Solving your biggest people challenges in Asia.

Why FES Partners?

We're more than just recruiters. We see ourselves as problem solvers, ready to hit the ground running to help your business strategy come to life in Greater China, Southeast Asia and the wider region.
Long-term trust

Clients see us as a trusted, long-term business partner - and that's something we cherish and work hard for. Count on us for personalised service, professional integrity, and reliable delivery.

Quality at every step

Finding the right talent in the right time frame isn't our only promise: true quality shows at every stage of the search journey. Expect proactive communication and in-depth bi-weekly reports with detailed project findings and market insights.

40Y mid-market experience

Born as a service partner for DACH Mittelstand firms expanding into China in the 1980s, fueling the growth of mid-sized businesses in Asia remains our core competency.

Unique talent network in Asia

No profile is too hard to find with the right connections. With teams in Greater China and Southeast Asia, and extensive placements across the region, we can access rare talents who combine technical expertise, cultural fit, and leadership experience.

Hands-on problem solvers

Clients turn to us when there's a critical position to fill, when the circumstances are sensitive, or when internal HR has given up. They know we can solve their toughest challenges with a mix of grit, skill and dedication.

Industry specialists

Our expertise and deep networks in specific sectors give us an unmatched advantage and speed when hiring senior positions for consumer & retail, machinery & automation, medical devices, automotive, chemicals & plastics, and technology companies.

Trusted by

Our story

Our heritage

Welcome to FES Partners, a premier executive search firm with a rich history dating back to the 1980s. Our origins can be traced to the renowned consultancy Fiducia (now Acclime) which provided extensive support to companies from the DACH region as they ventured into Greater China.

In 2017, founding partner Thaddaeus Mueller and the owner family of Fiducia decided to spin-off its talent search practice, giving rise to FES Partners, originally known as Fiducia Executive Search. With this solid foundation, our firm emerged with a clear vision and passion for helping mid-sized international companies solve what many clients quote as their biggest painpoint: finding the right talent to lead their Asia business forward.

Our early success was built upon our support for Mittelstand companies from the DACH region seeking to expand in Greater China. Through our commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, our reputation grew, and so did our geographic reach and search radius.

Shanghai in the 1990s when Fiducia opened its first mainland China office, and Shanghai today.

FES Partners today

Today, FES Partners serves a diverse range of clients comprising international companies from Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. Our regional footprint includes dedicated teams in Shanghai, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh, strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients in Asia.

Globally, we are a proud member of the Lense & Lumen Advisory Group, a network of 15 independent executive search and HR consultancy firms worldwide. We share best practices, regional insights, and of course connections to enrich each others’ work and service to our clients.

Under the leadership of Thaddaeus Mueller and Dora Zhong, our team has evolved and thrived. Together, we bring a wealth of expertise, local insights, and industry knowledge to every executive search engagement. We are deeply committed to understanding our clients’ unique requirements and delivering tailored solutions that drive their success.

At FES Partners, we take pride in our heritage, our top-notch team, and our commitment to helping clients find exceptional leaders who can carry their Asia business to the next level.

We look forward to being part of your growth story in Asia.

FES Partners today

Today, FES Partners serves a diverse range of clients comprising international companies from Europe, Asia-Pacific, and North America. Our regional footprint includes dedicated teams in Shanghai, Singapore, and Ho Chi Minh, strategically positioned to meet the evolving needs of our clients in Asia.

Globally, we are a proud member of the Lense & Lumen Advisory Group, an international network of 16 independent executive search and HR consultancy firms worldwide. We share best practices, regional insights, and of course connections to enrich each others’ work and service to our clients.

Under the leadership of Thaddaeus Mueller and Dora Zhong, our team has evolved and thrived. Together, we bring a wealth of expertise, local insights, and industry knowledge to every executive search engagement. We are deeply committed to understanding our clients’ unique requirements and delivering tailored solutions that drive their success.

At FES Partners, we take pride in our heritage, our top-notch team, and our commitment to helping clients find exceptional leaders who can carry their Asia business to the next level.

We look forward to being part of your growth story in Asia.

Asia specialists. Globally well-connected.

At FES Partners, we’re constantly tracking our clients’ steps to support them in the best way possible. When our clients started pursuing a “China + 1” strategy in Asia, we expanded our regional capabilities.

In today’s globalised world, businesses seek nimble executive search partners who can provide personalised support across continents. Becoming members of the Lense & Lumen global network enables us to seamlessly meet our clients’ international needs without compromising on the boutique, tailored approach they value us for.

Meet our team

Leadership

Thaddaeus Mueller

Partner

Dora Zhong

Partner

Tuan Ho

Project Manager

Adrien Courson

Project Manager

Hannah Zeng

Project Manager

Consultants & associates

Ma Li

Managing Associate

Mickey Mi

HR and Admin Supervisor

Research team

Jessica Zhu

Lily Ma

Yvonne Xu

Our values

Our drive to exceed expectations starts from within. At FES Partners, we're committed to giving our best to teammates and clients by sticking to our core values:

Quality

We believe in excellence at every step (not just outcomes).
We stop at nothing to meet and exceed your expectations.
We work with the best.

Integrity

We’re commited to transparent and honest communication.
We build all our business relationships on trust.
We hold ourselves to the highest professional and human standards.

Authenticity

We genuinely care for teammates and clients as people.
We are approachable.
We stay true to our values.

Flexibility

We believe every challenge has a solution.
We adapt to changing needs and circumstances.
We are your partners in good and bad times.

Accountability

We deliver on our promises.
We see mistakes as lessons, and learn from them.
We take responsability and ownership for our decisions.

Long-term vision

We consider the long-term implications of our work for your business.
We value and work hard for long-term business relationships
We strive to have a lasting positive impact on people and organisations.

Ready to start the conversation?

Get in touch