Executive Search (Headhunting) Market Report 2026

The executive search (headhunting) market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $20.82 billion in 2025 to $22.71 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to rising globalization of businesses, increasing complexity of leadership roles, growth of multinational enterprises, higher reliance on specialized recruitment firms, expanding demand for senior leadership expertise.

The executive search (headhunting) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $31.78 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to increasing adoption of digital talent intelligence platforms, rising demand for global leadership mobility, growing emphasis on diversity-led hiring mandates, expansion of executive hiring in emerging markets, increasing need for agile leadership talent. Major trends in the forecast period include increasing use of ai-assisted candidate screening, rising demand for confidential leadership hiring, growing focus on diversity and inclusive executive searches, expansion of cross-border executive recruitment, higher integration of data-driven talent mapping.

The rising demand for leadership talent is expected to drive growth in the executive search (headhunting) market. Leadership talent comprises individuals with the skills, qualities, and vision to guide, influence, and inspire others in achieving organizational objectives. This demand is fueled by increasing organizational complexity, as companies require capable leaders to manage change and support strategic growth. Executive search services help meet this demand by identifying, attracting, and placing highly qualified leaders who align with organizational goals and drive business success. For example, in March 2025, the US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that in 2023, leadership skills were essential for 185 occupations. Transportation supervisors and health services managers are projected to have over 60,000 annual openings, while chefs and head cooks, whose roles also rely on leadership, are expected to see job growth of 8.3%, more than twice the average rate. This rising need for leadership talent is therefore propelling the executive search market.

Major companies in the executive search (headhunting) market are focusing on innovative services such as data-driven market intelligence to attract, assess, and retain top leadership talent more effectively. Data-driven market intelligence leverages analytics and industry insights to support executive hiring, guiding companies on talent availability, competitor strategies, salary benchmarks, and leadership trends. For example, in June 2025, Meet Life Sciences Limited, a UK-based life sciences talent solutions provider, launched Mx, a standalone executive search brand dedicated to the life sciences sector. Mx combines deep industry expertise, a global network, and a data-driven methodology to provide strategic guidance and precision in C-suite hiring, enabling biotech startups, VC- and PE-backed firms, and global pharmaceutical companies to build high-performing executive teams. This specialized approach addresses the growing demand for leadership talent in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medtech, and healthcare communications, where competition for experienced executives is intensifying.

In October 2024, Creative Artists Agency LLC, a US-based entertainment and sports talent agency, acquired Hanold Associates LLC for an undisclosed sum. The acquisition aims to enhance Creative Artists Agency’s executive search capabilities by incorporating Hanold Associates’ expertise in recruiting top corporate and HR leaders. This integration strengthens client service, broadens industry reach, creates synergies, and provides a more comprehensive approach to talent and leadership advisory. Hanold Associates LLC is a US-based executive search firm specializing in the recruitment of chief people and HR officers across various industries.

Major companies operating in the executive search (headhunting) market are Robert Half Inc., Korn Ferry, DHR International Inc., Heidrick & Struggles International Inc., Egon Zehnder International Ltd., Boyden World Corporation, Russell Reynolds Associates Inc., ZRG Partners LLC, Odgers Berndtson, True Platform Inc., WittKieffer Inc., Stanton Chase International Inc., Sheffield Haworth Ltd., Charles Aris Inc., Options Group Inc., N2Growth Inc., Diversified Search Group LLC, Boardwalk Executive Search LLC, Hydrogen Group plc, Sigma Recruitment Ltd.

North America was the largest region in the executive search (headhunting) market in 2025. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the executive search (headhunting) market report are Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the executive search (headhunting) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The executive search (headhunting) market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as retained executive search, candidate identification and sourcing, candidate screening and assessment, succession planning support, market mapping and talent intelligence, advisory and consulting, onboarding and integration support. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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