Complaints

This profile includes complaints for Executive-Advisory Inc.'s headquarters and its corporate-owned locations. To view all corporate locations, see Find Local Branches.

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  Executive-Advisory Inc.

  Chicago, IL 60615-4119

• 

  Executive-Advisory Inc.

  200 E Randolph St Ste 5100 Chicago, IL 60601-6528

The complaint text that is displayed might not represent all complaints filed with BBB. Some consumers may elect to not publish the details of their complaints, some complaints may not meet BBB's standards for publication, or BBB may display a portion of complaints when a high volume is received for a particular business.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/18/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Hello, Thank you for reading my complaint. I was contacted by Executive Advisory in March 2023 on ******** regarding their services and how they could assist me in finding an executive advisory board membership. I was very interested in joining a board and advancing my career. I spoke with a member who said the team helped them join a board, and I decided to join as well. I paid the $3,000 fee. I then had a meeting with the owner, *** ********, and he welcomed me aboard. He told me how the process worked, and the waiting game began. It has been three years, and I have only received three emails from them. I haven't seen any process to help me achieve my goals. I understand things take time, but three years and no progress is very discouraging. I then asked for a refund, and *** told me no refunds. I don't think three emails in three years are worth $3,000. At this point, I would like to request a refund. They have not taken any steps to help me secure an advisory board membership. Thanks ****** ******

  Business Response

  Date: 06/21/2025

  We are in receipt of our clients complaint. Our service fee is non-refundable, although our guarantee is to stay with our client and continue to generate contacts and present their background to decision makers, until they get a board seat, unless they discontinue communication with us for a period of 60 days or longer. We have thus far mailed out and followed up with 300 targets and we have paid for additional printings, as a courtesy to our client, in the amount of $400.00. We did not just send 3 emails, we mailed and made hundreds of calls and presentations on behalf of our client. That being said, we are always ready to continue developing research and conducting follow-up, for customers, providing they call to discuss. 
  
  We offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We cant control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until they realize their goal. 
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:06/10/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In September of 2024, I engaged this company to perform a board search. The owner and his partner (relation unknown, but they share the same last name) were kind and spent time explaining the process. I was told most clients receive a seat in ~90 days, but that no matter what, they would stay with me until I had a board seat. They assured me that my board experience on a non-profit and public utility board would translate into the private sector, and that they could surely obtain something. They noted the time-of-year was good for folks leaving and opportunities opening up. They provided the first piece- creating a profile and a list of contacts (however, I would note the list of contacts had numerous errors and was not current). This was November 8, 2024 I received no communication from them after November 8, 2024, despite reaching out numerous times.7 months later, on June 9, 2025- the owner had the audacity to reach out via email, with incorrect information again (and didn't even *************** to see I was not at the former position) and act like everything was normal and he was following up to discuss the ********** this time, the only thing I want from him is a refund. I have filed with the attorney general and will be working to identify all of the other folks who have been affected so that we may sue in tandem, as without question, this organization is not acting in good faith.

  Business Response

  Date: 06/21/2025

  We are in receipt of our customers complaint. The client states that we were not in contact with them for a period of nine months. There was a gap in communication because the client initiated a Chargeback, without telling us, until our accounting department found the deficit. This Chargeback was not communicated to us by the customer and the customer never informed us of any wrong information. We filed a complaint with ****************, see our correspondence below and they found our claim to be correct and refunded us the money. When the money was refunded, which took months, we re-started services to our customer, hence the time gap. That being said, we are always ready to continue developing research and conducting follow-up, for customers, providing they communicate with us.
  
  12/24/2024
  
  Dear Dispute Department:
  
  Regarding Case Number: ***********
  
  We feel that this Chargeback is un-warranted for the following reasons:
  
  Our Fee is NON-REFUNDABLE and we never heard a complaint or request for a refund from this client. We completed all of the work prescribed in our Service Agreement and we have attached our customers approvals for all of the work. 
  
  Attached please find the original charge and SIGNED SERVICE AGREEMENT. Note that the service agreement clearly states that our service fee is NON-REFUNDABLE, because we do all  of the work upfront, which was delivered in a timely fashion to our customer.
  
  The customer received all of the elements of our service, as indicated by the customer in their email acknowledgement of our work product, which includes developing a resume, cover note target list and following up with contacts to generate interviews for board seats.
  
  Attached, please find copies of the resume and cover note that we created for the Customer. and an email receipt indicating their approval for the Resume that we developed for the Customer.
  
  Attached please find a copy of the target list that we developed for this Customer and an email receipt approving it. 
  
  Again, we feel this Chargeback is unwarranted, as the terms of the Service Agreement were met and the Customer never communicated any dissatisfaction or a request for a refund at any time. If you have any questions, please contact me at ************.
  
  Thank you in advance for your assistance,
  Executive Advisory Inc.
  ************
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/25/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I hired Executive-Advisory Inc. in 2024 to assist with securing a paid board seat, based on their promise of a strategic, customized approach. I paid $2,795 in full, expecting professional service, expert guidance, and clear communication. What I received was the opposite: months of silence, vague responses, and no proof of meaningful outreach.Throughout the engagement, I sent countless emails requesting updates, transparency, and accountability, often with no response at all. Only after repeated email did I receive replies which were generic, lacking substance, and failed to address my concerns.I also had to specifically request the use of a biography instead of a resume, which is the industry standard for board-level searches. This should have been part of their strategy from the start but was only addressed after I raised it multiple times.The resume review they offered was poor. The initial draft lacked executive-level language and measurable accomplishments appropriate for board engagement. I provided detailed feedback, yet never received a meaningful revision or follow-up.After months of pressing them for proof of action, they finally began outreach but used a completely ********************************** email address ************************ to contact senior executives. This undermines the credibility of the outreach and almost certainly resulted in emails being filtered as spam.Despite their claims of a high-touch, ongoing process, I received: no personalized coaching, no verifiable follow-up efforts, no interview traction, and no accountability for the lack of results.I requested a partial refund to reflect the poor service, which they ********** short, this firm fails to deliver on its promises and demonstrates a complete lack of professionalism, transparency, and accountability. I strongly urge others to avoid working with Executive-Advisory Inc.

  Business Response

  Date: 05/03/2025

  These statements are a complete falsehood. We have been in business for over ************************************************************************ the **** We know exactly what format and information is needed to generate paid board interviews and our search teams are some of the most highly educated in industry! Ms. ****** was provided everything that we agreed to provide in our Service Agreement and more. Ms. ***** sought advice from another party that convinced her that a repetitive bio was an industry standard for board searches, which is not true. She then told us she paid a 3rd party to write a new resume and bio and wanted us to print and use it. These items were absolutely embarrassing. The bio had a banner saying Board Experience spelled wrong and the resume was riddled with wrong punction, tense changes and business speak (fluff). We had these items corrected and printed at a cost of $450 which we covered as a courtesy. We understand that Executive Search can be frustrating, but Ms. ***** continued to embrace misinformation, not allowing the search to come to fruition. We verbally present our clients backgrounds to decision makers and only on a few occasions send emails, if the client asks us to send them on their behalf and when we do, we use an anonymous email address, as it is coming from the client. There is no refund due her and since the client chose to stop the search, we ask that the $450 be reimbursed as our Agreement specifies payment for additional rounds of printing after the first 100.
   

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/05/2025

   
  Complaint: 23251392
  
  I formally reject Executive-Advisory Inc.s response. Their statements are inaccurate, misleading, and fail to address the core concerns I outlined in my original complaint regarding lack of transparency, poor communication, and an overall failure to deliver on services promised in the agreement.
  1. Lack of Communication & ************************start="719" data-end="722"> Over the course of nearly a year, I made repeated written requests for updates, proof of outreach, and follow-up status.  All of which were ignored or met with vague, unhelpful responses. This pattern of poor communication made it impossible to have a productive working relationship and reflects a lack of basic accountability.
  2. Resume & *************************************start="1098" data-end="1101"> At the beginning of the engagement, I followed Executive-Advisorys instructions and submitted my current working resume in draft mode.. They told me to provide this version so they could help revise and format it for board-level outreach. The changes I received were primarily cosmetic, formatting and the addition of a photo.
  When I responded with specific edits and revisions to strengthen the resume for board use, I received no follow-up or updated draft. Their characterization of my materials as embarrassing is not only unprofessional, but inaccurate. These materials, once fully edited, have since been used successfully in other board-related contexts.
  3. Unprofessional **************************start="1846" data-end="1849"> Outreach was eventually conducted but only after months of delay and prompting from my side.  Being sent from ********************* email address. I was never informed of this in advance. This is an outdated and unprofessional approach that reflects poorly on both the candidate and the firm, and likely resulted in messages being blocked or ignored.
  4. Printing Charges & Refund *****************start="2240" data-end="2243"> I never authorized or approved additional printing, nor was I made aware of any cost beforehand. The suggestion that I now owe the company money for unrequested services is inappropriate. I requested a 50% refund due to poor service and lack of deliverables, which has been ignored.
  5. I Successfully Secured a Board Seat on ****************start="2584" data-end="2587"> Despite the limited and unprofessional support I received from Executive-Advisory Inc., I ultimately secured a board seat through my own independent outreach, not through their efforts.
  6. For *****************************start="2808" data-end="2811"> I strongly encourage anyone considering this firm to read all the BBB complaints and rejected responses in full. There is a clear pattern of similar issues, including poor communication, vague deliverables, and defensive responses when concerns are raised. I went on a leap of faith and went with this company anyways and sincerely regret it.
  To summarize: I followed every step as instructed. I submitted materials in good faith, provided feedback that was ignored, and pushed for transparency that never came. I received little value in return, and the companys current response misrepresents the facts.
  I fully reject their response and do not consider the matter resolved.
  

  Business Response

  Date: 05/10/2025

  Our last response is our determination regarding this customers complaint. We have an *** with clients, hence we cant attach or call them by name or we would attach the material and evidence supporting our response. This customer has their own agenda and we feel misguided in the advise she seems to be following. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/12/2025

   
  Complaint: 23251392
  
  I reject this response in full. The dismissive tone, lack of accountability, and unprofessional language only reinforce the broader concerns echoed by 25+ complaints and widespread negative reviews across Reddit and Glassdoor. This is not a credible or professional executive search firm, and their conduct fails to meet even the most basic standards expected in high-trust advisory services.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:04/25/2025

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  Like the dozens of other complaints against this firm, which is more appropriately referred to as a scam operation, they promise a lot and deliver nothing. I had to chase them for any kind of response after paying them. I received nothing indicating that ANY work had been done. I did not receive anything proving that any company had been contacted on my behalf. I contested the charge with my credit card company within the period allowed for contestation. They didn't like that too much, because they know they did not deliver what they had promised. My advice: STAY AWAY and DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY, because these scam artists won't deliver...

  Business Response

  Date: 05/03/2025

  This response is absolutely false all of the services were provided to this customer in a timely fashion and approved by the customer. As soon as the customer received copies of all or our work product, he gave false information to his credit card issuer to attain a refund. The customer never told us he received this refund and continued to discuss and follow-up with his search, even though he had received a refund which we were not aware of and to cover himself goes on the Internet to disparage our firm. We consider ourselves highly ethical and customer centric but we find this customers actions so egregious, that we have referred him to our legal representative for restitution!

  Customer Answer

  Date: 05/05/2025

   
  Complaint: 23249009
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  1. They never provided any evidence that they ever actually did what they promised to do. All I received were template excel listings without any evidence they were actually contacted;

  2. I had to chase them after they received my money for virtually every communication. They were not proactive at all.  I would send an email or make a call and they would eventually respond, but with nothing substantive. They were just stringing me along, like they do with everyone else; and

  3. All one needs to do is look at the 24 other complaints with the BBB to understand that MANY other people have exactly the same complaints. The difference is that I did not wait to contest the charge for more than 90 days like so many of the others did. That is why they didnt receive a refund and I did.

  I am totally justified in taking my actions and my credit card company agreed!

  Sincerely,
  
  ****** ******

  Business Response

  Date: 05/10/2025

  Our last response outlined our position on this matter and we have referred this customer to our legal representative for restituiton.

• Initial Complaint

  Date:02/05/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid the $2795 fee and was promised a hands on process, now a year and half later I have not received any inquiries at all for a board position. They have sent spreadsheets with various company information, it is not clear if they have reached to these companies or not. After the initial phone call, which was a sales call, no other phone conversations have taken place. I have an impressive resume, and I am a female, they promised, almost guaranteed a position. I am always the one who has to reach out to company for follow up, sometimes emails and voice mails go unanswered for days. At this point, I just want a refund on what I paid.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/08/2025

  Our service fee is non-refundable, although our guarantee is to stay with our customer and continue to generate contacts and present their background to decision makers, until they get a board seat, unless they fail to communicate with us for a period of sixty days.  This is clearly outlined in our service agreement. We dont guarantee anyone a board seat! We have thus far, mailed out and followed up with close to 600 targets for this customer and we have waived the additional mailing fee of $200, for five additional mailings, as a courtesy and we are continuing to provide services as outlined on our service agreement.
  
  We offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We cant control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until our customer reaches their goal. 
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 02/12/2025

   
  Complaint: 22902736
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have seen no proof of their working on my behalf with companies to get a board seat. No copies of their correspondence, copies of stamped envelopes, emails, nothing in almost 2 years. They did not help with my resume and it is probably save to assume the "list" they send to people is exactly the same with a stock email message. For example, the last list had companies like Weight Watchers and Tractor Supply on it, what are the chances a normal business person is going to get a board seat with a Fortune 500 company? None. After the spreadsheet is sent to me, this is very randomly sent after I send several emails, out of a list of companies there are maybe 2 highlighted. Executive Advisory tells you to send an email to the names highlighted. No other information is provided, so you do not know if they have spoken to someone, if the company is actually looking, if they are looking for something specific, etc. Anyone could randomly send emails to companies. Also, it should not be up to the person who paid the fee to reach out to them or forfeit the fee paid for services. Is there an actual person who they have helped find a board seat in the last 12 months? 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ****** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 02/26/2025

  I am sorry, but we have conducted all of the services outlined in our services agreement and sent reports on our weekly activity. We designed and printed Mrs. ******* resume and cover note and Mrs. ******* approved all of our work for which we have written approvals. We gave Mrs. ******* the option for us to send any emails that were necessary and Mrs. ******* opted to send them herself. We never send the same message or people to the same contacts, these comments are fabricated to falsely make it appear that we were not performing the services that were put forward in our Service Agreement. In summary, we have performed all of the services outlined in our Service Agreement and we have approvals on all of our work product from Mrs. ****************** offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We cant control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until you realize your goal. 
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:01/19/2025

  Type:Service or Repair Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  The services I paid for, getting placed on a board, never happened, they have ignored me and taken my money. I want a refund.

  Business Response

  Date: 02/08/2025

  Our service fee is non-refundable, although our guarantee is to stay with our customer and continue to generate contacts and present their background to decision makers, until they get a board seat, unless they fail to communicate with us for a period of sixty days.  This is clearly outlined in our service agreement. We dont guarantee anyone a board seat! We have thus far, mailed out and followed up with close to 400 targets for this customer and we have waived the additional mailing fee of $200 for three additional mailings, as a courtesy and we are continuing to provide services until our customer reached their goal.
  
  We offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We cant control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until you realize your goal.  
  
  

• Initial Complaint

  Date:11/18/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  In early 2023, I engaged Executive Advisory for their board search services and paid the required fee of $2,995. They assured me they would work on my profile and assist with my board search until a seat was secured. However, after a few initial phone communications, they ceased responding to my emails and phone calls.Despite my repeated requests for a review of my profile, I have not received any response from *** ********, Managing Director of the firm, since July 26, 2024.I am formally requesting a full refund of my payment.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/24/2024

  Our service fee is non-refundable, although our guarantee is to stay with our client and continue to generate contacts and present their background to decision makers, until they reach their goal. We have thus far  mailed out and followed up with 500 targets and we are ready to launch a 6th list. It can sometimes take repetitive lists, but our clients always come to fruition with our process. Concurrently. the printing and mailing fee for additional lists, after the first list, is $200, which we have waved as a courtesy for our client, to further assist them in reaching their goal of attaining a board seat.
  
  We offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We cant control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until you realize your goal.  
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 22574072
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Ignoring the clients review request and sending incorrect resume information without the clients confirmation is unprofessional and unethical business behavior.

  
  To address this, they must provide:

  
  (1) The resume and cover letter information currently being used.
  (2) The target company information as agreed upon by the client.

  
  Failure to comply may be considered misuse of personal information and could result in legal liability.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ***

  Business Response

  Date: 12/05/2024

  As we mentioned in our response new research list #6 was developed for our client, but the research was not launched because the client rejected our response, hence there was no resume sent.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 12/07/2024

   
  Complaint: 22574072
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

   

  I haven't received any update since the last communication on July 25, 2024. Despite my repeated efforts to follow up via phone calls and emails, I have not received any response, which has been disappointing and unprofessional.

  
  Additionally, I have observed discrepancies in their responses:

  
  On one hand, they indicated that significant effort was made to send my resume to potential companies, with charges incurred for related postage.
  On the other hand, they  mentioned that no resumes were sent.

  To clarify this inconsistency, I request concrete evidence of their outreach efforts. Specifically:

  (1) The number of companies contacted.
  (2) The version(s) of my resume shared with these companies.

  
  Furthermore, I have repeatedly requested a review meeting to discuss progress and next steps, but these requests have been ignored. This lack of communication raises serious concerns about the transparency and effectiveness of their services.

  
  I kindly request a prompt and detailed response addressing these issues by refunding the money. If no satisfactory resolution is provided, I may need to explore alternative actions to address my concerns on misusing my data privacy.

  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ******* ***

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/31/2024

  Type:Order Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I signed a contract for their services to provide paid board position search, which was supposed to continue until a board seat appointment. I have not heard from the company since June, even after several follow up emails. I was never contacted by a potential company for a board seat, nor ever had any interviews for a board seat.

  Business Response

  Date: 11/15/2024

  I am in receipt of your email.  We have thus far, mailed out and followed up with 100 targets and we are ready to launch a new list. It can sometimes take multiple lists, but our clients always come to fruition with our process. This quarter has the highest board turnover, so with your permission, we suggested sending out 200 instead of 100, to increase the probability that we can reach your board objective this quarter. We thought that we informed you of this and would pay for all printing fees, as a courtesy, but we did not hear back from you, with your approval to proceed.
  
  We offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We cant control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until you realize your goal.  
  
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/18/2024

   
  Complaint: 22496606
  
  I am rejecting this response because: the company did not reach out to me for approval to proceed with sending 200 or even another 100 inquiries. In fact, they did not respond to several emails asking about the status since I had not heard from them since June. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 11/18/2024

  Our customer approved a list of over 400 potential targets. We researched and launched100, we had nearly 400 left that were approved, which comprised the 200 that we are launching and following up with on our clients behalf. We explicitly said at the begining of our clients search that we would continue to present our clients background until they were offered a board seat. Our client approved the 400+ target list in her email: 

  ***,
  
  Thank you for sending the target list. Please find attached the list back with the highlights you suggested.  There are no companies that I'm opposed to on the list, but I have highlighted some in blue.  
  
  I will reply separately on my resume and cover note.
  
  Thanks,
  *****

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/19/2024

   
  Complaint: 22496606
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  Executive Advisory had not requested approval to send another 200 letters, even after several attempts by me to find out the status.  On October 6, the below email was sent with no response:

   

  ***** Jaros <*****************************>
  Sun, Oct 6, 4:06?PM
  
  
  
  to *********
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Do you have any updates on this search? Its been months since Ive heard from you. 
  
  
  Thanks,
  *****

   

  Another email on October 9th:

   

  ***** Jaros <*****************************>
  Wed, Oct 9, 1:52?PM
  
  
  
  to *********, ***
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Do you have any updates on this search? Its been months since Ive heard from you. 
  
  
  Thanks,
  *****

  After no response, I sent the below email on October 21st:

  ***** Jaros <*****************************>
  Mon, Oct 21, 3:23?PM
  
  
  
  to *********, ***
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Can you please get back to me on the search so far? I havent heard from you in months, even after several follow up emails. 
  
  
  Thanks,
  *****

  And my final email on October 30th:

  ***** Jaros <*****************************>
  Wed, Oct 30, 8:16?AM
  
  
  
  to *********, ***
  
  
  
  
  
  
  Any updates here? Im considering reporting your business to the BBB since you have shady business practices. Called me every other day until I signed your contract, and now nothing for months, and ignoring emails.   
  
  
  I would appreciate at least a response, for $3k that I paid you. 

   

  None of the above emailed were replied to, which prompted my complaint with BBB.  They are misrepresenting the communication between us as they have not contacted me nor responded to any inquiries since June.  Is there any proof that another 200 letters were mailed out?  I understand that nothing is guaranteed but I have not received one phone call from any mailings they claim to have made.

  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

  Business Response

  Date: 11/24/2024

  Our ageement was to continue providing our client with information to support their board search, until they realized their goal. All of the information that we are using has been approved by our client. 

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/25/2024

   
  Complaint: 22496606
  
  I am rejecting this response because: when was the last mailing completed? Where is your communication on the matter? Nothing has been done since **** according to the information Ive received from Executive Advisory. 
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *****

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/02/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  AnsweredMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I paid Executive Advisory almost $3000 for their services. My experience was much the same as the dozens of other complaints on these pages. Their non-refundable policy is meaningless, and is not adequate refuge when committing malfeasance and/or misrepresenting the duties they have agreed to perform to achieve the results they advertise. After the initial flurry of activity over the first few months, they only contact me after I prompt them. Each list is smaller and smaller, and contains fewer and fewer valid contacts. I enlisted their services almost 2 years ago. The last anemic list they provided was about 6 months ago after I prompted them. This level of "service" is unacceptable by any standard. Whatever they claim to be doing, it is obvious by the repeated complaints that their method does not work and their claims are bogus. A full refund is the only acceptable solution at this point.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/09/2024

  We are in contact with our customer and have we agreed on a plan to move forward. Thanks for your assistance in this matter.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/09/2024

   
  Complaint: 22371757
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  The proposed "plan" is the same as I have heard several times below, which has yielded no results. Furthermore, I have seen absolutely no action on this plan as of yet - so it is just more talk. If the company is capable of the plan as proposed, why were they not repeatedly implementing this plan on at least a monthly basis over the last two years? It was only proposed when I raised a complaint with the BBB. When I demanded a refund directly from the company, they denied the demand and ignored further communication from me. A simple review of the stacks of additional complaints in the BBB's possession will show that this is their usual tactic, and nothing is ever accompllished.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *******

  Business Response

  Date: 11/21/2024

  We are currently performing services for Dr. ***** *******, we thought we articulated that in our last correspondence, sorry for any confusion.

  Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

  Customer Answer

  Date: 11/21/2024

   
  Complaint: 22371757
  
  I am rejecting this response because:

  They are indeed engaging in activity again. However, it is only a repeat of the same ineffective activity they sporadically engage in, with a proven track record of failure to produce results. They have a failed strategy and do nothing to improve their service model. It also took a BBB complaint to spur them to take these actions, even though they say they will continue working with their customers until they are successful. This response is not adequate. Repeating the same strategies that are known to fail will not produce successful results. "Busy" does not equal "effective." They might as well be diligently fly fishing.
  
  Sincerely,
  
  ***** *******

• Initial Complaint

  Date:10/02/2024

  Type:Product Issues
  Status:

  ResolvedMore info

  Complaint statuses

  Resolved:

  The complainant verified the issue was resolved to their satisfaction.

  Unresolved:

  The business responded to the dispute but failed to make a good faith effort to resolve it.

  Answered:

  The business addressed the issues within the complaint, but the consumer either a) did not accept the response, OR b) did not notify BBB as to their satisfaction.

  Unanswered:

  The business failed to respond to the dispute.

  Unpursuable:

  BBB is unable to locate the business.

  I contracted with Executive Advisory Board Search and paid $2995.00 to find a board seat - they said 85% of their clients are placed within ****** days. I spent 90 minutes on a call, sharing my expertise and experience and then approved the note and resume they'd use. After waiting several weeks for an update, I reached out to see where we were and didn't receive a reply. I followed up again about a week later and copied the person who signed me up - ********* ******** responded with a spreadsheet filled with [outdated] contact information and notes about what they've done. The names, phone numbers, emails and other info for many line items are not valid. They claim that that's not a worry - but how are they leaving voicemails for people who don't work there anymore. It's not clear that they actually did anything. I don't think they are actually working on my case. I emailed again this week and asked for an update along with a request for an update with the process. I haven't heard back yet - but as a start up business watching every dollar, it's frustrating to have this hanging out there with zero proactive communication.

  Business Response

  Date: 10/02/2024

   We are in receipt of Ms. Hardin’s complaint ,and we take her concerns very seriously. We have no staff who have left our firm in over five years, and we don’t have any non-answered phone lines. We have completed all, of the follow-up calls on our client’s first list and we have completed the research and are launching a new double list of 200 to make sure we complete her search this coming month. It can sometimes take repetitive lists, but we don’t want it to drag on, so when we don’t get a hit, we double down and launch 200. Our fee is non-refundable but we guarantee to keep generating contact information and follow-up until our client, Ms. Hardin, realizes her board objective.
  
  We offer support services for professionals seeking board appointments. We develop resumes, cover notes, follow-up call and email presentations, research target companies, get contact information of decision makers, print, address, stamp and mail resumes to those decision makers and make follow-up calls on our clients’ behalf.  We provide all of the services that we can control. We can’t control being invited to interviews or making board appointment offers. Our methodology has been successful for board seekers and although sometimes, it can take continued efforts, we guarantee to keep providing research, mailing and follow-up services, until she realized her goal.  
  
  We understand that this process can sometimes feel like going down a black hole but it’s the only way to make a connection with a decision maker who will nominate her, unless she has a friend who invited her to be on a board or the product of an executive search. Most of the time our process produces a board seat within 90-120 days but sometimes her background and the right decision maker just don’t connect within that time period, not because your background is not right, it’s just the timing. We know this, that is why we guarantee to continue the process, at no additional cost to her, until the connection does occur and she gets nominated and accepts a board seat. We have found no easier or better way. The effort is well worth the investment for non-monetary and monetary reasons. The minimum remuneration package, that we search for, is $159K per year and the average tenure on a public board is 8.6 years, making her nomination over a million-dollar annuity, as well as the learning experience of a Harvard MBA.
  
  The strategist managing Ms. Hardin’s project was not called, to the best of our knowledge, but we will reach out to her to resolve her complaint.
  
  

  Customer Answer

  Date: 10/03/2024

   
  
  Complaint: 22370210
  
  
  
  I am rejecting this response because: I have been reaching out to the person managing my account (Jim) and he won't respond to me.  When I reached out to Elizabeth she replied with a spreadsheet that has notes listed, but no update on what I could be doing, where we were in the process, what - if any - connection (not just email or vm) had been made.  I don't think taking my money and not replying to my inquiries is acceptable.  Weeks are going past and I would like more information on the progress.  In addition, there are numerous complaints about the company here on the bbb website indicating that lots of people are experiencing the same lack of communication as I am.

  The company replied to the bbb complaint before they replied to my request.  

  
  
  
  Sincerely,
  
  
  
  Laura Hardin

  Business Response

  Date: 10/09/2024

  We have contacted our customer directly and have arranged a meeting for the Wednesday, 10/16/24. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.