Michael Nieset, Global Sector Leader
Hilary Jambor, Global Sector Leader, Internet Retail
Michael Speck, Global Sector Leader, Internet Media & Entertainment

Internet businesses face a talent challenge like few other markets. The internet sector is still relatively new and experiencing rapid innovation and evolving business models. The pool of leadership executives who have built sustainable, profitable businesses at significant scale remains very limited, and many of those who have done so have retired from operating roles and turned to investment or pure retirement. As a result, internet companies must be open to considering executive talent from other relevant markets, including technology, consumer products and 'traditional' media, and must carefully assess senior leaders for requisite competencies and experiences that will port to their businesses.

In addition to this industry-wide challenge, each of the internet sectors faces its own particular business challenges with important implications for talent needs:

• Technology & Hosted Services. Internet-related technologies of all kinds are appearing and evolving at a dizzying pace: mobile devices, wireless, Wi-Fi, search, social networking, web analytics, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), and more. The internet continues to converge with mobile telephony and the lines between technology products and services are blurring. Staying ahead of innovation - and the competition - requires leaders with extraordinary foresight and proven instincts.
• Media & Entertainment. Media, sports and video game companies must find ways to connect with and sell content to their consumers online. Their audiences are increasingly turning to the internet for news, information, and entertainment. A range of organizations, large and small, focus on content distribution and the range of new technologies that deliver media over the internet to the consumer. Creating new and innovative ways to monetize their content is critical to success, and conceiving of these paradigm-changing strategies requires extraordinary intellect and skills.
• Retailing. The ability to achieve a global presence instantly on the internet has put competitors of all sizes on an equal footing. Large and small online retailers alike must be able to drive traffic to their sites, turn visits to revenue, and master the dynamics of a multi-channel marketplace. Leveraging technology, outsourcing fulfillment, and utilizing cutting-edge online marketing campaigns are determining ultimate success or failure.

To find the talent needed to meet these many challenges, leading internet businesses turn to the Global Internet Practice of Heidrick & Struggles. With deep understanding of the competencies and experience that internet companies and their business models require.