FileFinder is Being Replaced. What Comes Next?

Most FileFinder firms will need to switch platforms by the end of 2026. The real question isn’t whether to switch — it’s whether you do it once, to a system built for retained executive search, or twice.

Dillistone (Ikiru People Group) has signaled a major strategic shift.

At their May 7, 2026 annual meeting, with their CEO stepping down, Dillistone announced a focus on acquisition-led growth in non-recruitment areas, not deeper investment in executive search CRM. FileFinder clients should plan accordingly.

Two Platforms. Two Trajectories.

A clear-eyed look at where each platform comes from, who it's built for, and where it's heading.

Feature FileFinder Encore
Built exclusively for executive search ✗ ✓
Native AI built for how search actually works ✗ ✓
Connected to all of your other tools ✗ ✓
A company with a solid future ✗ ✓
One migration. Done. ✗ ✓
Deep candidate relationships, not scraped public profiles ✗ ✓
Workflow built for the full retained engagement, not just sourcing ✗ ✓

Trusted by Some of the Biggest Names

in Executive Search

"Encore is a force multiplier for our recruiters."


-K.D. Director, Executive Research

“I have never before worked with a software company whose Support team is this consistent with quickly delivering solutions. This speaks volumes about Cluen being a company based on its customers.”


-Dorothy W.

“There is no other system I want to use. It’s a no-brainer."


-D.T., Veteran Encore user

"[Encore is] by far the most thoughtfully designed system suited to executive search firms."


-COO of a Canadian-based firm

"Encore is a force multiplier for our recruiters."


-K.D. Director, Executive Research

“I have never before worked with a software company whose Support team is this consistent with quickly delivering solutions. This speaks volumes about Cluen being a company based on its customers.”


-Dorothy W.

4 Reasons Why Firms Prefer Encore

Encore centralizes your firm’s knowledge — not just public data. Because years of curated insight, deep relationships, historical context, and recruiter judgment can’t be replaced by a profile scrape.

Purpose-built for retained search

Designed around what actually drives the work: clients, candidates, relationships, research, and placements.

Future-proof AI innovation

State-of-the-art updates that augment recruiter judgment rather than replace it — built specifically for retained executive search.

Your firm’s knowledge, centralized

Connect email, calendar, LinkedIn, documents, AI tools, and transcriptions in one place — so your institutional knowledge lives where you work.

Aligned with how you actually work

Encore is already proven and feature-complete — not a roadmap of promises. And Cluen migrates FileFinder firms without forcing them to rethink the way they operate.

If you’re going to invest in a platform change, make it count.

Move directly to Encore, the platform designed for retained executive search. Cluen’s team are the world’s experts in smoothly completing FileFinder upgrades.