Despite Economy Headhunters Remain Optimistic

August 1, 2011 – Executive search professionals gave a 66 percent positive prediction for their industry in the second half of the year with the greatest optimism coming from consultants in Asia Pacific and the Americas, according to a report released by the Association of Executive Search Consultants (AESC). Executive search consultants predict that China, Brazil and India will see the greatest shortage of executive talent in the second half of 2011, while the energy/natural resources sector is set for the biggest growth in senior hiring. The general management/CEO/COO function is expected to see the greatest shortage of talent worldwide in the second half of 2011, recruiters surveyed reported. In order to keep up with the demand, over half the search firms in the study plan to hire more consultants.