New partners, new perspectives: The Panel at the Talentor Global Summit 2026

Sailing between Stockholm and Helsinki, Paul McArdle, our Joint Managing Partner, met fellow Talentor partners in person for the first time, presented on the Irish recruitment market and returned with new relationships and fresh thinking on the future of executive search.

This year’s summit took place on 24 and 25 September, bringing together partner firms from across the Talentor global network. As one of Talentor’s newest partners, it was our first opportunity to meet our new colleagues, some who travelled in from China, India and Australia. During the new partners session, Paul introduced The Panel to the wider network, giving partners an insight into the Irish market and explaining how we can support their clients with leadership hires in Ireland.

Technology with a purpose

The first day centred on technological innovation, and in particular on how search firms move AI from an interesting idea to everyday practice. The discussion was refreshingly practical. Rather than chasing every new tool, the focus was on which uses of AI deliver real value, what a sensible investment looks like, and which technological applications are now simply standard practice. Partners from across the network shared examples of technology they have put to work in 2026, followed by small-group sessions where attendees could question the people behind each initiative directly.

Key takeaway: AI will increasingly handle the groundwork of search, but judgement, discretion and relationships remain at the heart of placing senior leaders. The firms that get the balance right will serve their clients best.

Stronger together

The second day turned to business development and collaboration. Much of the conversation explored how partners can work more closely on cross-border mandates, so that a client in one country benefits from the expertise and reach of partners in many others.

A panel discussion looked ahead to how executive search firms will set themselves apart in the future, moving from supplier to trusted adviser, weighing the strengths of specialist and generalist models, and adding value through services such as assessment and talent mapping.

What it means for our clients

For the organisations we work with, the summit reinforced a simple point. When a leadership search reaches beyond Ireland, The Panel can call on established relationships with partner firms in markets around the world, all working to shared standards. That network is ranked among the Hunt Scanlon Global 40, and as Talentor’s exclusive partner in Ireland, it is one we are proud to be part of.

“It was a privilege to meet so many of our Talentor colleagues in person. The conversations on board were open, practical and focused on how we can do better work for our clients together. I came home with new relationships and plenty of ideas.” Paul

Beyond the conference room

Not every valuable moment happened in a session. Between the discussions, the partners explored both ends of the voyage on walking tours of Stockholm and Helsinki, taking in attractions such as the ABBA Museum along the way. The evenings brought everyone together over dinner, with a lighthearted karaoke session thrown in for good measure and not to forget the “Talentor Recruitment Pilots” AI generated photo op, back to the 80s!

Thank you

Our thanks go to Hana Hadzic from Talentor and Thomas Lindquist and the team at Capus AB, Talentor Sweden, for hosting such a memorable summit and for showcasing the very best of the Nordic region, from the streets of Stockholm to the sights of Helsinki. Thank you also to every partner who made Paul so welcome.

If your organisation is planning a leadership hire that crosses borders, contact Paul McArdle at paul@thepanel.com.

Photo Gallery (click on the first image to access the photo carousel)

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