This article from SkyWord isn't about career development as such - it talks about how the development of a personal brand for the executive can help his or her current employer.

However, many of the points it makes are equally valid to an executive wishing to be on the radar of a Search firm.  

The article has lots of good suggestions and is well worth a read.  

Of course, another way of ensuring you are considered for appropriate opportunities is by being registered on GatedTalent. Search firms in 20 countries use the tool and it's entirely free for executives to register.