Overall demand for executive talent in the 4th quarter of 2002 was down by 6% compared to the 4th quarter of 2001. This is a rebound from the steep declines seen earlier this year. Despite the decline there was strength seen in several functional specialties. There was an increase in demand for Consulting (15%), Sales & Marketing (8%), and MIS/IT executives (7%). The upswing in "rainmaker" demand and consulting may portend a strengthening economy.
On the other hand, demand declined in other functions: Operations Management was down 8%, Finance -20%, Legal/Regulatory -21%, General Management -23%, and Human Resources -23%.
