Thinkers50, a global authority on management thinking, unveiled its inaugural Leaders50 ranking, aiming at identifying and celebrating the most exceptional organizational leaders worldwide. Among those honored in the 2024 Leaders50 list is Hisayuki “Deko” Idekoba, the President and CEO of Recruit Holdings.

Leaders50 Recognizes Inspiring Leadership for Future Leaders

Leaders50 is a recognition program that identifies and honors influential leaders currently active within organizations worldwide. This initiative stems from Thinkers50’s commitment to bridging the gap between management theory and practical application. It is dedicated to showcasing leaders who inspire purposeful action, resulting in remarkable outcomes.

To select these leaders, Thinkers50 established a set of criteria that evaluates their organizational impact, economic contribution, and commitment to social purpose. Then, beyond these foundational elements, the selection also emphasized character traits and future-oriented leadership. The final element in their criteria looks to the future and the ability of the leader to build a lasting legacy. This comprehensive approach ensures that those recognized are not only effective in their current roles but are also setting the stage for future generations of leaders.

Leaders50 Recognizes Deko’s Impact on the Labor Market Through the Digitization of Recruit Group

Included in the inaugural Leaders50 list, Deko is recognized for his transformative impact on Recruit Holdings since joining the company in 1999. Under Deko’s guidance, Recruit has undergone a significant transformation, shifting its focus from traditional print marketing to a diverse range of online platforms that cater to various sectors, including travel, beauty, and dining. This strategic pivot has firmly established Recruit Holdings as a leader in the digital space, enabling it to adapt to the rapidly changing landscape of the global marketplace.

One of Deko’s most defining achievements was leading Recruit’s acquisition of Indeed in 2012. This bold move expanded Recruit’s influence in the HR technology sector and transformed Indeed into a global leader in online job search. By connecting millions of job seekers with opportunities worldwide, Deko has not only enhanced Recruit Holdings’ portfolio but has also made a significant impact on the labor market.

Recruit’s Empowering Leadership Style, Embodied by Deko, is Also Highly Valued

What sets Deko apart is his distinctive leadership style, which emphasizes empowerment. In an external media interview, he stated, “I want to be the CEO with the least authority and power in the world.” This philosophy reflects his belief that true success is rooted in enabling employees to take ownership of their work and make decisions based on their expertise and passion.

Recruit has cultivated a strong corporate culture that values innovation, autonomy, and diversity. Successive management teams at Recruit have always believed that this culture is the company’s competitive advantage and have placed great importance on it. Deko himself, whose individual strengths were identified and nurtured in this atmosphere, also prioritizes creating an environment where employees feel supported in their unique strengths, allowing them to thrive and contribute to the organization’s success. By fostering a culture that views failure as a learning opportunity for the organization to innovate—rather than assigning blame to individuals, he has instilled a sense of resilience and adaptability within the company.

Professor Ben M. Bensaou of INSEAD, one of the world’s leading business schools, aptly summarizes Idekoba’s impact, stating, “Hisayuki Idekoba exemplifies what it means to be an innovation-driven leader. Recruit has seamlessly embraced a culture that doesn’t just accept change but actively seeks it. By fostering an environment where employees are given permission and support to innovate continuously, he has transformed Recruit into a powerhouse of sustained, agile growth. His commitment to building and nurturing Recruit’s Innovating Engine as a core capability makes him a true inspiration.”

Deko’s recognition within Leaders50 underscores the effectiveness of Recruit Group’s values in leadership, driving organizational success and positively impacting society. As organizations continue to face unprecedented challenges, we hope that the insights, and practices of Recruit Group will serve as a guiding light for others striving to make a difference.