The number of new executive searches around the globe was flat in the second quarter of 2012 compared with the second quarter of 2011, according to data from the Association of Executive Search Consultants. Compared to the first quarter of last year, revenue was down 6.1 percent.

“Although at first sight a year-on-year decline in revenues is negative, nevertheless the fact that quarter-on-quarter revenues have begun to rise again, even though modestly, is encouraging for the industry as a whole given the enormous uncertainty which continues to exist in the world economy,” said AESC president Peter Felix.

Data for the report is collected from a consistent sample of AESC member search firms representing the activity of 1,430 executive search consultants in 46 countries.