Kathy Freeman Survey of Investment Industry Forecasts Challenging Year For Recruiting Senior Executives

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif., Feb 25, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Senior executives in the investment industry will be reluctant to move to another firm in 2014 unless the opportunity offers accelerated career growth and equity ownership, according to the Kathy Freeman Company, a national retained executive search firm.

The firm's Fifth Annual Executive Survey of sales and marketing leaders in the investment industry also found that executives will be open to new opportunities in 2014. Fifty-seven percent – the second highest percentage in the survey's history – said they would look at a position outside their firm this year.

The report concluded that any offer must be highly compelling because many executives are content with their current position and compensation. In fact, 43% said they were open to a new opportunity in 2013, but didn't move because the right opportunity never surfaced.

"If you need talent to expand, you can attract an audience to your story, but getting someone to execute an offer will be challenging," said Kathy Freeman Godfrey, CEO of the Kathy Freeman Company. "Any new opportunity must offer candidates a new dimension to their careers. The new role should be a step beyond – perhaps a chance to expand their internal influence, build a business line, or launch a new product."

The report includes four major findings:

• Executive Talent Is In Charge—And They Know It
• Recruiting Opportunity Abounds But Only For The Savviest Firms
• Employee Retention Could Be More Challenging
• The Industry Is In Denial About The Talent Shortage

"There is pent up demand in the marketplace to move within the industry," Freeman said. "Now that the economy is improving, more executives will entertain new opportunities, but any offer must include equity ownership and career growth."

To read the full report, download the Fifth Annual Executive Survey.

About Kathy Freeman Company
The Kathy Freeman Company is a national retained executive search firm that connects CEO and executive-level leaders with asset and wealth management firms, industry service providers, and investment technology companies. Since 1992, the Kathy Freeman Company has followed a proven, disciplined recruitment process that produces the perfect fit. Call 805.542.0800 or visit www.kathyfreemanco.com. Follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

SOURCE Kathy Freeman Company