News & Insights | Stories From Executive Search & Recruitment

The psychological profile of a net-zero leader

There’s no denying that the energy transition has created one of the most complex leadership environments in modern times. Companies must now balance decarbonisation targets, changing regulation and tech advancements against a backdrop of ecopolitical uncertainty. The result is that while skills and experience are more important than ever for leaders, they are simply […]

What technical and operational leaders want now in a challenging hiring market

There’s no disputing that, despite the wider economic environment, the leadership hiring market remains active across engineering, manufacturing and industrial sectors. However, it is becoming significantly more complex to navigate. Businesses are still investing and making critical hires, yet securing the right individuals is taking longer, costing more than many expect, and requiring a far […]

The retirement cliff and the growing operational risk across industrial sectors

Leadership transition is becoming an increasingly important focus for employers operating across energy, infrastructure and industrial markets. Across the UK and wider Europe, experienced professionals are reaching retirement over a relatively concentrated period, while businesses are managing rising complexity, regulatory scrutiny and sustained investment programmes. While this trend is well understood, its timing is significant, […]

The true cost of waiting: how late-stage searches drive up salary pressure and increase operational risk

Timing has become one of the most overlooked risk factors in executive search. Many companies still initiate a search only when a role becomes critical to the business, often because it seems the most practical and efficient approach. In truth, this hiring pattern is becoming increasingly costly, especially across energy, manufacturing, engineering and industrial markets where skills scarcity is […]

Rising costs, static talent: The new reality of energy hiring

Hiring in the UK energy and industrial sectors is becoming notably more complex. Demand for talent remains high, especially in engineering, operations, and leadership roles, but the way that talent is secured has changed significantly over the past few years. Employers are experiencing a more fundamental shift in both costs and candidate behaviour, driven by a wealth of […]

The energy leadership gap threatening the UK’s path to net zero

The scale and speed of the UK’s energy transition to reach the Government’s 2050 net zero targets mean there’s an urgent need to close the gap in energy leadership. The critical nature of this issue is acknowledged but often under-discussed, and the growing skills gap could prove a substantial barrier to sector growth. It’s fair to say that investment in the sector has skyrocketed […]

Leadership skills gaps: Where will the energy sector’s future talent come from?

The UK energy sector is undergoing rapid transformation. Investment in low‑carbon infrastructure, advances in digital technology, evolving regulation, and geopolitical pressures are reshaping how energy is generated, stored and managed. What this means in practice is a growing demand for leaders who can manage complexity, deliver change and build resilience at pace. The scale of the challenge is significant. The Climate Change […]

The five leadership talent trends reshaping the UK energy sector

The UK is accelerating its net-zero ambitions, and the creation of this new energy infrastructure is booming. Building, developing and recruiting leadership talent is now pivotal to the success of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and offshore wind plants that will deliver on the Government’s ambitious targets. In this article, I will explore five key leadership […]

Why gender diversity is now business critical in energy leadership

The energy sector is undergoing one of the most profound transformations in history. And while decarbonisation, digitalisation and decentralisation are bringing about positive changes, they are also placing unprecedented pressure on leadership teams across oil, gas, power, renewables and infrastructure. Today’s energy leaders must now balance legacy assets with emerging technologies, respond to evolving regulations, […]

The rise of small modular reactors in energy: what leaders need to know

The nuclear energy industry is undergoing one of the most significant transitions in its history. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) – compact, factory-built plants designed for faster, more affordable, and more flexible deployment – are rapidly moving from theory to commercial reality. Earlier this year, the Government unveiled a major Advanced Nuclear Framework to accelerate development, […]