Industry Insights

New research highlights the common conclusion reached by the majority of studies on executive coaching: that coaching for individuals in executive jobs delivers an ROI between 500% and 600%. A landmark 2001 study, cited in the research, surveyed 100 executives from Fortune 1000 companies for a variety of metrics that determine ROI. The executives reported higher bottom line results as well as improvements in their companies’ customer service and development of potential successors.

Multinational insurance and financial services company Prudential plc. has appointed Jackie Hunt as Chief Executive, Prudential UK and Europe. She will also serve on the Board. The high-profile position is one of the most prominent within the UK insurance industry, and there has been speculation that if Hunt can lead the company to strong results, she could be next in line for the top spot of Group Chief Executive, currently held by Tidjane Thiam.

Expectations for growth among chief executives in privately held companies in the US are on the rise, according to the latest Private Company Trendsetter Barometer report from PwC US. Among these senior executives, including CEOs and CFOs from product and service sectors, 50% are optimistic about the country’s 12-month economic outlook - eight points higher than in the previous quarter. Optimism towards the global economy rose by 12 points to 37%.

Harvard Business School has announced a new program for healthcare executives, called Business Innovations in Global Health Care. The program will focus on new ventures in delivery, insurance and technology aimed at improving access to quality healthcare, both in developing and developed countries. While Business Innovations in Global Health Care is designed primarily for senior executives in healthcare organisations, the program will offer relevant insights to consultants, managers, investors and other industry professionals.

Data from PricewaterhouseCoopers’ quarterly Manufacturing Barometer reflect optimism from those in senior executive positions within large, multinational manufacturing companies in the US. Of the 58 executives interviewed, 78% forecasted positive revenue growth for their companies over the next 12 months and 55% expressed optimism towards the American economy. There was also positivity regarding executive recruitment, with 45% reporting new hiring plans for the coming year, and in several cases, large-scale hiring plans.