Demand for senior executives rose 14% in...

Demand for senior executives rose 14% in the second quarter, compared to the 1987 year-ago period, according to the 66th National Index of Executive Vacancies, a quarterly report by Korn Ferry International that records the hiring of senior executives earning a base salary of $100,000 or more. President Richard M. Ferry said the continued high levels of senior executive hiring reflect confidence in the economy resulting from better-than-expected performance so far this year, optimistic forecasts for expansion, and a steady, low rate of inflation. Executive hiring in the service sector outpaces industrial hiring by more than 2 to 1. Financial services led all other service industries with a 21% share of total executive demand, followed by health care, 12%; transportation, utilities, communications and retailing 7%. Real estate accounted for 5% of total executive demand nationwide. The hospitality/leisure and entertainment industries accounted for 4%, as did government and not-for-profit agencies.