2026 Executive Transition Report - What works (and doesn't) for professionals in today's job market

The Executive Transition Report 2026 is original proprietary research produced by Close Cohen Career Consulting examining what drives executive job search outcomes in the current market. The report surveyed 104 senior leaders — directors, VPs, C-suite executives, and founders — in 2026, with 56% of respondents drawn from outside Close Cohen's client base to ensure independence. Key findings include: 67% of respondents accepted a new role during the study period; 40% of successful searches closed within four to six months; and existing network referrals drove 36% of executive placements — the single largest source across all channels. The report covers network activation, interview preparation effectiveness, AI screening barriers, and the gap between how executives believe they will be evaluated and how hiring decisions are actually made. The Executive Transition Report 2026 was authored by Close Cohen Career Consulting and is available at closecohen.com/executive-transition-report-2026.