

Approach
Kristina’s approach is based on structure, consistency, and an individual focus. She helps clients create clear career roadmaps and move step by step toward measurable professional goals.

She creates an environment of trust where each person’s experience, values, and aspirations are taken into account. Kristina believes that a successful career is built through thoughtful strategy, continuous development, and intentional decisions.

Kristina Mozhaeva

Career consultant for senior executives and internationally certified coach
Career consultant with over 18 years of experience in talent management, executive assessment, and leadership development. Anastasia works with senior executives, helping them build sustainable career strategies, strengthen their professional positioning, and adapt to changing business environments.

She specializes in supporting career transitions, executive positioning, and leadership development during periods of business transformation.

Areas of expertise
Anastasia specializes in:
  • Executive search
  • Talent management
  • Organizational transformation
Her industry expertise includes banking, finance, IT, consulting, industrial sector, oil and gas, FMCG, and real estate development.
As a career consultant, Anastasia helps executives and senior leaders navigate professional transitions, identify new opportunities, and build career trajectories aligned with their strengths, goals, and market dynamics.

Key areas of expertise
  • Developing individual career strategies and supporting professional transitions
  • Identifying strengths and strengthening executive positioning in the talent market
  • Advising on resumes, LinkedIn profiles, and career communication materials
  • Supporting career development and international job search strategies
  • Building networking and professional development strategies
  • Supporting leadership development and personal branding
  • Guiding professionals through career reassessment and periods of change
  • HR consulting, including onboarding, performance management, and learning and development systems

Professional experience and focus
Anastasia’s background covers the full talent and organizational development cycle – from executive search and leadership assessment to talent development and career strategy design.
Her expertise combines career consulting with strategic HR experience, allowing her to address both individual career goals and broader organizational challenges.

Education and certifications
  • Certified assessor and assessment center leader
  • Certified Ericksonian coach
  • British professional HR certification, CIPD UK
  • MBA in human resources management, University of Milan

In her work, Anastasia applies a range of assessment and development tools, including Hogan, SHL, Gallup StrengthsFinder, DISC, Ecopsy, proprietary diagnostic methodologies, and simulation exercises.

Approach
Anastasia combines a systemic understanding of HR processes, a coaching-based approach, strategic thinking, and a strong focus on human connection. This allows her to create comprehensive professional development strategies based on an individual’s strengths, business context, and market opportunities.
  • She believes that a successful career is built through conscious decisions, a clear strategy, and the right support during key moments of change.

Anastasia Nikitina

Career consultant with 18+ years of experience working with senior executives
Career consultant and strategist for C-level executives with over 20 years of international experience in HR and global FMCG companies. Sergey works with senior executives, helping them develop career strategies, navigate leadership transitions, enter new markets, and achieve the next stage of their professional growth.

With experience as an HR director and more than 3,800 hours of career consulting practice, Sergey specializes in international career transitions, executive positioning in the talent market, and negotiation support for senior leaders.

His background includes working with global organizations such as Bacardi and Beiersdorf, combining strategic HR expertise with a deep understanding of executive careers and international markets.

Geographic focus
  • International markets
Formats of work
  • Executive coaching
  • Career guidance and strategic career consulting
  • Strategic career support
  • Negotiation coaching and preparation

Industry expertise
  • IT
  • Digital
  • FinTech
  • EdTech
  • Sales
  • Supply chain
  • Marketing
  • Legal
  • Pharma
  • PR
  • HR

Executive career consulting focus
Sergey works with executives on:
  • Transitioning to the next level of leadership
  • Building international careers and navigating relocation processes
  • Strengthening professional positioning and market competitiveness
  • Defining career goals and developing strategic career plans
  • Preparing for interviews, recruiter conversations, and board-level discussions

Education and certifications
  • Master’s degree in economics
  • Master’s degree in linguistics
  • SHL certified professional

Sergey Golunov

Career consultant for senior executives with 20 years of international experience
Career consultant and coach with over 10 years of experience in HR, recruitment, and talent development. Ekaterina works with executives and senior leaders, helping them develop career strategies, strengthen their professional positioning, and increase their competitiveness in the talent market.

She specializes in career transitions, job search strategies, interview preparation, and helping professionals identify and communicate their unique value.

With more than 3,000 hours of career consulting practice and experience conducting over 10,000 interviews, Ekaterina combines deep recruitment expertise with a practical understanding of career development and executive positioning.

Formats of work
  • Executive coaching
  • Career consulting
  • Career coaching
  • Adult career guidance
  • Job search support

Professional experience and achievements
  • 10,000+ interviews conducted
  • 3,000+ hours of career consultations
  • 70% employment success rate in outplacement projects
  • Built and developed a team of 350+ professionals
  • Led executive recruitment and talent development initiatives within an international consulting company

Key areas of expertise
  • Developing individual career strategies
  • Supporting job search processes and career transitions
  • Professional track changes and career pivots
  • Adult career guidance and professional orientation
  • Interview preparation
  • Resume and cover letter development
  • LinkedIn profile optimization
  • Identifying professional value and overcoming career barriers

Education and certifications
  • Beketov Career Counseling and Coaching University – international ICF certification
  • Career guidance specialist, Lomonosov Moscow State University (MSU)

Ekaterina Zubareva

Career consultant and coach with 10 years of experience in human resources management

Who we work with

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What do clients say about working with us?

Client success stories & career insights

FAQ