AESC's Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

A rigorous commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion has been a long-standing tenet of AESC member executive search firms as outlined in the AESC Code of Professional Practice. AESC members across the globe have come together to sign a diversity pledge, demonstrating a shared commitment to combatting racism, prejudice, and discrimination in their own organizations, with candidates, the clients they serve, and in their communities. 

Building Diverse Leadership Teams Begins with Broad Search Assignments

AESC members agree that building diverse leadership teams starts with an understanding of the role and the necessary core competencies. An executive search established upon diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) will include a broad range of candidates who demonstrate a holistic summary of the skills, qualifications, and experiences necessary to excel in the role.

For that reason, AESC members have jointly agreed they will not support targeted search assignments that exclude any candidates, except in the limited circumstances where positive action is permitted by law. Although the intent behind an exclusive and targeted search assignment may be improving diversity, such requests are by their very nature, exclusionary, and in most cases unlawful.

Review AESC’s Full Position

To learn more about AESC's commitment to DEI, review our Idea Powered Leadership resources.