Executive Search Blog
Our executive search blog offers expert insights into a range of recruitment and business topics.
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Expert Predictions for 2025 EMEA Hiring
Insights from Oakstone Divisional Directors Andy Strong, Tristan Heywood and Steve Farr.
After several challenging years for SaaS, the EMEA region is gradually recovering, presenting new opportunities and hurdles for businesses looking to expand their GTM (Go-to-Market) teams. Drawing insights from industry leaders at Oakstone International, let's explore what lies ahead for hiring in EMEA.
Director Insights: The New War For Talent
Blog written by Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. Join his discussion of high salaries vs genuine opportunity.
The Emergence of the Chief Artificial Intelligence Officer
It's not only AI companies which are expanding on the new technologies. Data shows that countless organisations are building out an AI-skilled workforce. That includes the decision to appoint or hire a chief artificial intelligence officer (CAIO). Guest contributions from Dr. Andrea Isoni, Guillaume Laport and Dan Hammond Smith.
The Evolution of Customer Success in 2024
It's not merely a buzzword; Customer Success is gaining a fundamental shift in how businesses approach relationships. As we delve into Gartner's predictions for 2024, it becomes increasingly evident that customer success is not just a trend but a strategic imperative for organisations across industries.
Navigating the Age Conundrum in the Job Market
Written by Andy Strong, Oakstone Divisional Director.
In today's competitive job market, age has become a significant factor influencing hiring decisions. There's a prevalent misconception that younger talent is preferred solely due to their high energy levels, but the underlying driver often boils down to cost-effectiveness. This bias has created a complex scenario where both younger and older professionals face challenges in securing employment opportunities that align with their expectations.
Does Hiring Within Your Network Save Money?
Written by Oakstone Divisional Director Andy Strong.
In recruitment, there's a common belief that hiring within your network is a cost-effective strategy. This approach, however, often turns out to be an oxymoron, with hidden costs and challenges that could overshadow the initial savings.
The Impact of Marginal Gains: Insights From Our Sales Kick Off
In the dynamic world of sales, staying competitive is not just important but a fundamental requirement for success. Recently, our Divisional Director, Andy Strong, led our annual sales kick-off, an event that provided a valuable perspective on the importance of continuous goal setting and the practical benefits of marginal gains.
SaaS Leaders: Think like a Venture Capitalist
Written by Divisional Director, Steve Farr.
Securing investment for SaaS start-ups is a critical milestone in the dynamic landscape of technology and entrepreneurship. Recently, I conducted a poll on LinkedIn, seeking insights from venture capitalists regarding their top priorities when evaluating SaaS start-ups for investment.
The Growth of AP Automation SaaS: How to Expand?
Written by Divisional Director, Andy Strong
The Accounts Payable (AP) Automation Software as a Service (SaaS) market is one sector of SaaS Oakstone has had extensive experience working in – we've hired over 200 people within and around this sector.
With projections indicating a surge from USD 6.67 billion in 2022 to USD 13.80 billion by 2029, showcasing a robust CAGR of 10.9% (source: Fortune Business Insight), this rapid expansion is fuelled by the increasing adoption of technology in AP automation processes, where 69% of professionals leverage technology for spend analysis and procure-to-pay (P2P), according to Gartner.