Our team has been closely monitoring the most significant HR leadership changes across sectors – so you don’t have to. From boardroom appointments to executive hires, this roundup highlights key people moves across industries worldwide.
As we move through Q2 2025, the HR recruiting and leadership landscape continues to reflect a complex blend of macroeconomic pressures, evolving board dynamics, and a deepening focus on strategic talent alignment.
General Market Conditions
Aura Intelligence disclosed on May 2nd that HR and recruiting jobs are down 40 percent and 28 percent, respectively, year over year. This represents a remarkable decline and is reflective of current market confidence.
Board Representation
The Conference Board published data recently showing that despite fewer new HR executives being appointed to boards, the CHRO’s role with boards has never been more impactful. The downward trend of HR executives appointed to public boards this year with only four appointments to date.
Private Equity
According to an EY Report in Q1 2025, private equity firms saw a 45 percent rise in deal volume compared to the previous year; however, trade tensions are creating tremendous uncertainty among investors we have seen a significant slowdown in new deal activity. Despite the uncertainty, several middle market and lower middle market firms have recruited HR and Talent executives.
Below is the full report of selected multiple senior HR executive appointments across North America, EMEA and APAC, thus far this year. These moves offer critical insight into how companies are rethinking leadership in times of volatility, and which capabilities are now most in demand at the top of the function:
If you have any questions, please get in touch with:
Matt Healey
Partner, Global HR Practice – North America
E: mhealey@hiec.com