Executive Search (Headhunting) Market Report 2025

The executive search (headhunting) market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $19.06 billion in 2024 to $20.82 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.2%. The growth in the historic period was driven by the increasing need for strategic leadership within organizations, rising demand for specialized executives, the impact of global health challenges and regulatory complexities, the growing emphasis on efficient recruitment processes, and the expanding requirement for specialized executive roles.

The executive search (headhunting) market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $29.25 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.9%. The growth in the forecast period is expected to be driven by the rising adoption of hybrid and fully remote working models, the increasing shift toward digital headhunting services, talent shortages for leadership positions, high executive turnover rates, and a growing emphasis on inclusive hiring. Key trends anticipated include increased demand for sustainability-focused leadership, greater investment in executive search, a shift toward industry-specific executive expertise, and the use of data-driven assessment tools along with AI-enabled candidate sourcing.

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 players 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 2024. Asia-Pacific is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in executive search (headhunting) report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East and Africa. The countries covered in the executive search (headhunting) market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Note that the outlook for this market is being affected by rapid changes in trade relations and tariffs globally. The report will be updated prior to delivery to reflect the latest status, including revised forecasts and quantified impact analysis. The report’s Recommendations and Conclusions sections will be updated to give strategies for entities dealing with the fast-moving international environment.

The rapid escalation of U.S. tariffs and the resulting trade tensions in spring 2025 are significantly impacting the professional services sector, particularly in legal, consulting, architectural, and engineering domains. Higher costs for imported technology, software licenses, office equipment, and digital infrastructure have raised operational expenses for firms reliant on global tools and platforms. International consulting projects are facing delays or cost overruns due to increased travel expenses and restricted access to foreign-sourced data and tools. Additionally, clients in manufacturing, construction, and logistics, heavily affected by tariffs are cutting back on outsourced services, squeezing demand for professional expertise. As a result, service providers are reevaluating pricing structures, expanding domestic supplier relationships, and investing in AI-driven solutions to sustain profitability and client engagement amid economic uncertainty.

Executive search, also known as headhunting, is a specialized recruitment process aimed at identifying and attracting highly qualified professionals for senior-level or executive roles. It uses a targeted and discreet approach to reach candidates who may not be actively seeking new opportunities, relying on in-depth market research, direct outreach, and careful evaluation to secure top leadership talent.

The main types of executive search include contingency search, retained search, executive search with assessment, diversity search initiatives, and international search. Contingency search is a recruitment method where recruiters are paid only when a candidate is successfully placed, often used for mid- to lower-level roles. Executive search services are applied across functions such as executive-level, senior management, mid-level management, technical roles, sales and marketing, and human resources. They serve organizations of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises to large corporations, and are used across various industries including information and communication technology, healthcare, industrial, food and groceries, automotive, and retail. Key end users include corporate sectors, non-profit organizations, government and public sector bodies, and other types of organizations.

The executive search (headhunting) market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides executive search (headhunting) market statistics, including executive search (headhunting) industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with the executive search (headhunting) market share, executive search (headhunting) market segments, market trends, and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the executive search (headhunting) industry. This executive search (headhunting) market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

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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