— Market Intelligence · Executive Hiring Index · DACH
How strong is demand for executive talent?
The KxK Executive Hiring Index tracks monthly demand for advertised leadership positions across Germany and Austria — by industry and region, base period = 100.
Interactive live tool · data is refreshed automatically each month (source: Adzuna job-market data, DACH).
— How it works
Demand for leadership roles, measured monthly
The Executive Hiring Index translates thousands of advertised leadership roles into a single, comparable figure. When the index rises, demand for executives grows; when it falls, the market cools. At a glance you can tell whether it is currently a candidate's or an employer's market.
The data is based on monthly vacancy counts via the official Adzuna Developer API for Germany and Austria. A fixed taxonomy of executive search terms per industry ensures every month is measured the same way. What matters most is the multi-month trend, not the single absolute value.
For boards, management teams and HR leaders the index is an early indicator: it shows how competitive a role is likely to be and helps plan search processes and compensation offers realistically.
— FAQ
Questions & answers
What does the Executive Hiring Index measure?
The KxK Executive Hiring Index measures demand for advertised leadership positions (first and second tier) across Germany and Austria. It is based on monthly vacancy counts via the official Adzuna Developer API along a fixed taxonomy of executive search terms. Base period = first measured month = 100.
How is the index calculated?
For each industry and region, vacancies are counted using defined search terms and set in relation to the base period. An index level of 112 therefore means 12% more advertised leadership roles than in the base period. The index reflects trends, not absolute market size.
Which industries and regions are covered?
The verticals machinery, life sciences, tech, PE portfolio and family businesses, plus the regions Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, NRW, Hesse, Northern and Eastern Germany, and Austria.
Does the index capture discreetly filled mandates?
No. The index reflects only the publicly advertised part of the leadership market. A significant share of executive roles is filled discreetly via search firms and is therefore not included by design.