More than half of executive search firms, 65%, predict technology, analytics and cybersecurity will be the most in-demand executive roles this year, according to a global study conducted by the Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants.

The study, based on a survey of more than 500 representatives from executive search and leadership advisory firms, also found 35.4% forecast ‘digital leadership advisory’ to be a growing service to businesses in 2019.

While digital transformation tops the business agenda of organizations for 2019, more than one-quarter of respondents, 27%, predict ‘developing next generation leaders’ as the number two issue for organizations in 2019.

The study also found Asian markets are forecast to have the strongest demand growth for executive talent in the year ahead with China leading at 43.7%, followed by India and Southeast Asia at 41.4% and 37.6% respectively.