A new HSMAI Foundation report reveals how generative AI is accelerating executive recruitment, expanding candidate insights and redefining leadership expectations across the global hospitality sector.

McLEAN, VA – The HSMAI Foundation has released a new special report detailing how generative artificial intelligence is transforming executive recruitment across the hospitality industry. Titled How Generative AI is Reshaping Executive Hiring in Hospitality, the report provides new benchmarks, emerging trends and a case study from SearchWide Global, offering travel and hotel leaders an updated view of how AI-driven tools are influencing hiring strategies for senior roles.

The publication builds on the Foundation’s 2024 research into AI’s role in talent management and highlights how firms such as SearchWide Global are adopting generative AI to streamline search cycles, broaden candidate pools and identify leadership attributes aligned with today’s data-driven hospitality landscape.

Brian Hicks, President and CEO of HSMAI, noted that the shift is happening at remarkable speed. “Generative AI is reshaping executive recruitment faster than anyone anticipated,” he said. “Searches are moving more quickly, candidate pools are expanding, and leadership expectations are shifting in real time. AI isn’t just improving efficiency—it’s redefining what effective leadership looks like and creating new opportunities for both organizations and candidates across the hospitality industry.”

According to the report, one of the most significant outcomes is the acceleration of the search process. SearchWide Global cites a 60–80% reduction in research and development workloads, with AI now delivering first-draft scorecards, structured evaluation models and historical analysis within hours rather than weeks. Industry-wide, 44% of organisations are already using AI for recruitment, and large employers report up to an 86% decrease in time-to-hire.

Generative AI also enhances decision-making by providing deeper benchmarking and pattern analysis. Today, 51% of companies use AI for recruiting – the highest adoption rate of any HR function – enabling more detailed candidate summaries that align with organisational purpose, cultural values and transformation goals.

The report further highlights how leadership expectations are shifting. Analysis of thousands of C-suite and senior-level job descriptions shows that 30–40% now place greater emphasis on analytics fluency, systems thinking and digital adaptability. Even nontechnical executives are increasingly expected to lead AI-augmented teams and integrate data-driven practices into strategic decision-making.

AI is also widening the talent pipeline by identifying high-potential candidates from outside traditional hospitality backgrounds. Through evaluating behavioural indicators and leadership strengths, AI helps surface executives from sectors such as SaaS, logistics and retail – professionals who may not have been considered previously but who bring relevant skills for an industry undergoing rapid digital transformation.

Lori Kiel, HSMAI Foundation Chair and Senior Vice President of Revenue at Pyramid Global Hospitality, underscored the strategic importance of this shift. “As organizations adapt to a more data-driven future, the ability to identify agile, cross-functional leaders has never been more important,” she said. “AI is helping uncover talent that might previously have been overlooked and giving employers clearer insight into the competencies that matter most. We believe this evolution will strengthen both recruitment outcomes and long-term organizational performance.”

The report was developed with the support of the HSMAI Foundation’s 2025 Corporate Talent Partners and produced in collaboration with specialists in AI-driven talent solutions. For hospitality organisations adapting their workforce strategies, the findings offer clear direction on how executive hiring is set to evolve in the coming years.

By Vicky Karantzavelou

TDN

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