New trends in executive search report

This report presents the findings of a global internal survey conducted by Kestria to explore the evolving landscape of executive search. The aims of the survey were to:

• Gather comprehensive insights: Collect detailed data from owner-led boutique executive search firms across over 40 countries, focusing on their perspectives and experiences.
• Evaluate growth projections: Analyse anticipated growth within the executive search and talent acquisition industry, with a particular focus on executive and board-level recruitment.
• Examine key trends: Map regional and sector-specific trends that are shaping the executive search landscape.
• Highlight emerging realities: Identify and articulate new developments and shifts influencing the future trajectory of the executive search industry.
• Define success factors: Identify key strategies for delivering exceptional C-suite talent and driving long-term business sustainability.

Kestria, the world’s largest executive search alliance, gathered insights reflecting  the perspectives and experiences of 141 Managing Partners and senior consultants from 40+ countries across the Americas, EMEA and APAC. The collected insights emphasise the critical role of high-end and comprehensive executive search process providing C-Suite talent for future-proof organisations. 

The gathered insights were categorised under the following topics:

• Technological trends/Current trends in executive search
• Non-technological trends/Challenges and opportunities
• Industry evolution
• Client expectations and satisfaction
• Focus on DEI in executive search
• Kestria global value

Technological trends - Current trends in executive search

How has the new technology and AI influenced executive search over the past three years?

Technological advancements and AI have significantly reshaped the executive search industry over the past three years. A majority of respondents (62%) reported that these innovations have made executive search more effective. This indicates a strong overall consensus on the positive role of technology in enhancing the executive search process, highlighting its growing importance in the industry.

What opportunities do you see in leveraging AI and automation for executive search?

Leveraging AI and automation opens significant opportunities for the executive search industry. Candidate sourcing emerged as the top benefit, highlighting Kestria's ability to deliver comprehensive longlists. Market intelligence also plays a crucial role, providing deeper insights into talent landscapes and industry trends.

With AI becoming an integral part of executive search, Kestria has established an AI Ambassadors group, comprising members from around the world, dedicated to exploring the most up-to-date AI tools and industry news to ensure the executive search industry stays ahead in adopting transformative technologies.

Non-technological trends - Challenges and opportunities

What are some emerging trends in executive search that are unrelated to technology?

Non-technology trends are reshaping executive search, with the survey identifying increasing emphasis on diversity and inclusion as the most important trend, followed by the growing importance of cultural fit in leadership roles. These priorities align closely with Kestria's commitment to embedding these values into daily practices. Through initiatives like fully integrating clients' diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) priorities into search processes and tailoring assessments to identify cultural alignment, Kestria ensures these trends are more than just concepts - they are actionable elements of its approach to executive search. These efforts reflect a proactive stance in adapting to and leading these industry shifts.

How do you see the role of executive search firms evolving in the next five years with the advent of new technologies?

The future role of executive search firms will balance technology with human insight. Key trends include prioritising cultural fit and motivation, maintaining the human touch in relationship building and using AI to augment rather than replace decision-making. Ethical oversight and strategic advisory will also be crucial as firms adapt to diverse markets.

What are the biggest challenges you face in executive search today?

Engaging passive candidates remains a key challenge, requiring a strategic approach to attract talent not actively seeking new opportunities. Kestria ensures decision-makers have confidence throughout the search process by providing market insights, precise calibration and expert guidance. Leveraging advanced sourcing tools and storytelling, we identify and engage top talent, winning them over for our clients. Our global network and deep industry expertise enable us to uncover hidden talent and deliver candidates who align with our clients' needs, ensuring a seamless and effective executive search process.

Industry evolution

What trends do you expect in executive search in your country over the next five years?

Technology and AI Integration

AI and technology will become increasingly central to executive search, enhancing efficiency while preserving the critical role of human expertise. Firms will rely more on AI-driven search processes to identify and assess candidates, leveraging automation to streamline operations. While AI will improve speed and accuracy, human judgment and personal relationships will remain essential in securing top executive placements. Automation will reshape recruitment workflows, with AI-powered tools optimizing CRM, ATS and job advertising strategies. Data-driven insights and predictive analytics will further refine decision-making, offering deeper market intelligence and improved candidate assessment. Additionally, AI will facilitate the globalization of talent sourcing, supporting skills-based recruitment and strengthening DEI efforts. As AI continues to evolve, its most successful applications will be those that enhance, not replace, the human element in executive search.

Globalisation and Cross-Sector Movement

Executive search is becoming increasingly global, with companies looking beyond local talent pools to source leadership from international markets. Data-driven insights, predictive analytics and competitive intelligence are replacing traditional networking, allowing firms to make more strategic hiring decisions. Demand for digital and technology leadership is growing, particularly in areas like cybersecurity, while ESG considerations are playing a greater role in executive hiring. Cross-sector talent movement is also on the rise, with leaders transitioning between industries such as life sciences, tech and digital health. As executive search continues to evolve, globalisation and data-driven strategies will be key to securing top talent.

Which skills or capabilities do you believe will be most important for executive search consultants in the future?

When asked about the most important future skills for executive search consultants, respondents ranked relationship management as the most critical, highlighting the value of strong client and candidate relationships. Industry-specific knowledge followed, reflecting the growing need for expertise tailored to specific sectors. Advisory expertise emphasising strategic guidance, understanding interpersonal dynamics and leveraging data effectively in the search process.

Client expectations and satisfaction

How do you typically measure client satisfaction in your executive search processes?

Measuring client satisfaction in executive search processes varies widely across firms, ranging from tracking retention rates and repeat business, reflecting the importance of long-term relationships and successful placements, to informal client check-ins and conversations, emphasising the value of maintaining personal engagement. Post-placement reviews, feedback surveys and no formal processes were equally common approaches. These insights reveal a blend of structured and informal strategies to assess client satisfaction effectively.

Which aspects of your executive search process do clients find most valuable when deciding to engage with your firm?

Clients engage with Kestria executive search firms for our deep market intelligence, transparency and ability to provide real-time insights through close market proximity. Our comprehensive market research delivers valuable intelligence, equipping decision-makers with a clear understanding of industry dynamics and talent landscapes. Transparency is central to our approach, ensuring clients remain informed and confident throughout the search process.

Unlike larger, transactional firms, Kestria offers a tailored, high-touch experience driven by local expertise and global reach. Our personalised approach prioritises precision over volume, leveraging detailed market insights and deep relationships to identify and engage the right candidates effectively.

Building on these strengths, Kestria’s expertise is reinforced through ongoing collaboration within Practice Groups, continuous trend monitoring, and industry education via roundtable discussions, articles, case studies, and surveys. Additionally, our face-to-face global conferences and strong personal connections within Kestria’s international community ensure the highest quality in cross-border projects and executive placements.

Focus on DEI in executive search

How does your firm incorporate your clients' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) priorities into your executive search processes?

Kestria member firms incorporate clients' Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) priorities into executive search processes in various ways. Many align their strategies with each client’s DEI goals, ensuring an integrated approach. Others consider DEI based on client preferences but do not apply it in every search, adapting their approach to specific requirements.

What specific DEI strategies have you implemented in your executive search practices?

Diversity in Shortlists and Sourcing

Executive search firms are prioritizing diverse shortlists by ensuring a mix of candidates across gender, geography, cultural backgrounds and, where relevant, disability inclusion. Expanding searches beyond traditional industries allows for a broader talent pool, focusing on abilities and experience rather than just sector-specific backgrounds. Some firms implement inclusive sourcing by actively posting searches on platforms that reach underrepresented demographic groups. Proactive talent mapping and market research further enhance efforts to identify and attract diverse leadership candidates.

Gender Focus

Gender diversity remains a key priority, with targeted strategies to ensure balanced representation in executive searches. Some firms implement positive discrimination when candidates have equal qualifications, favouring women to address gender imbalances. Others avoid disclosing gender and age during the recruitment process to prevent bias, ensuring a fairer assessment based solely on competence and experience.

Blind and Inclusive Screening

Blind resume screening is increasingly used to eliminate bias in the selection process, focusing solely on qualifications and experience. In some cases, gender and age details are intentionally omitted from candidate profiles to encourage impartial decision-making. Additionally, proactive sourcing and inclusive research methods help ensure that diverse talent is identified and given equal consideration throughout the recruitment process.

Kestria global value

How do you use Kestria global practices in your daily business?

Kestria members leverage global practices in various ways to enhance their executive search processes and client offerings. The most common application involves implementing global best practice knowledge to refine search methodologies. Additionally, many highlighted how global knowledge supports clients entering new markets, showcasing the value of Kestria’s international reach. Others utilise global market insights to strengthen local market positioning, demonstrating a blend of global and local expertise. 

Key findings aligned with Kestria’s value

1. AI and Automation Elevate, Not Replace, the Human Touch in Executive Search

AI-driven tools enhance efficiency and precision, but Kestria believes executive search is still a human process. Our AI Ambassadors Group ensures we use advanced technologies while maintaining a personal approach to leadership placements.

2. Strategic Leadership Requires a Strong DEI and Cultural Fit Focus

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) and cultural alignment are essential for sustainable leadership. At Kestria, we integrate DEI into every search, using inclusive talent mapping and diversity strategies to help clients build leadership teams that reflect evolving business needs.

3. Attracting and Engaging Passive Candidates is an Art & Science

In a market where top leaders aren’t actively seeking new roles, the challenge is winning them over. Kestria’s global reach, industry expertise, and consultative storytelling turn passive candidates into engaged prospects, helping organisations secure the best talent before competitors.

4. Executive Search is No Longer Local – It’s Global & Cross-Industry

The globalisation of talent pools and cross-industry leadership movement are reshaping executive hiring. With a presence in over 40 countries, Kestria helps organisations access diverse leadership expertise and real-time market insights.

Kestria is the world’s leading premium executive search alliance, delivering deep market intelligence and strategic counsel to help organisations navigate an evolving talent landscape. With a presence in over 40 countries across six continents, we combine global reach with local expertise, ensuring tailored solutions for complex leadership challenges.

As a trusted advisor, we go beyond traditional search - providing actionable insights, cultural alignment and leadership excellence that drive long-term success. Our agility as an alliance of owner-led boutique firms, combined with cutting-edge technology and a commitment to diversity, sets us apart.

Clients stay with Kestria because we don’t just find talent, we shape leadership strategies that future-proof businesses.