ExecuNet Exclusive: Search Firms Peg Top Executive Hiring Growth Regions

Data gathered for ExecuNet’s 2009 Executive Job Market Intelligence Report reveals that search firms anticipate the West Coast will lead the nation in executive-level hiring in 2009, led by searches to find business leaders for emerging clean/green enterprises and technology companies. Due in large part to its reliance on financial services employers, which continue to feel the most acute effects of the recession, the Northeast has dropped out of the top five growth regions.

Top Growth Regions for Anticipated
Executive-Level Hiring*

2008
2009

1. South/Southeast
1. West Coast

2. West Coast
2. Southwest (incl Texas)

3. Southwest (incl Texas)
3. South/Southeast

4. Midwest
4. Mid-Atlantic

5. Northeast/New England
5. Midwest

*Executive search firm responses

Source: ExecuNet’s 2009 Executive Job Market Intelligence Report