After months of preparation and partner input, the International Executive Search Federation (IESF) has launched a comprehensive initiative to guide its global network in the ethical and transparent use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in executive recruitment. The announcement follows the Annual General Meeting held in September in Mexico, where partners aligned on shared principles and practical steps to prepare for the upcoming EU AI Act and broader regulatory developments.
A Shared Commitment Across Borders
IESF partner firms from Europe, the Americas and Asia contributed to the initiative, which includes:
- A formal Statementon Responsible AI Use in Executive Search (IESF AI Statement 2025)
- A practical AI Compliance Checklist for search consultants
- A two-page AI Act Explainer tailored to recruitment professionals
- A global survey mapping current AI tools in use across the IESF network
These tools aim to raise awareness, ensure transparency, and support legal compliance—especially in areas such as candidate scoring, CV screening, automation, and profiling.
Key Principles
At the core of the framework are four guiding values:
- Human-in-the-loop: Final decisions must always be made by people, not machines.
- Transparency: Candidates and clients are informed when AI tools are used.
- Data protection: All AI systems must comply with GDPR and local privacy laws.
- Fairness: AI systems must not introduce or amplify discrimination or bias.
“We see AI as a tool to enhance—not replace—human insight,” said Gertjan van de Groep, President of IESF.
“By aligning on these principles, we ensure our clients and candidates are treated with fairness, clarity, and respect.”
Looking Ahead
The next phase includes knowledge sharing, legal updates, and ongoing peer exchange to ensure IESF partners are ready for regulatory enforcement in 2026.
The full statement and toolkit are available to all IESF partners and clients upon request.