Global leadership development industry set for multi-billion dollar growth in 2025

New analysis from Hult Ashridge, provider of leadership and organisational development solutions, reveals that annual revenue for the global leadership development industry is set to surpass $100bn in 2025.

Hult Ashridge has analysed how the market size of the global leadership development industry is expected to grow in 2025, based on projected annual revenue, before looking at how the size of America’s industry compares to that of the UK.

The analysis reveals that in 2024 the global leadership development industry generated an estimated annual revenue of $94bn.

It is now forecasted that 2025 will see revenue grow by +10.2%, creating a total of $103.5bn by the end of the year.

Global revenue split

When it comes to the leadership development industry revenue of individual nations, the United States is home to the largest market with the latest data showing an annual total of $14.1bn.

Meanwhile, the latest figures for the UK show annual revenue of just below $4bn, followed by Germany ($3.4bn), and France ($1.8bn).

To put this into perspective, US industry revenue is on par with the entire Gross Domestic Product of Rwanda ($14.1bn) and the Bahamas ($14.3bn), while UK industry revenue is similar to the GDP for the Faroe Islands ($3.9bn).*

Why is leadership development such big business?

The immense size and value of the leadership development industry is the result of numerous factors.

Almost all industries have undergone immeasurable change over the past few years, and leadership development has become an integral part of enabling businesses to adapt rapidly to these changing markets, from digital transformation through to workplace equality.

Leadership development also plays a central role in both attracting and retaining top talent – providing employees with opportunities to enhance their skills and further their qualifications has become highly attractive and can be the difference between securing the best people and losing them to competitors.

Leadership development is also central to enabling people to grow into successful leaders, innovate in both the conception and execution of ideas, improve decision making, and manage long-term strategic plans more effectively, all of which ultimately results in a stronger performance from the business itself.

Adam Portlock, President of Hult Ashridge Executive Education, said, “It’s clear that businesses around the world are taking notice of the positive impact leadership development has for the whole organization. UK executive education is a significant contributor to global market growth. The internationally-respected heritage of providers such as Hult Ashridge will continue to drive significant growth through client demand in major markets including the UK, Europe and the Middle East.

With the continued turbulence we’re seeing in the global economic landscape, businesses are looking to maintain an edge over their competitors in 2025, understanding the vital role leadership development plays in attracting and retaining the best talent and unlocking organizational success. With the sector set to top $100bn this year, we fully expect its size and impact on the world of business to keep growing.”