MARKET OUTLOOK
We are often asked about the market outlook for executive search as it is often a leading indicator of the overall market direction. While current layoffs and an impending recession are having an impact on the executive search market overall, we are still seeing significant demand across the sectors we support, namely digital health, AI/Machine learning, and tech enabled services. These industries continue to see a growing demand for executive talent, despite any economic downturn. These industries are seeing a growing need for executives with specialized skills and experience, particularly in areas such as digital transformation, machine learning, and healthcare innovation. In fact, Executive Search as an industry saw the best Quarterly growth since 2021 with opened searches up 12.5% quarter over quarter to start the year.
We actually continue to see a waging war for executive talent in these areas and we believe the overall demographics will continue this trend. The baby boomer generation, those born between 1946 and 1964 are currently in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. This demographic shift is having a significant impact on the war for executive talent as many baby boomer executives are retiring, creating a large talent gap that will continue for years. The retirement of baby boomer executives is resulting in a leadership vacuum in many organizations, which is leading to this growing demand for executive talent. With the rise of the gig economy and the increasing number of executives who are choosing to work as consultants or freelancers, the competition for executive talent has become even more intense.
To attract and retain top level talent, organizations are having to offer competitive compensation packages, flexible work arrangements, and opportunities for professional development and growth. However, many organizations are finding it challenging to attract and retain executive talent particularly in industries such as healthcare, finance, and technology where the demand for skilled executives remains high. We continue to thrive as a boutique firm which delivers time and again for our clients.
Additionally, the baby boomer demographic shift is creating a need for organizations to focus on succession planning. With so many baby boomer executives retiring, it is essential for organization to identify and groom potential successors to fill these critical leadership roles.
- Bill Goodwin