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Demand Across Regulated Sectors

We had a busy Q3, especially in regulated sectors where reputation is closely watched. Energy was one of the busiest areas, but we were also busy with other regulated and acquisitive companies. Across these organisations, communications is now more closely tied to commercial and reputational challenges. As a result, clients are asking more of their senior communications hires.

Communicating Across a Divided Media Environment

One thing that came up several times this quarter was the need for senior communicators who can work well with media outlets across the political spectrum. We noticed this across the board, from energy companies to NGOs. Clients wanted someone who could engage credibly with outlets like Fox News, CNN and MSNBC, without appearing too closely tied to any side.

Many clients we spoke with were cautious about hiring people with very strong political profiles. They wanted someone who could understand different audiences, adjust the message and still keep the organisation credible across a broad range of media. For companies in sensitive or regulated sectors, that is becoming a more important part of the senior communications role.

Experience Is Carrying More Weight

A 2026 NBER study, Aging at the Very Top, found that the average age of new CEOs increased from just under 48 in 2000 to 55 in 2023. This is also reflected in our conversations with clients, where experience and a strong track record carry significant weight in senior hiring decisions. Clients increasingly want people who have dealt with complex situations before and can bring that experience into the role from day one.

Early Signs of Movement in the Agency Market

We have also noticed increased activity in the US agency market compared with earlier in the year, and there appears to be a little more confidence around hiring. Still, it is too soon to know if this trend will last.

AI and Federal Lobbying

We are also watching federal lobbying related to AI. OpenAI and Anthropic both increased their lobbying efforts in the first half of 2026. When the Q3 figures come out at the end of October, we will see if that level of activity continues.

What This Means for Q4

Across Q3, senior communications roles broadened, with clients looking for people who can combine strong media relations with commercial understanding, senior stakeholder advice, and the judgement to handle politically or reputationally sensitive issues. We expect that to continue into Q4.

We will also be watching whether the improvement in agency hiring continues, and whether the next set of AI lobbying figures shows the same level of activity around policy and regulation in Washington.

Whether you are hiring senior talent or weighing up your own next move, our team would be glad to help. We work across the US, with businesses that need to move quickly and secure the right people in a market where the strongest candidates do not stay available for long. 

Hanson Search Group is a global talent consultancy providing executive search, recruitment and leadership advisory services. Built on more than twenty years of trusted relationships, we operate as a connected global platform of specialist practices with expert consultants embedded in key markets.

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