2026 February- TLIX Leaders-Only Connect

Our latest TLIX: Talent Leader Information Exchange Leaders-Only Connect started with leaders providing advice to a peer on in-house executive recruiting vs. the strategic use of external partners. Several TLIX leaders who have established in-house exec recruiting teams emphasized the importance of trust, long-term capability building, and ROI measurement when setting up or expanding internal executive functions. These companies typically had larger exec hiring volume and have reaped significant savings bringing it in-house. Others who continue using external agencies emphasized the need for a defined operating model to clarify responsibilities between TA, HR, and search partners. These members have tried to implement performance-based agreements, but often come up against resistance from search firms.

Most leaders cited using a blended approach with confidentiality and capability guiding decisions around when to use search firms, and that agency strategies should be considered when speed is a critical factor in filling high-impact roles. Members agreed that even retained searches should maintain structured processes and measurable milestones to ensure quality and efficiency. And they advised making the decision based on the consultant rather than the brand of the firm.

Next, we discussed how best to design a new global TA team using regional recruiter productivity, shared metrics, and anticipated AI-driven process improvements. One leader highlighted their use of both external benchmarking and internal data analysis to develop their new global operating model.

Last, we discussed skills-based hiring and the challenges many of our members are experiencing, primarily due to the need to align job architecture and HRIS systems before TA can pivot toward a skill-based approach that yields sustainable talent retention and positive hiring results.