Global Talent Outlook

Human Capital, Technology and What Comes Next

Across the world the blending of human capital and technology is becoming one of the biggest drivers of business performance. The conversation has moved beyond HR as a support function. Leadership teams are increasingly focused on how talent, technology, AI, and operating models coming together to create organisations that are faster, smarter and more resilient.

Future Talent Dominates C-Suite Thinking

What stands out is a continued focus on future talent and development. Businesses are thinking more deliberately about the skills they need next, not just the roles they need today. Leadership capability, digital fluency, adaptability, and judgement are becoming core differentiators.

There is also a noticeable uptick in hiring globally for exceptional talent. Not hiring for volume, but a willingness to move quickly when the right leader appears. Organisations are prioritising individuals who can combine commercial judgement, people leadership, and transformation capability with a comfort around technology and AI.

At the same time, offshoring and outsourcing trends continue to accelerate. However it’s not all as straight forward as it appears, organisations are rethinking where work gets done, how operating models evolve and which capabilities should sit internally versus externally. Some organisations are near shoring and on shoring, partly to balance Increasing costs and hyper competitive market places in traditional locations for skills. AI and automation develop, many businesses are redesigning delivery models and support functions to create greater flexibility and scale.

Fail Quickly and Move on Fast

Another theme coming through strongly is experimentation. AI, digital twins, and the ability to test ideas quickly are now firmly on the minds of senior corporate leaders. The idea of experimenting, learning quickly and even failing along the way is becoming far more accepted. Standing still now carries more risk than trying something new. Testing, learning, and adapting quickly is becoming part of how businesses build advantage.

Uncertainty for Dubai

One area where there is more uncertainty is the Middle East. Over the past few years, we have seen a significant surge in interest in the region, especially Dubai, as organisations built regional hubs and leaders relocated to participate in the growth story. With the ongoing conflict and geopolitical tension, there is a growing sense of the unknown. In the short-term, safety remains in many Middle East locations, but the question is whether we see a longer-term hesitation around relocation or transit. If that happens, there could be a knock-on effect where companies increasingly look to balance growth with stability, potentially strengthening alternative regional bases such as Singapore, Istanbul or India for certain leadership roles and operational hubs.

Deep Dive: Private Equity

Private equity remains one of the most dynamic areas globally and 2026 has seen an increased amount of leadership hiring.

Across Europe, the US and Australia, activity levels remain strong as firms refresh leadership teams and reset timelines across PE-owned businesses. Value creation plans are becoming more sophisticated, and leadership expectations continue to rise. AI due diligence is also becoming a bigger part of investment conversations. Investors want to understand not just the opportunity AI presents, but also the risk if companies fail to adopt it effectively.

An interesting trend we have noticed is the demand for leaders with an athlete mindset — resilient, competitive, disciplined, and able to perform under pressure. PE environments reward pace, clarity and execution, and the leaders who succeed there tend to combine stamina with sharp decision making.

At the same time, AI experimentation is on the agenda for corporate and investment leaders alike.

One thing feels clear: The second half of 2026 is shaping up to be far more dynamic than the first half.

Bring it on.

Ben Davies is the CEO of ChapmanCG and splits his time between Europe & Asia supporting CEOs, Boards and CPOs to hire leadership talent.