From the Great Recession to the AI Era: The Evolving Journey of Peskind Executive Search
How GovTech Recruiting Has Evolved Since 2007
When I first stepped into the world of recruiting back in 2007, the landscape looked a lot different. It was the era right before the Great Recession, and I found myself focusing on placing talent for companies selling to public safety agencies. Even as the recession loomed, the job market was still warm, and we were transitioning from an analog age of GovTech into the digital frontier.
From Early GovTech to the AI Era
Fast forward to today, and Peskind Executive Search is right in the middle of yet another transformation: the shift from traditional GovTech to the era of artificial intelligence. One thing that hasn’t changed, though, is the ever-present need for top talent across the board.
Why Relationships Still Matter in Executive Search
“What sets us apart is that human touch—the relationships we’ve built over the years with candidates who might not be actively looking but are always open to a conversation.”
Whether it’s about joining an exciting startup, a private equity-backed firm, a publicly traded company, or anything in between, we’re here to help them advance.
Looking Ahead: GovTech & AI Talent Needs in 2026
We’ve come a long way since those early days, and as we look ahead to 2026, we’re excited about continuing to grow and to help both companies and candidates navigate the evolving world of GovTech and AI.
If you’re building your leadership team in GovTech or AI-driven public sector solutions, we’re always happy to share what we’re seeing in today’s talent market. Feel free to reach out if you’d like a conversation.
ROBERT PESKIND
CEO & Founder
Peskind Executive Search
About the Author
Before launching the firm, Robert Peskind was recognized as a “Top 50 Global Recruiter” with Management Recruiters International (1,100+ offices worldwide). Over time, he became the go-to resource for executive talent across the public safety sector—helping organizations build leadership teams serving government agencies throughout North America, LATAM, EMEA, and APAC.
Peskind Executive Search takes a hands-on, market-driven approach to recruiting, staying deeply connected to both the candidate marketplace and the M&A landscape. We not only recruit for the companies we help build, but also partner with private equity firms and investors to develop high-performing leadership teams that drive growth and long-term value.
Our global reach extends beyond public safety into emerging technologies and industries including GovTech, Blockchain, FinTech, AI/ML, IoT, e-commerce, healthcare, and more. We’ve successfully placed leaders who drive growth across diverse markets and evolving industries.
At Peskind Executive Search, we don’t just fill roles—we help shape the teams that move industries forward.