The US Executive Search Reset: Reimagining BD for Growth in a Changed Market

The executive search landscape is changing and so is business development. In a market where clients are cautious, pipelines are slower, and relationships matter more than ever, old-school outreach won’t cut it. Growth in 2026 will come from smarter BD: brand-led influence, trusted relationships, and consistent visibility.

James Osborne sits down with James Baker, CEO at Buchanan Staffing Group, and Will Hannaford, MD and CEO at Maven Partnership, for a focused session designed to help executive search leaders reimagine BD for real commercial impact.

This isn’t another market forecast. It’s a practical, insight-driven discussion for leaders who want to build trust, create demand, and grow revenue in a changed market.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to separate cyclical challenges from long-term structural shifts in BD
• How to build sustainable, relationship-led pipelines even when demand is patchy
• How to evolve beyond traditional “placement-first” models to advisory-led growth
• The leadership and BD habits of firms still winning in a cautious market

Who It’s For:

• Executive search founders, MDs, and senior leaders in the US
• BD and client development teams ready to reimagine their approach
• Firms looking to stand out, build trust, and win business in 2026