True Launches AI Capability Index for Executive Assessment
June 18, 2026 – Global executive talent platform True has launched the True AI Capability Index, a proprietary framework that predicts executive performance in the AI-transformation age. “We are entering a phase where relationship depth and judgment matter more than ever,” said Brad Stadler, co-founder and CEO of True Platform. “The cost of finding names is decreasing. True’s advantage lies in our ability to assess talent using these advanced frameworks. We’re modernizing executive hiring to ensure our clients have the leadership they need to outperform.”
“The talent market is currently split between proven leaders who are failing to adapt their playbooks and high-potential candidates who lack the experience to manage large organizations,” Mr. Stadler said. “True’s AI Capability Index gives clients a clearer view of which leaders will continue to create value as the rules evolve.”
The True AI Capability Index categorizes candidates using two primary metrics: execution pedigree and AI skill/will. This data-driven approach allows clients to commit to hiring profiles that offer both immediate results and long-term upside.
“Our clients are looking for leaders who can drive transformation with no historical precedent,” said Evan Grossman, managing director and co-head of the CEO & board practices. “The framework creates a shared language for these conversations. We help clients understand the trade-offs between expert operators and AI-focused innovators. This clarity narrows the candidate pool and leads to more realistic hiring decisions.”
Recruiters say that leadership has not changed but how executives succeed has. The True AI Capability Index assesses candidates on five dimensions of adaptive intelligence including model-updating speed and hybrid organization design. True looks for leaders who reason through ambiguity and design teams around human and AI collaboration. This focus on real capability reduces the risk of hiring leaders who might plateau as technology changes.
Working in both the private and public sectors, True has offices throughout the U.S. as well as the EMEA and APAC regions. Since the late 1990s, the firm’s founders have refined their search process with a blend of data-centric insights, relationship-building, and experience to produce a methodology that consistently improves hiring decisions and accelerates growth. The firm’s clients include Jet, Work Front, and Summit Partners.
Related: True Acquires Jopwell
True Search is a subsidiary of True Platform, a global portfolio of human capital services and products for high-growth tech and tech-enabled organizations. True recently placed No. 6 on the Hunt Scanlon Media “Top 50 Recruiters” ranking.
New Digital Infrastructure Expert
True recently expanded with the addition of Ros Deans as a partner in its digital infrastructure practice. Based in London with a global remit, Ms. Deans will work with data center operators, infrastructure investors, real estate developers, private equity firms and hyperscalers. She will place C-suite, functional and regional leaders who drive growth, transformation and innovation across the digital infrastructure sector.
“With the digital infrastructure market moving at an unprecedented pace, the need for visionary leadership has never been greater,” said Sam McGrath, global GM, True Search. “Ros has spent more than two decades helping investors, operators and developers in digital infrastructure build leadership teams that can scale operations and deliver on complex, high-growth strategies. Her knowledge of the sector and track record will help our clients to identify and secure the leaders who can drive growth and navigate disruption in this fast-moving industry.”
Ms. Deans has partnered with leading clients to assemble executive teams across data centers, cloud platforms, connectivity, and next-generation infrastructure. She has guided both established players and new market entrants in building C-suite leadership from the ground up. Prior to joining True, Ms. Deans led global digital infrastructure client relationships at Korn Ferry, served as a partner at Granger Reis, and advised blue-chip organizations on senior appointments earlier in her career.
Related: True Appoints Regional Lead for Middle East and North Africa
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
