Company History

1957		1964

Adia founded in Switzerland Henri Lavanchy founds Adia SA in Lausanne, Switzerland. The firm grows rapidly in its home country before expanding to France, Australia and the U.S. In 1991, recognising the importance of the industry's role in job creation and its growth potential, Klaus J. Jacobs invests in Adia en route to becoming majority shareholder		Ecco founded in France Philippe Foriel-Destezet founds Ecco in Lyon. By the early 1980s, Ecco is France's largest supplier of temporary personnel. The firm's growth continus in Spain, Africa, Canada and Asia and by 1996 it becomes the largest personnel services company in Europe.

1996		2000

Adia and Ecco merge, Adecco is created The two leading personnel services firms, with complementary geographical profiles, merge to form a strong global leader with annualised revenues of over EUR 5.4 billion. Operations are combined to form a global network of 2,500 branches. The new company has an exceptional range and quality of services. The core staffing business places around 250,000 associates in work each day.		Number 1 in the U.S. Adecco acquires Olsten Staffing, becoming the number one recruitment company in the U.S. The merged company generates combined revenues of over EUR 17 billion.

2000		2002

Bricks & clicks A new phase of investment in technology combines the power of the web with the branch network to transform the recruitment experience, reinforcing Adecco's position as the most efficient provider in the industry. Web "clicks" enable clients and candidates to search more effectively, automating the matching, payment and billing. The "bricks" of the office network continue to provide local visibility and insight.		Thinking ahead Recognising the growing need for professional and expert services as well as the growing importance of attracting talent, Adecco consolidates its businesses under three leading names and creates three dedicated global divisions to deliver its services.

2005		2006

Year of change After a strategy review, Adecco makes a commitment to expand through realignment across six professional business lines defined by occupational fields, by this complementing its office and industrial core business. Adecco now provides all services under one name.		Change of management Following the acquisition of DIS AG, Germany, Dieter Scheiff assumes the position of Chief Executive Officer, Adecco Group. Dominik de Daniel becomes Chief Financial Officer.

2007

Change in the Board of Directors The annual shareholders' meeting approves the nomination of Jürgen Dormann, former Vice Chairman, as Chairman of the Board. Rolf Dörig becomes Vice-Chairman. Klaus J. Jacobs, the co-founder of Adecco, hands back his mandate, having reached the statutory retirement age.