We surveyed more than 300 executives to understand career mobility motivations and trends.

Understanding the driving forces behind executive mobility provides valuable insights for companies looking to attract and retain top talent. This is particularly relevant when 86% of executives are open to considering new positions.

Our comprehensive survey of over 300 executive leaders delves into the primary factors driving their decisions, from career growth and competitive compensation to job security and flexible working arrangements.

The report also highlights key insights into executive retention, such as the significance of job satisfaction and company culture, and underscores the pivotal role of executive search consultants in accessing hidden talent.

We hope that the unique experiences shared by our global search consultants help you to build and sustain a robust leadership pipeline. If you would like to discuss your talent strategy with one of our experts, browse our industry Practice Groups or find your nearest office at IICPartners.com.

Executive Mobility: 8 Key Insights

1. Executives Are Highly Mobile

An impressive 86% of executives are open to new opportunities with 36% actively searching for new roles and another 50% open to the right role if contacted by an executive recruiter.

2. The Power of Employer Branding

One in three executives prioritizes company culture, company mission and impact, or remote working options over compensation when considering new roles.

3. Top Causes of Failed Hires

Forty-three percent of executives have regretted a career move, primarily due to poor cultural fit, inaccurate job descriptions, and lack of career growth opportunities.

4. Accessing Hidden Talent

Fifty-one percent of professionals have made unplanned career moves after being contacted by executive search consultants, underscoring their crucial role in reaching hidden talent​​.

5. Domestic and International Relocation

Eighty-one percent of executives are open to domestic relocation and 43% are willing to relocate internationally, demonstrating senior leaders’ high adaptability.

6. Negative Management Erodes Retention

Four in ten executives have left positions due to negative relationships with their direct managers, indicating the need for organizations to monitor leadership behaviors​.

7. Importance of Compensation Progression

Fifty-five percent of executives believe they need to change jobs to increase their compensation, highlighting a gap in salary progression within organizations.

8. High Levels of Job Acceptance U-Turns

A significant 40% of executives have withdrawn their job acceptance to pursue alternative offers. The top reasons were compensation, job security, and company culture.

Read the full report >

About IIC Partners

IIC Partners is a leading provider of executive search and leadership consulting services. Our expert consultants, connected across 40 offices worldwide, partner with senior executives and board directors to transform businesses and solve complex leadership challenges.