Half a century ago, the world of work looked very different to today. We have been at the forefront of innovation ever since.
When we started, jobs for life were not only the norm – they were expected. Today, almost everything has changed. There’s increased temporary staffing and talent mobility and a need for employers to deliver working patterns that meet people’s needs without impacting business performance.
We’ve been involved in every step, every transformation, and every new initiative. This is not just our story, but that of millions of people all over the world.
The beginning
1957
Adia SA is founded by Henri Lavanchy in Lausanne, Switzerland.
The beginning
1964
Ecco is founded in Lyon, France by Philippe Foriel-Destezet.
Going global
1970s
Adia expands overseas and begins a phase of acquisitions. The company triples in size and starts operating in more than a dozen countries.
Going global
1980s
Ecco becomes France’s market leader as temporary staffing becomes one of the world’s fastest growing industries. Adia’s sales top $1 billion as it becomes the European leader.
Joining together
1996
Adia and Ecco merge to form Adecco and the company is placing around 250,000 people a day.
Continuing to expand
2000s
With its acquisition of Olsten Staffing of New York, Adecco becomes America’s largest recruitment company with revenues of €11.6 billion.
Adecco consolidates its business under three leading names and three global divisions.
Acquires the MPS Group
2010
After acquiring the MPS Group, the Adecco Group becomes the world leader in professional staffing.
Acquires Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions
2015
The Adecco Group acquires Knightsbridge Human Capital Solutions in Canada and combines it with its subsidiary Lee Hecht Harrison.
Acquires Vettery
2017
The Adecco Group acquires Vettery, an online talent matching platform that uses machine learning and real-time data to connect talented job-seekers with inspiring companies.
Acquires General Assembly
2018
The Adecco acquires, General Assembly (GA), a global leader in online and offline training and up/reskilling in high-demand fields such as digital capabilities.
Acquires HIRED
2021
The Adecco Group acquires HIRED, an online talent matching platform that uses machine learning and real-time data to connect talented job-seekers with inspiring companies and merges it with Vettery to create the largest player on the market in AI-driven marketplace for high-intent technology, marketing, sales & finance talent.
.png?h=4480&iar=0&w=6720&modified=20230426140404&hash=377E48ADDA63784F8E9E99954A1D1170)
Acquires AKKA
2022
Adecco Group announces the appointment of Denis Machuel as Chief Executive Officer. The Group acquires AKKA Technologies, a global engineering and technology consulting company. Modis, the Adecco Group's high-tech services business is combined with Akka, a leader in engineering R&D services to provide digital solutions business in the Smart Industry market.The company announces it expects to achieve a EUR 150 million reduction in G&A expenses, in run-rate terms, by mid-2024.
