Executive Search Analysis: 2024 Insights, and What to Expect in 2025

With 2024 behind us, we took some time to analyze trends in global executive recruitment, identify shifts in behavior, and extract key insights you can use to support your executive recruitment decisions in 2025.?

The Three Biggest Takeaways from 2024:

1. There was a notable shift towards data amid increasing search complexities.

Clients are becoming increasingly sophisticated in how they evaluate and select search partners, looking for firms that deliver measurable results, niche expertise, and data-driven insights. While many firms are just now realizing the potential that data provides in executive search, we are proud to note that our firm has specialized in leveraging data-driven methodologies for nearly two decades, and is far ahead of many competitors who are only now adapting to this shift.

In an industry historically reliant on personal networks and relationships, the use of data and analytics has become the differentiator. By pairing this approach with our deep understanding of leadership dynamics, we have helped clients make smarter, faster, and more strategic hiring decisions.

2. We launched a new suite of services to meet the evolving needs of our partners.

Based on client feedback, and our expertise in utilizing data and analytics we have expanded our scope this year with the launch of two new business services: Boardroom Search and M&A Brokerage Services. These additions reflect our commitment to providing comprehensive solutions tailored to the evolving challenges faced by today’s organizations. Our Boardroom Search services are designed to help clients build diverse and dynamic boards that align with their strategic objectives, while our M&A Brokerage Services leverage our expertise to connect businesses with the right opportunities for growth and transformation.

3. We saw a surge in demand for specific key roles.

This year, we saw heightened activity in Finance, Operations, and Technology-related roles. The prevailing uncertainties brought on by geopolitical and macroeconomic factors pushed organizations to double down on securing their financial futures, operations, cybersecurity, and data strategies. Given the conversations with clients and searches scheduled to go live in January and February, we see this trend accelerating through 2025.?

• CFO roles were in exceptionally high demand, driven by firms seeking external hires. This trend aligns with our insights published earlier this year, noting that external CFO hires have reached a 10-year high.
• The ongoing focus on cybersecurity and data integrity has kept senior IT and data leadership roles firmly on the recruitment priority list.
• Operational leadership—including COOs and Supply Chain Directors—continued to be a focal point, as companies adjusted to evolving market dynamics and supply chain resilience challenges.

What to Expect in 2025

The executive search landscape is set to continue evolving in 2025. We do not anticipate that the prevailing global volatility, uncertainty, and ambiguity will improve over the short term, which should further propel the demand for top executive talent equipped to navigate the complex road ahead. Specifically, we foresee continued demand for executive roles related to finance, operations, and technology.

With 41% of our placements being diversity hires in 2024, we expect that trend to continue into the new year. Our commitment to supporting ESG leadership and diversity at the executive and board levels remains a priority for 2025.

With talent pools expanding globally, the ability to identify leaders who align with both organizational culture and strategic objectives will remain paramount.

As we prepare for the year ahead, we remain committed to being your trusted partner for your executive recruitment needs. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your success in 2024. We look forward to continuing to support your growth and innovation in 2025 and beyond.

Best,

Tim Wilkins - Commercial Director

TXT International