Caldwell Posts 19 Percent Full-Year Revenue Increase
November 21, 2025 – Toronto-based Caldwell posted Q4 revenues of $31.6 million (Canadian). Full-year revenue was up 19.4 percent to $104.1 million (Canadian). “Fiscal 2025 marked a strong return to growth for Caldwell and IQTalent,” said Chris Beck, chief executive officer. “After two years of volatility and suppressed hiring demand, we saw a resilient rebound in both revenue and profitability, capped by an especially strong fourth quarter. Despite ongoing economic and geopolitical uncertainties, we saw leaders come off the sidelines in the second half of the year. Organizations recognized that delaying decisions carries greater risk than acting decisively, and that shift in sentiment drove increased hiring activity.”
“At Caldwell, professional fees were up 44 percent in the current quarter compared to the prior year, reflecting both higher partner productivity and increased client activity,” Mr. Beck continued. “Our momentum heading into fiscal 2026 is significantly stronger than a year ago, and we’re optimistic about the market and our position within it. We have hired additional new partners and continue to engage with high-caliber professionals who align with our strategy of being a high-performing, elite executive search firm. IQTalent also delivered meaningful improvement in the fourth quarter, with revenue up 28 percent and a return to profitability. The team’s focus on cost discipline and client engagement has strengthened our operating model, giving us greater flexibility and a solid foundation to drive continued profitable performance.”
“Across both brands, we’re focused on growth, operational efficiency, and a disciplined capital allocation strategy to provide returns to our shareholders,” Mr. Beck added. “We’re confident in our ability to deliver state-of-the-art talent solutions to our clients and sustained value for our investors.”
Reflecting the firm’s confidence in its business outlook and cash-flow strength, the board of directors has increased the quarterly dividend to 1.0 cent per common share, a 300 percent increase from the prior quarterly dividend of 0.25 cents per common share. The dividend will be payable on December 19, 2025, to shareholders of record on December 1, 2025. In addition to the dividend increase, the company intends to remain active in the market under its Normal Course Issuer Bid, continuing to repurchase shares as part of its ongoing capital allocation strategy to enhance shareholder value.
Caldwell Partners is a retained executive search and leadership advisory firm headquartered in Toronto that recruits board, CEO, and other senior executive leaders for clients across multiple industries in North America and Europe. The firm is publicly traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Recent Growth
Caldwell recently launched a sports & entertainment practice, a new global sector group dedicated to connecting senior leaders with organizations at the intersection of sports, technology, media, entertainment, and investment. “As our clients increase their investments in sports, media, and entertainment, we’re launching this specialty practice to support their expanding portfolios,” said Mr. Beck. “From emerging sports technology platforms and analytics companies to digital media ventures and large-scale venue development, our clients are shaping the future of how the world experiences sports and entertainment.”
Related: Caldwell Appoints CEO; Makes Other Senior Management Changes
The sports & entertainment practice will be structured around Peter Anselmo and Garrick Respress and further leverages the firm’s global network of partners across the technology, media & entertainment, consumer, infrastructure, and investment sectors, ensuring clients have access to cross-industry insights and leadership solutions tailored to the evolving sports economy. “As former collegiate athletes, Peter and Garrick will bring a collaborative, team-oriented approach to executive search, uniquely positioning Caldwell to unite experts across the platform and lead the firm’s expansion into the sports and entertainment market,” the firm said.
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Earlier this fall, Caldwell opened a new office in Dubai. Rob Wilder was appointed managing partner of the office. He will be joined in Dubai by Simon Hall, partner in Caldwell’s financial services practice. The launch marks Caldwell’s entry into the Middle East and North Africa region. “With more than 25 years of experience advising organizations on board and executive succession, leadership assessment and development, and executive search, Rob has established himself as a trusted advisor to clients in the Middle East and globally,” said Mr. Heller and Mr. Buggy. “His deep knowledge of the region, combined with his extensive experience across financial services, fintech, and private equity, will be a tremendous asset to our clients and our practice.”
“This strategic expansion into Dubai is an important milestone for Caldwell as we continue to build a truly global platform,” said Mr. Beck. “Rob’s leadership, regional expertise, and global perspective will enable us to better serve clients in the Middle East and North Africa, and his appointment underscores our commitment to investing in markets that are critical to our clients’ success. With a truly global perspective, Mr. Wilder brings extensive cross-cultural expertise to leadership evaluation, having lived and worked across three continents.”
Related: Caldwell Launches Academic Healthcare Practice
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
