In this three-part series, DHR’s Global Technology Leaders located across the Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, and North America speak to the trends business leaders need to know and what they mean from a talent perspective.
In Part 2, we covered a growing demand for Information Technology Officers in North America, the increasing significance of blockchain/crypto in APAC, and the growth trajectory of Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) in Europe. To recap further, see the trends covered in Part 1 here.
Wrapping up with the final article in the series, here are the latest insights from our global talent advisors:
- North America: Sal DiFranco, Managing Partner, Global Technology
- APAC: Mike Lim, Managing Partner, China
- Europe: Frank Smeekes, Managing Partner, Europe
North America: Innovation & Disruption in Healthcare
What should business leaders know?
“Healthcare providers are continuing to innovate and grow. There is room for disruption in the space and smaller players are experiencing high growth by bringing more personalized coverage and a strong focus on the consumer. Venture capital and private equity organizations are also fueling these organizations with growth capital to help them succeed and achieve their goals.”
What does this mean for talent?
“The critical factors impacting the growth of these organizations are 1) differentiating themselves by the pace and speed at which they can work, 2) the technology that enables them to connect and create an enhanced customer experience, and 3) bringing in new talent that can think outside the box when it comes to playing in the traditional healthcare provider markets. Healthcare organizations should think outside of the box when hiring as there are many transferrable skill sets that can create impact for an organization, even if the candidate lacks industry expertise. Bringing in talent from technology product and technology-enabled companies for roles in engineering, product management, marketing, and IT can add additional functional bench strength to their organizations.”
Sal DiFranco
Managing Partner, Global Technology
Sal serves as Managing Partner of the Global Technology and Technology Officer Practices specializing in cloud, digital transformation, IoT, data & analytics and software & applications including SaaS. He specializes in C-level technology searches across all practices, with a focus on industrial technology, fintech, healthcare IT, consumer & retail and professional services.
APAC: Artificial Intelligence in Production & Monetization Space
What should business leaders know?
“This year, artificial intelligence (AI) will evolve from just a technological capability into implementation across organizations. We will see more and more AI technology being incorporated into products, applications, and services than ever before.”
What does this mean for talent?
“Talent in this area is currently in high demand. Almost every technology-related company is looking to hire AI-knowledgeable talent. We have seen compensation offers being extended to AI talent which are significantly above market for similar-level positions. It is increasingly important for managers to adopt a two-prong strategy to retain existing AI talent and proactively keep a bench of strong pipeline talent flowing into the organization.”
Mike Lim
Managing Partner, China
Mike serves as Managing Partner of China and Leader of the Professional Services & Technology Practice for Asia Pacific. He is based in the firm’s Beijing office and a member of the APAC Executive Committee.
Europe: SaaS Trends in 2024
What should business leaders know?
“Closing out 2023 and heading into 2024, the Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) industry is expected to focus on enhancing data security, seamless integration with other platforms, and further advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML). With an increasing emphasis on data privacy and security, SaaS providers will need to prioritize cybersecurity and data protection measures to remain competitive. Additionally, businesses are increasingly seeking SaaS solutions that can integrate with other platforms seamlessly, enabling more efficient workflows. As AI and ML continue to evolve, SaaS providers must adapt their offerings to incorporate these technologies to remain at the forefront of the industry.”
What does this mean for talent?
“Recruiting SaaS executives requires a targeted approach. Clearly define the skills, qualifications, and experience you are seeking which may include product management, business development, or operations. Assess candidates’ knowledge of the SaaS industry, including their understanding of key trends, challenges, and competitive landscape. Evaluate their experience in driving SaaS growth, customer acquisition and retention, and scaling SaaS operations. SaaS executives are often attracted to companies with a strong culture and a clear vision for growth. Highlight your company’s mission, values, and opportunities for professional development and advancement to appeal to top SaaS talent. Offer competitive compensation packages that align with market standards for SaaS executive roles. Additionally, consider benefits such as equity options, flexible work arrangements, and professional development opportunities to attract top talent.”
Frank Smeekes
Managing Partner, Europe
Based in Amsterdam, Frank serves as a Managing Partner in Europe and is a member of the board of directors. His assignments are mostly in the technology, professional services and industrial spaces.
Navigating an Evolving Industry with Global Talent Insights
Concluding the Technology Trends and Talent Takeaways series, we’ve covered the key trends happening around the globe – from AI to ESG to SaaS – and how organizations can best attract, recruit, and retain executives who can meet today’s business needs while responding quickly to changing market conditions.
Our global technology consultants work collaboratively across the globe, drawing from the best and most applicable skills to identify the highest-quality candidates. Our global perspective and broad base of experience allow us to develop a thorough understanding of your company’s operational and cultural needs. Contact us to discuss how any of these trends are affecting your business and our recommendations for engaging top technology talent.