New Challenges, New Energy – Summary of the IESF Regional Conference 2025 in Oslo
Oslo, April 2025 – The capital of Norway, surrounded by fjords and bathed in spring light, became the setting for an inspiring gathering of representatives from the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) across Europe. The IESF 2025 Regional Conference was not only a space for sharing knowledge and experiences but also an important platform for discussions on the future of leadership, investments, energy, and the role of artificial intelligence in executive-level recruitment.
Investment Funds and Shaping the Economy of the Future
One of the opening topics of the conference was investment trends in the CEE region and Northern Europe. Experts from investment funds highlighted the growing interest in sustainable development projects, renewable energy, and technologies supporting automation and digitalization. They emphasized the need for strong leadership capable of guiding companies through market volatility and transformational pressure.
More Women in Boards – No Longer a Trend, But a Necessity
The discussions clearly highlighted the ongoing trend of increasing female representation in boards and executive committees. Concrete examples were shared on how diversity impacts the quality of strategic decision-making. Experience exchange between countries showed that Scandinavia remains a leader in inclusivity, but the dynamics of change are also accelerating across the entire CEE region.
What Worries CEOs in 2025? Results of the IESF Survey
We also presented the results of an international survey where CEOs, Country Managers, and Managing Directors from 25 IESF countries shared their biggest challenges for 2025. The key issues included: rising energy costs, a lack of strategic skills in the market, AI integration within organizations, regulatory uncertainty, and talent retention in the era of hybrid work and generational migration.
Where Do Energy Prices Come From and Where Are We Heading?
A particularly emotional presentation was given by Eirik Wærness, Chief Economist at Equinor ASA. He explained in an understandable way where current energy prices come from, showing the complex geopolitical ties, transformational pressure, and limitations of transmission networks. Importantly, Equinor presented the directions in which energy will develop: hydrogen, offshore wind, and carbon capture and storage (CCS). Europe needs a new strategy for energy coordination between countries.
Regardless of the geopolitical situation, the energy transition requires new sources of mineral raw materials and rare earth metals. This presents a huge opportunity for the energy and natural resources sector:
- Delivering energy services to a growing, wealthier population
- Energy-efficient solutions in energy, transport, logistics, construction, and industry
- Solving problems related to emissions (CH₄, CO₂) – leaks, capture, transport, storage
- Power grids (production, infrastructure, storage)
- Exploration, extraction, and processing of mineral resources
- Development of the hydrogen economy where it makes sense
Artificial Intelligence in Recruitment: Opportunity or Threat?
AI was also a key topic. IESF experts discussed the role that artificial intelligence already plays in recruitment processes – from CV analysis, through cultural fit evaluation, to predicting candidate success in a role. New regulations related to the EU’s AI Act were also discussed, which will significantly impact executive search firms’ responsibility for transparency and the safety of algorithms assessing people. In our view, AI is a tool that supports the consultant, but does not replace their experience and intuition.
New Members – New Perspectives
The conference was also an opportunity to officially welcome three new IESF members from the Czech Republic, Denmark, and Switzerland. Their presence enriches our network not only geographically but also substantively. Each new partner brings unique skills, industry experience, and an understanding of local markets – all crucial for executing international executive search projects. Central and Eastern Europe now has four players: Poland, Romania, Hungary, and the Czech Republic. However, we are ready to execute projects in neighboring countries (Slovakia, Serbia, Bulgaria) as well.
Norwegian Integrations and… Snow in April
The networking activities took place in the picturesque areas around Oslo, adding a touch of Scandinavian adventure. Admiring Norwegian art by Edvard Munch, conversations by the fire at the former Senatorium Scandic Park, and team-building activities in the mountainous landscape near the Holmenkollen ski jump not only strengthened our relationships but also reminded us that in working with people, even at the international level, the most important factors are… relationships and understanding cultures.
The IESF 2025 Regional Conference in Oslo showed that the world of executive search is evolving faster than ever before. New technologies, changing leadership models, rising expectations for leaders, and transformational pressure make the role of experienced advisors even more significant. The meeting in Oslo was a perfect demonstration that the strength of IESF lies not only in its global reach but also in the human quality of collaboration.
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