The EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) partners of Horton International met in Prague, Czech Republic on October 1-2. Nineteen countries were represented by 34 consultants.

Leo Dittmann (Czech Republic) welcomed the attendees to Prague. Horton International Chairman Robin Billen (Australia) updated the attendees on global events and the state of the firm's business.  In general, 2009 was a very difficult and challenging year for the executive search industry. However, all offices have seen a substantial improvement in business in 2010. New prospective partners from Turkey, Spain and the United Arab Emirates were introduced.

The focus of the European conference was a review led by EMEA Regional Directors Jens Christian Andersen (Denmark) and Luigi Rossi (Italy) of each office's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats. With the improving economy, most offices are focusing on identifying new senior staff to meet growing business demands and to identify the firm's next generation of consultants and partners. It was noted that the poor economy in 2009 resulted in the disappearance from the marketplace of weaker firms and pressure on pricing and fees. This pressure has moderated in 2010.

In the coming year the firm will focus on the development of its Vision 2020 to identify changes likely to occur in the industry, and preparing to adapt to these challenges.  Also, the firm's key account management process and cross border business development will be further expanded.

Horton International (www.hortoninternational.com) is a retained executive search firm which recruits senior-level management for all industries.  The firm’s practice is global in scope and has international offices in 49 locations in Eastern and Western Europe, Asia, Australia and the Americas.