The Growing Importance of Executive Search in the UK and Ireland for 2024

Executive search in the UK and Irish recruitment markets is evolving rapidly in 2024, driven by talent shortages and the increasing complexity of leadership roles. In the UK, almost 92% of employers reported skills shortages in the past year, and with senior leadership being crucial to navigating volatile markets, the need for top-tier executives has never been greater. Companies are shifting towards a skills-first approach, moving beyond traditional qualifications, and focusing on core competencies such as problem-solving and adaptability.

In Ireland, a growing trend is "skills-based hiring", where companies prioritize practical abilities over degrees, helping broaden the talent pool for executive roles. With businesses like Accenture and IBM reducing degree requirements, this has become a five times more predictive method for identifying high-performance leaders. These changes reflect the demands of today's dynamic business environment and the ongoing push for diversity and inclusion in senior leadership, essential in fostering innovation and agility within organizations.

For companies across both countries, the challenge will be navigating AI integration in recruitment. While tools like ChatGPT can assist in initial candidate screening, the need for human-led evaluation remains vital for executive-level hires to avoid bias and foster diverse leadership teams.

Sources:

• Hays 2024 Salary Guide & Hiring Trends
• IrishJobs Recruitment Trends 2024
• McKinsey