1950-1970
In 1957, Adia is founded by Henri Lavanchy in Lausanne, Switzerland and quickly expands to other markets in the course of the 1960ies.
In 1964, Ecco is founded by Philippe Foriel-Destezet in Lyon, France.
1970’s
Throughout the 1970's, Adia grows strongly by going global, acquiring over 85 staffing and recruiting companies in the process. Adia also gets listed on the Swiss Stock Exchange (SIX).
1980’s
Ecco becomes France’s market leader in temporary staffing while Adia continues to take huge leaps into new markets, seeing sales grow to USD 1bn, becoming Europe’s leader in temporary staffing.
1990’s
In 1996, Adia and Ecco merge to become “Adecco”, placing more than 250,000 people a day. On January 1, 1997, The Adecco Group was founded.
2000’s
Through strategic expansion and acquisition of Olsten Staffing New York, Adecco becomes the largest recruitment company in the U.S. with total revenues of USD 11.6bn. Adecco consolidates its business under three leading names and three global divisions to better serve emerging market needs.
2010’s
Adecco becomes the world leader in professional staffing in 2010 after continuing to acquire leading recruitment companies like MPS Group, and numerous technology-enabled training and recruitment platforms throughout the decade such as Vettery and General Assembly.
2020's
Adecco continues to invest in and strategically acquire AI-driven digital talent matching platforms that use machine learning and real-time data to connect talented job-seekers with companies, such as HIRED (2021) and QAPA (2021).
