The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into business strategies has brought about an unprecedented transformation for organizations. Every day, we speak with clients and executives who are actively leveraging AI in the workplace, from automated processes to data-driven decision-making. AI has outgrown its status as a futuristic concept and has become a core component of modern business operations. There are compelling examples of companies that are already applying AI at an advanced level, particularly in the critical energy transition. For instance, Siemens and Nvidia collaborate to design smarter, safer, and more resilient energy infrastructures using AI, while Utilidata integrates AI into electricity meters. In the construction sector, AI is being used for project preparation, such as automating planning, procurement, and invoicing. This rapid shift is also evident in the executive search market, where job descriptions for Director- and C-level positions increasingly require specific AI knowledge and experience. The extent of this varies by industry. In this article, we explore this trend in the Benelux, based on recent market insights, an analysis of executive job postings and CVs, and discuss what this shift means for both employers and candidates.
The Growing Demand for AI Competencies
Recent analyses of executive job postings in the Benelux (Director to C-level) show that AI knowledge and experience are playing an increasingly prominent role in job profiles. While exact figures vary by industry, we estimate, based on market trends and a study of 300 recent executive job postings from the past six months, that only 32.5% of recent vacancies for senior leadership positions in the Benelux explicitly require experience with AI or related technologies. This percentage is higher in sectors such as technology, fintech, life sciences, and supply chain management, where AI applications like machine learning, data analytics, and process automation directly impact business outcomes. Naturally, this also varies significantly by role. For a CTO, an AI vision is almost always required, but in job postings from organizations with a less technology-driven focus, such as housing associations, healthcare institutions, and traditional manufacturing companies, AI competencies are far less emphasized.
AI Competencies Mentioned in Executive Job Profiles by Industry
- Industrial & Production: 35-40%
- Supply Chain & Logistics: 45-50%
- Financial Services: 30-35%
- Life Sciences & Healthcare: 35-40%
- Technology: 55-60%
- Professional Services: 25-30%
- Sustainability & Environment: 40-45%
- Social Impact & Education: 15-20%
AI Competencies Mentioned in C-level Job Profiles
- CIO/CTO: 90%
- CEO: 47.5%
- CFO: 42.5%
- COO: 37.5%
- CCO: 32.5%
- CHRO: 22.5%
- CLO: 17.5%
The Most Sought-After AI Competencies
The rise of AI competencies in job profiles reflects the broader digital transformation in the Benelux. Companies are seeking leaders who can think strategically and possess the technical knowledge to implement and manage AI applications. Specifically, employers are looking for:
- Strategic AI Integration: The ability to use AI to optimize business processes and identify new growth opportunities.
- Data-Driven Decision-Making: Experience with AI tools for big data analytics and predictive modeling.
- Change Management: Leaders who can guide teams through AI-driven transformations, such as supply chain automation or customer-focused AI solutions.
Additionally, the Benelux market plays a unique role. The Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg are known for their innovation-driven economies, with cities like Amsterdam and Rotterdam serving as hubs for technology and fintech. This explains why AI competencies are particularly in demand in these sectors.
What Does This Mean for Candidates?
For executives aiming to position themselves for these roles, building and showcasing AI knowledge and experience is essential. Notably, only 20% of executives highlight their AI knowledge and experience adequately in their CVs, which represents a missed opportunity in a market where these competencies are increasingly critical. To stand out, candidates can consider the following steps:
- Enroll in AI and machine learning courses—new programs, including those tailored for executives, are emerging rapidly.
- Gain practical experience by working on AI-driven projects in their current roles.
- Explicitly highlight AI-related achievements and vision in their CVs and LinkedIn profiles to better align with employer expectations.
- Build a network in AI-driven sectors through events and platforms like LinkedIn.
Conclusion
The rise of AI in executive job profiles is not a temporary trend but a structural shift in the requirements placed on leaders. In a region like the Benelux, where innovation and technology are deeply embedded, executives are increasingly expected to be both strategic and technologically proficient. For candidates, this means that building AI knowledge and experience is essential to remain relevant in a rapidly evolving market. Equally important is how these competencies are presented. A strong CV and a well-optimized LinkedIn profile have become strategic tools for showcasing AI-related expertise and vision. Yet, our analysis shows that only a small fraction of candidates explicitly highlight these skills, leaving opportunities untapped.
Tomorrow’s leaders are those who invest in their technological development today and make it visible. In a market where AI increasingly makes the difference, the ability to translate this knowledge into tangible impact and clear profiling has become a distinguishing factor.
Final Note
Partnering with an executive search firm means more than just filling a vacancy. It provides access to a broader network, deep market knowledge, and a process that combines speed and quality. Looking for a leader who matches your ambitions? Our approach—focused on both client and candidate—ensures sustainable matches. Feel free to contact us for an introduction.
Author: Sander van der Zwaan