1957/1964 - The beginning
Adia SA is founded in 1957 by Henri Lavanchy in Lausanne, Switzerland and rapidly expands into new territories. Ecco is founded in Lyon, France by Philippe Foriel-Destezet in 1964.
1970s - Going international
Adia expands overseas and begins a phase of acquisitions, tripling in size and gaining a presence in more than a dozen countries.
1980s - Expansion continues and Adecco takes the lead
Adia continues worldwide expansion whilst Ecco focuses on its home market to become France's market leader. Temporary staffing becomes the world's third-fastest growing industry.
With sales topping $1 billion, Adia becomes the European leader in the people solutions field.
1990s - Joining forces
In 1996 Adia adn Ecco - two of the world's top three personnel services firm - merge to form Adecco, placing around 250,000 people in work every day.
2000 - Crossing the Atlantic
Adecco acquires Olsten Staffin gof New York and becomes the No.1 recruitment company in the US with revenue of €11.6 billion.
2000s - Consolidation
With an increasing demand for professional and expert services, Adecco consolidates its business under three leading names with three dedicated global divisions to deliver our servies.
2010 - World leader
With the acquisition of the MPS Group, the Adecco Group becomes the world leader in professional staffing.
2015 - Beyond staffing
The Adecco Group acquires Knightsbridge Human Capital Solution, Canada's market leader in career transition, talent, and leadership development and combimes this with The Adecco Group subsidiary Lee Hecht Harrision, the global leader in career transtition and talent mobility.