Mr. Brugg, 25, is an associate in the Washington office of Spencer Stuart, the executive search firm; he works with consultants to place executives.

He said both firms placed executives in each other's offices so they could learn each other's culture and ways of doing business.

She has placed former military professionals, Ph.D's and retired executives as ranch managers.

Secondly, Ford officials admitted later, the company's contentious relationship with Miles, its top contract driver, placed executives in a difficult position.

To this group Mr. Taylor would add management recruiting firms, which place top executives for a fee based on a percentage of salary and perquisites.

The first steps in this new direction included a series of management changes which placed experienced executives from the world of television at the helm of the company.

In some cases, that process placed local executives at the head of legislative bodies, eliminating checks and balances between the branches at the regional level.

We heard about companies that place executives in short-term assignments.

He also spent 17 years working for Sterling International, a company that places high-level executives with multinational Asian businesses.

Companies that place executives in short-term assignments say business is increasing sharply.