As we close out 2024 and prepare for the opportunities and challenges of 2025, the importance of strategic leadership has never been more apparent. The past year has been marked by unprecedented technological shifts, particularly in AI, as well as some noteworthy trends around remote work and sustainability—and the executives who can navigate these complex landscapes will define their organizations’ success in the coming year. Based on our extensive market insights, we’ve identified some interesting themes that should be taken into consideration when hiring for Engineering and Product leadership in 2025.
Engineering & Product | Executive Talent Themes:
- AI Integration: We all know that Engineering and Product leaders must now have the technical acumen to integrate AI/ML capabilities into core infrastructure and product offerings. That said, when seeking a VP of Engineering in particular, be careful not to over-index here by searching for the “unicorn” profile of Data Scientist-turned-VP Engineering. Instead, prioritize candidates who have demonstrated the ability to strategically leverage AI in unlocking new revenue streams, driving operational gains, and shaping product innovation to better solve customers’ problems.
Importantly, both Product and Engineering leaders should be able to point to specific examples of having:
— Aligned advanced technologies with business strategy
— Harnessed AI for customer insights and product optimization
— Driven meaningful innovation that creates competitive advantage
- Cybersecurity Integration: Cybersecurity can no longer exist in a silo. As attacks become increasingly sophisticated and automated, Engineering executives need to prioritize secure development practices, while Product leaders need to ensure that security is integrated into all stages of a product’s lifecycle (i.e. Product Security). Prioritizing security-obsessed Engineering and Product leaders can significantly reduce your company’s risk exposure.
- Remote & Distributed Team Leadership: Despite increasing return-to-office initiatives, highly distributed engineering teams remain the norm and are likely here to stay. Successful candidates will bring experience in managing teams across various geographies, fostering collaboration across time zones, maintaining productivity, and embedding a strong engineering culture. Remote leadership skills are no longer a “nice to have” — they’re critical to today’s workforce.
- Climate Impact and Risk Assessment: Executive leaders in Engineering and Product must be cognizant of emerging regulations around climate impact and risk reporting. New requirements like the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) and California’s SB 261 are creating additional imperatives for businesses to assess and report on climate-related risks and environmental impact.
Leaders should bring expertise in:
— Understanding new regulatory landscapes
— Assessing potential business operation impacts
— Driving sustainability initiatives in product design and operational efficiency
Hiring the right Engineering and Product leaders is about more than just technical expertise—it’s about finding those who can navigate market complexities, foster innovation, and align teams with your company’s vision for the future. As your strategic partner, we ensure that your leadership hires are not just a fit for today, but are equipped to drive your company’s long-term success.
Solving our clients’ most challenging problems through talent acquisition has been and remains our top priority in both up and down markets. If we can help you take advantage of current market conditions to expand or upgrade your leadership team, please contact us directly or at SPMB.com/contact.
