As 2025 draws to a close, it has been a year of meaningful change, reflection, and growth across the executive search landscape. Executive recruitment has continued to evolve in response to shifting leadership expectations, technological advancement, and a renewed focus on purpose-driven careers. At Laurence Executive Recruitment, this year has been defined not only by market trends, but by the strengthening of our team, our global reach, and our commitment to delivering high‑calibre search outcomes with integrity and insight.
Key Trends Shaping Executive Search in 2025
1. Leadership with Purpose We saw a clear shift in what organisations expect from senior leaders. Beyond technical capability, there has been growing demand for executives who lead with emotional intelligence, adaptability, and values. Culture, diversity, and long-term impact are no longer “nice to haves” they are central to leadership success.
2. The Role of AI With Human Insight at the Core 2025 saw continued exploration of how AI can support recruitment processes, from market mapping to efficiency gains. However, one thing became increasingly clear: technology enhances executive search, but it does not replace human judgement. Relationship-building, context, and nuanced assessment remain critical a view we explored in depth in our article AI in Recruitment: Why Human Insight Still Matters.
3. Personal Branding as a Career Asset Executives are becoming far more intentional about how they present themselves in the market. In a competitive and transparent digital environment, personal branding has proven to be a powerful differentiator. We explored how a strong, authentic executive brand can influence career mobility, leadership perception, and long-term opportunity in our piece Why Personal Branding Matters for Executives.
Growth at Laurence Executive Recruitment
This year marked an exciting period of growth for Laurence Executive Recruitment. Our team expanded with the addition of Alex, who joined Rebecca and John, bringing fresh perspective, capability, and energy to our executive search practice. As a boutique firm, every team member plays a vital role in the experience we deliver and this growth reflects increasing demand for our tailored, high‑touch approach.
At our core, Laurence Executive Recruitment is committed to delivering high‑calibre search outcomes supported by experience, integrity, and genuine industry insight. This commitment was further strengthened in 2025 through a major milestone for the business.
Joining the NPA Worldwide Network
We are proud to have joined NPA Worldwide, a global network of reputable, independent executive search firms. Membership to NPA worldwide is exclusive and by invitation only, with firms vetted against strict ethical, professional, and performance standards.
Our inclusion reflects the quality, service, and capability that Laurence Executive Recruitment brings to the market. Being part of this global network allows us to better support clients with international reach and provides candidates access to broader global opportunities all while maintaining the personalised service of a boutique firm.
Thought Leadership and Advocacy
2025 was also a year where we leaned into thought leadership and meaningful conversations shaping the future of work.
Our founder, Rebecca Laurence, shared a powerful reflection for International Women’s Day, highlighting the importance of breaking barriers and building futures for women in leadership. Her article resonated strongly with clients and candidates alike, reinforcing our belief that representation, advocacy, and action matter.
Looking Ahead
As we move into 2026, we do so with clarity and optimism. The executive search world will continue to evolve, but our focus remains unchanged: partnering with organisations and leaders in a way that is thoughtful, ethical, and impactful.
We thank our clients, candidates, and partners who have supported our journey throughout the year and look forward to continuing to build strong leadership futures together.
Laurence Executive Recruitment Delivering leadership with insight, integrity, and purpose.
