CEOs say talent is their number one priority as risk management takes a back seat. Eighty three per cent of global CEOs have said managing talent in the recruitment upturn is their number one priority.

Recruitment Consultant February 2011

This according to a PwC survey of 1,200 CEOs.

A vast majority of theCEOs surveyed globally plan to change their firm’s talent management strategy over the next 12 months and for 31 per cent these changes will be major.

The next priority is risk management with 77 per cent, displaced as last year`s top priority.

Michael Rendell, head of HR consulting at PwC, said: “As we move out of the downturn, CEOs are putting the focus firmly on their people. Competition for talent is intensifying as recruitment activity picks up in some sectors and there are increasing difficulties finding staff with the right skills. CEOs often speak of the importance of talent, but there’s not enough evidence of action being taken.

"The survey findings are encouraging, suggesting talent will be reflected more in company strategy. HR professionals need to help CEOs see what can and should be done.”

UK CEOs anticipate the main change to talent management will be deploying more employees to international assignments, another sign of optimism in economic recovery which is allowing firms to focus on expansion."

Recruitment Consultant February 2011