The once-celebrated approach of "growth at all costs" has given way to a renewed focus on traditional business fundamentals. Across boardrooms in Europe and the US, we're seeing a decisive shift in what companies value in their leadership.
The Pendulum Swings Back
For the better part of a decade, the corporate world was intoxicated by growth metrics. Revenue growth, user acquisition, market expansion — these were the KPIs that defined success. But the correction has been swift and decisive.
What Boards Want Now
Today's boards are looking for leaders who can deliver profitable growth, not just growth. The emphasis has shifted to cash flow management, operational efficiency, and sustainable margins. This is particularly pronounced in the private equity world, where portfolio companies are under pressure to demonstrate real returns.
The CFO Renaissance
One of the clearest signals of this shift is the rising importance of the CFO role. Once seen primarily as a reporting function, the modern CFO is now a strategic partner — often the second most important person in the organisation.
Implications for Executive Search
For us in executive search, this shift has practical implications. The candidate profiles our clients seek have changed meaningfully. Technical competence and operational discipline now outweigh visionary thinking and disruption narratives.