NPAworldwide Names President and COO
March 19, 2024 – Member-owned recruitment network NPAworldwide has appointed Kerry Crockett as its new president and chief operating officer. She succeeds past president Dave Nerz, who will retire June 30, 2024 after an 18-year tenure. “Kerry Crockett comes to us with a wealth of experience and a proven record of success in leading diverse teams and developing innovative strategies,” said incoming chairman Pam Robison. “She embodies the spirit of enthusiasm and pragmatism, ensuring that even in the most fluid situations, focus and constructiveness are maintained. We are at the cusp of a new chapter full of potential and promise. With her at the helm, we anticipate a continuation of the formidable leadership exemplified by her predecessor, Dave Nerz, while also looking forward to the fresh perspectives and strategic directions she brings. Kerry’s decisive leadership is well-acknowledged, sharpened with an acute sensibility towards multicultural engagement—a trait that harmonizes perfectly with the diverse fabric of our global membership.”
“We are fortunate to have someone of Kerry’s caliber and experience leading NPAworldwide,” said departing chairman Jim Lyons.
Ms. Crockett, who was most recently CEO of the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association (IASA), brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has a long track record of success in team building, product development, strategic planning, international event planning, event profitability, membership growth and sponsor recruitment.
“NPAworldwide is well-positioned to offer its members the resources they need to enable growth across the board,” said Ms. Crockett. “It’s an exciting time to be a part of NPAworldwide, and I look forward to getting started.”
“The announcement signals a new era for NPAworldwide as the company looks to capitalize on its position as a recruitment leader,” the organization said. “The board believes that Crockett’s operational and communication skills, combined with her strong leadership abilities, will help the company deliver improved execution and financial performance.”
Related: NPAworldwide Adds 28 New Member Firms
NPAworldwide is a global recruitment network facilitating placements between its member firms. The recruitment network has more than 550 member offices across six continents. Its headquarters is in Grand Rapids, MI.
Business Barometer Survey
NPAworldwide recently released the results of its twice annual business barometer survey, which provides insights into the current state of the recruitment industry. Completed in February 2024 by over 560 independent NPAworldwide recruitment firm owners, the survey highlights key trends and challenges faced by the industry. According to the study, the global demand for talent has been on a downward trend since early 2022, with a slow rebound in some markets in 2023. This has resulted in a significant increase in the difficulty of finding talent for senior positions with 55.8 percent of respondents reporting business results that were similar or better when compared to the previous 180-day period.
“The results of our business barometer survey show a noticeable reduction in optimism among independent recruitment firm owners, with a 14 percent decrease in benchmarked results since February 2023,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “However, despite these challenges, the majority of respondents remain optimistic about the next six months, with 83.2 percent expecting similar or better results ahead. It’s clear that finding both jobs and talent has become equally challenging for our members.”
NPAworldwide Adds Nine New Member Firms
NPAworldwide has added nine new member locations in Australia, Canada, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Turkiye. “Congratulations to each of our new member firms,” said Dave Nerz, president of NPAworldwide. “By joining our recruiting network, these firms are invested as owners. Our continued membership growth allows independent recruitment firms to more effectively serve their clients and candidates by adding or increasing split placements.” NPAworldwide membership is offered on a selective basis to independently-owned recruitment firms who meet the network’s enrollment criteria and have a strategic interest in making split placements.
When asked about the strongest verticals in the last 180 days, the survey revealed that healthcare, technology, manufacturing and accounting/finance were the top industries for recruitment activity. This aligns with the overall trend of increased demand for talent in these sectors.
NPAworldwide’s survey included about 47 percent of respondents that are from outside of North America. The largest respondent group was from North America at 52.8 percent followed by Australia/New Zealand at 16.1 percent, Asia and EMEA were at 14.3 percent each, and LatAm at 3.1 percent.
At the time of the survey, 62.1 percent of the respondents see the next six months as positive or the same as the last six months. This is nearly an 11 percent decline since February 2023. So, while things are slower, there is generally optimism for 2024.
Solid Demand for Top Talent
“Member firms working contingent and retained recruitment are finding job openings less prevalent but still solid demand for top talent,” said Mr. Nerz. “Top candidates continue to receive multiple offers and counteroffers from existing employers. Compensation offers have become more normalized with long-term trends versus the spikes when exiting the pandemic. Retaining talent is going to be increasingly important and difficult. A recent trend of unexpected retirements is an area of concern for employers that have not built strong pipelines or deep benches of talent. Confidence continues to grow as inflationary conditions mitigate. 2024 offers much promise.”
Related: NPAworldwide Adds 15 New Member Firms
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief; Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor; Lily Fauver, Senior Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
