The task of executive search has always been part of an advisory relationship, but when did the service evolve into a profession? In the mid-1940s, businesses in the US and Europe began to adapt to postwar prosperity. This led to the rise of competition for experienced executives, and a willingness to look for those leaders beyond the company walls and across international borders. In turn, that growing demand was the catalyst for the emerging executive search profession. Originally a function of management consulting, executive search became a thriving profession for consultants and a competitive advantage for clients. By the 1960s and 70s, the need for experienced executives outpaced companies' ability to fill those positions internally, and a more open market for talent expanded the demand for executive search. Today, executive search is a $12 billion industry.

The executive search industry is comprised of organizations engaged by companies to source qualified candidates for high-level positions. Generally, candidates are for C-suite roles and other senior leadership positions, however executive search firms sometimes also locate candidates for highly specialized roles subject to strong market demand, such as data scientists, programmers or medical specialists. Many executive search firms also offer various leadership consulting services. Executive search firms are engaged by a wide range of industries, with the industrial sector, consumer/retail and financial services being the most prevalent. Notably, the not-for-profit sector has less industry representation than the private sector.

Neverteless, in the last 20 years, global markets have undergone massive shifts, and what were emerging markets are now poised to exert a powerful influence on the world economy. How we communicate has amplified millions of voices, sparked social change, and connected continents. Technology continues to reinvent how people live, work and conduct business. Executive search has changed, too.