February 21, 2025 – The world of executive search is undergoing significant transformation, largely due to the continued integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and other technological advancements. According to Kestria’s recent report, as AI revolutionizes various industries, executive search must similarly adapt and innovate to remain effective and relevant.
While advanced AI tools streamline processes and improve efficiency, the report emphasizes the necessity of retaining the human element within recruitment practices. According to Kestria, “Executive search firms are increasingly focused on aligning technology with deeply personalized approaches, ensuring cultural fit, diversity, and meaningful client relationships.” This duality, blending innovation with human insight, is becoming increasingly important as the industry adjusts to ever-evolving market demands.
Kestria surveyed 141 managing partners and senior consultants from over 40 countries across the Americas, EMEA, and APAC, emphasizing the role of high-end, comprehensive executive search processes necessary for sourcing C-suite talent. The insights reveal strong consensus—62 percent of respondents affirming technological advancements have greatly enhanced the effectiveness of executive search processes.
The study notes, leveraging AI and automation surfaces new opportunities within the executive recruitment space, particularly in candidate sourcing—identified as the top benefit. AI tools can provide more thorough and comprehensive longlists. Market intelligence aids firms by offering nuanced insights on talent landscapes and industry trends, resulting from the rapid advancements seen over the last three years.
Sandro Eggimann, partner at Kestria Switzerland, elaborates: "AI-powered tools...enhance efficiency...automated tasks like document creation and market analysis allow for more client interactions," underscoring the necessity of human connections within recruitment, even as technology evolves.
Yet, as the industry embraces technology, it also recognizes the irreplaceable nature of interpersonal relationships. Eggimann asserts, “AI cannot replace human connections, but it can...make executive search more precise and strategic.” This is now evident as AI offers data-driven insights and improves candidate assessment processes. Still, the report insists, the final decision rests with humans, as only personal interactions can ascertain cultural and strategic alignment.
Emerging trends highlight the growing emphasis on diversity and inclusion, identified as the most important trend, closely followed by the focus on cultural fit. The recruitment process today transcends mere technical expertise; exceptional leadership hinges on soft skills, such as empathy and emotional intelligence—elements AI cannot replicate. Soft skills are increasingly what set leaders apart, enabling them to effectively navigate complex organizational challenges.
Monicca Yan, managing director at Kestria China and Singapore, comments on the challenges of discerning genuine talent amid the increase of polished resumes generated by AI: "Increasingly, candidates are trained by social media...to script their resumes for the highest hit rate.” The need for experienced recruiters to probe and assess candidates, mining for genuine talent, is more important than ever.
Looking forward, the report outlines how executive search firms will need to balance technology with proper human insight. Key trends include prioritizing cultural fit, fostering personal relationships, and using AI to augment decision-making rather than replace genuine human judgment. Strategic advisory and ethical oversight will also be integral as firms navigate diverse global markets.
Engaging passive candidates will remain pivotal, as securing adept talent becomes increasingly complex. Carlos Eduardo Staut, CEO of Kestria Brazil, remarks on this dynamic shift: “Executive search today isn’t just about identifying leaders—it’s about winning them over…just as [leaders] navigate complex global organizations, we navigate international talent markets.” This emphasizes the importance of deep local expertise paired with global insights.
The reliance on AI’s capabilities will deepen, facilitating more strategic hiring decisions through data-driven insights, as firms use automation to optimize their operations. The Kestria report anticipates, “Firms will rely more on AI-driven search processes to identify and assess candidates.” Replacing traditional networking methodologies, data-driven strategies are expected to yield more informed hiring choices.
Globalization is another theme, with companies increasingly seeking leadership from international talent pools. The demand for leadership roles, particularly within tech and digital sectors, continues to swell as organizations strive for leaders adept at addressing modern challenges like cybersecurity. The blending of diverse skill sets across sectors reinforces the notion of cross-sector talent movement as industry barriers blur.
Kestria emphasizes the importance of relationship management and industry-specific knowledge among executive search consultants. The report identifies these skills as pivotal for successful recruitment, asserting firms must adapt to dynamic market changes through tactical guidance and interpersonal expertise.
Client satisfaction metrics reveal variability among firms, often dependent on tracking long-term relationships and successful leadership placements. Celine Chabee, partner at Kestria Canada and the US, emphasizes the importance of credibility and local expertise as trust becomes integral to addressing specialized searches.
The Kestria report also highlights initiatives aimed at enhancing diversity within recruitment processes. Efforts focus on ensuring varied candidate pools including gender, geography, and cultural backgrounds, with active measures to source candidates from underrepresented groups.
Raj Kumar Paramanathan, founding partner at Kestria Malaysia, details how their approach to DEI encompasses broader talent detection, selecting candidates beyond conventional sectors to meet organizational aspirations more inclusively.
Through integrative practices of AI and human expertise, Kestria continues to shape the framework of executive search, merging technological prowess with the invaluable human element inherent to effective hiring.