30% surge in exec searches as demand for diverse leaders soars

Diversified Search Group (DSG) has reported a 30% surge in new business across all sectors as the demand for diverse leaders soars in the US.

Searches have increased for executive positions across all levels, starting at senior vice president, confirmed the US-based executive search firm. The strongest growth is driven by corporate boards, financial services, life sciences and education sectors. The demand for new leadership has accelerated in the past year in the wake of the global pandemic and increased pressure for more diverse talent. 

A LinkedIn survey found that the roles of Chief Growth Officer and Chief Diversity Officer grew by 42% and 91% respectively, from 2019 to 2020 in the US. In addition, DSG has reported an uptick in the creation of C-suite roles to accommodate companies’ changing needs; such as ‘Chief Information Security Officer’ and ‘Chief Talent and Culture Officer’.

Organisations are facing an acceleration in digital transformation, and this is causing them to rethink their business models. Leadership transformation has also accelerated the need for forward-thinking executives with the ability to operate more collaboratively; with a focus on culture and empowering an increasingly diverse workforce, noted DSG.

DIVERSE LEADERSHIP

“Cultivating new, more diverse leadership was our founding mission. And after decades of work, our expertise in diversity, equity and inclusion is more in-demand than ever,” stated Judee von Seldeneck, Founder and Chair of the women-founded search firm, DSG. “All industries are undergoing a reinvention to survive; whether pivoting to create a new roadmap for digital transformation, including digital communications or determining how to engage employees more effectively. It’s no surprise to see that these industries are increasingly seeking dynamic leaders who will be able to successfully navigate the future workplace.”

DSG boasts a “consistent track record of placing the most diverse candidates in the industry”. In 2020, 76% of its placements were comprised of women and/or people of colour, confirmed the search firm.

“Our pioneering work in the industry is meeting its moment,” concluded Dale Jones, CEO of DSG. “With the most diverse leadership team of a top 10 executive search firm in the US, our perspectives and expertise are in greater demand than ever.”