Demand for talent throughout the investment management industry remains strong despite the widespread liquidity issues and volatility that have affected global markets in recent months, according to a new report from executive recruiting firm Russell Reynolds. While Wall Street sell-side hiring “has come to a virtual standstill” because of the changes in the market, both traditional and alternative money managers are still aggressively hiring. Russell Reynolds predicts this level of hiring will continue “well into 2008.”
Demand for executive leadership has been particularly strong this year, with “C-level” search activity up more than 15% this year vs. 2006. Demand for CIOs is “off the charts,” as more managers seek out individuals with experience in multiple asset classes, as well as expertise in alternative investments, the report said. Demand for equity investment professionals is also robust, especially for international and emerging market analysts and portfolio managers.
In fixed income, however, overall search activity this year has been slower than both 2006 and 2005, according to the report.
