REVIEW OF 2024: From delivering excellent search outcomes for our private equity, listed and private clients through to a successful events programme and London office move, 2024 was a positive year for the Directorbank team.
The first quarter of 2024 saw a softening market, but from the beginning of April we noticed a strong rebound which lasted through until November, at which point there appears to have been a very cautious reaction both to the UK Budget and the outcome of the USA election. While we have been party to a high level of pre-deal activity, investors do seem to be deferring decisions until the overall economic environment is clearer. Nevertheless, there are signs of longer term optimism and 2025 could well see a strong rise in deal volumes while UK assets continue to be seen as undervalued, particularly if interest rates and inflation start to come down.
In terms of Executive Search activity, we experienced strong demand for CEOs/MDs and Chairs. At the sector level we saw good performance in the mainstream Industrial sector while Technology and Business Services both held up well. Our German Practice continued to perform excellently and again constituted a third of our overall business.
As always, we remain focused on assignment delivery for our clients and look forward to hosting our usual programme of events for our PE clients and Board-level candidates throughout 2025.
Click here for a summary of our 2024 activity and highlights