Generative AI and the Future of Executive Talent
Key insights for executive recruitment in the evolving landscape of Generative Enterprise Services
Explore InsightsKey Insights for Talent Acquisition
The HFS Research Horizons report reveals critical trends affecting talent requirements and strategic roles in the Generative Enterprise era. Here's what executive recruiters need to know:
AI Skills Gap Crisis
98% of service providers' employees have received formal AI/GenAI training, yet 80% feel it's insufficient—highlighting a critical skills gap in the market.
Executive recruiters must identify candidates with comprehensive AI expertise beyond surface-level training.
Agentic AI Disruption
26% of enterprises expect to adopt AI-led agentic services within the next 18 months, increasing demand for leaders who can manage autonomous AI workforces.
Look for executives who can navigate the transition from human-led to AI-augmented workforces.
Evolving Service Delivery
Service models are shifting from labor arbitrage to technology arbitrage, with "services-as-software" gaining traction.
Executives with experience in platform-led and AI-led service delivery models will be in high demand.
Generative Enterprise Talent Requirements
1 Horizon 1: Digital Disruptors
Technical leaders who drive digital transformation using AI for predictive functional insights.
- Strong technical implementation skills for GenAI tools
- Experience taking GenAI use cases to production
- Technical expertise with third-party GenAI technologies
- Offshore delivery management capabilities
- Proven track record of successful GenAI implementations
2 Horizon 2: Enterprise Innovators
Executives who can enable OneOffice transformation by leveraging AI for improved decision-making and stakeholder experience.
- Experience breaking down data silos across organizations
- Proven ability to generate net-new value cases with GenAI
- Skill in managing offshore/nearshore technical and consulting teams
- Development experience with proprietary AI tools and frameworks
- Track record of performance-based client relationships
3 Horizon 3: Generative Enterprise Leaders
Top tier executives who can redefine how work gets done using GenAI, driving co-creation with ecosystem partners.
- Ability to completely redefine work processes using GenAI (30-70% productivity gains)
- Experience developing value-focused frameworks that deliver GenAI as-a-service
- Track record of co-creation partnerships with AI technology leaders
- Strong ethical AI governance expertise
- Proven ability to drive new business models through ecosystem partnerships
The Generative Enterprise isn't about sprinkling AI onto legacy processes; it's about committing to wholesale transformation—rewriting operating models, reimagining customer experiences, and driving decisions with intelligence at scale.
CEO and Chief Analyst, HFS Research
Key AI Market Statistics
Growth in number of AI clients (2023-2024)
Growth in AI service revenue
Growth in AI-trained employees
Growth in AI labs
AI Implementation Challenges
Access to data and maintaining data quality
Regulatory compliance & security risks
Complexity of integration
Skill gaps among employees
Current vs. Future Talent Needs
Current Service Delivery Requirements
Current client needs are primarily met by traditional staff augmentation and technology-enabled services, but the landscape is shifting rapidly.
Future Service Delivery Requirements (18 months)
The shift toward AI-led agentic services will require a new profile of executive talent with different skill sets.
Top Priority Talent Gaps to Address
- Creative commercial models: Executives who can develop innovative, performance-based compensation models (lowest client satisfaction rating: 7.8/10)
- IP and R&D development: Leaders with track records in AI intellectual property creation (client satisfaction: 7.9/10)
- Industry-specific AI offerings: Domain experts who can apply GenAI to specific industries (client satisfaction: 8.3/10)
- AI-specific partnerships: Executives with established relationships in the AI ecosystem (client satisfaction: 8.3/10)
- Talent attraction and retention: Leaders who can build and nurture AI talent (client satisfaction: 8.3/10)
Recruitment Implications & Strategies
New Executive Profiles
Look beyond traditional technical and business roles to find talent that can bridge technical capabilities with business transformation.
Horizon 3 leaders will need experience with autonomous agentic AI and new business models—less than 20% of current executives have these skills.
Ecosystem Orchestrators
Prioritize candidates who have demonstrated success in building and managing AI ecosystems with cloud providers, AI specialists, and domain experts.
Capability to foster co-creation and innovation with partners will be a critical differentiator in the Generative Enterprise.
Responsible AI Leaders
Identify executives with strong ethical frameworks who can navigate the complex regulatory landscape of AI while driving innovation.
Experience with AI governance, risk management, and ethical AI frameworks will be essential for leadership roles.
