The agri-food sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer habits. In this dynamic context, executive and managerial profiles must evolve to effectively lead companies toward success.
Emerging Trends and Leadership Implications
Events such as TUTTOFOOD Milan 2025 have highlighted the importance of key themes like sustainability, innovation, and internationalization. In particular, it became clear that growth depends on highly innovative products, more sustainable processes, and expansion into increasingly competitive international markets.
These trends directly influence the skills required of those who lead companies.
Key Competencies for Leaders in the Sector
1. Systemic Thinking and a Sustainability Mindset Integrating sustainable practices into business strategies is crucial. Leaders must be able to assess environmental, social, and regulatory impacts and translate them into actionable decisions.
2. Ability to Drive Innovation Fostering the adoption of digital technologies, promoting cross-functional teams, and leveraging pilot projects are essential competencies to remain competitive.
3. Intercultural Leadership and International Expansion With exports serving as a primary driver of growth, managerial leadership must be capable of operating in multicultural environments and managing global supply chains.
4. Agile Management and Data-Driven Thinking Using data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive marketing is now essential. Soft skills such as adaptability and critical thinking complement a strong data-driven culture.
5. Employer Branding and Talent Development Attracting and retaining talent requires the ability to create inclusive, appealing work environments while maximizing the potential of internal teams.
The Role of the Head Hunter in This New Landscape
In this evolving scenario, the role of the head hunter is key to identifying and attracting talent with the necessary strategic competencies. Our mission is to support companies in selecting leaders capable of driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and successfully navigating global market challenges.
Since, as mentioned, the food & beverage sector is constantly evolving, companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Identifying and integrating the right skills will be crucial to addressing future challenges and seizing the opportunities offered by the market.
Executive Readiness: Is Your Leadership Team Future-Proof?
Executive Readiness: Is Your Leadership Team Future-Proof?
In a business world defined by constant change, leadership readiness has become a strategic imperative. From digital transformation and global expansion to meeting rising expectations around ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion), the demands on leadership teams are increasing. The real question is whether your current leaders are prepared. In short: is your leadership team future-proof? For many organizations, answering that question requires not only assessing internal capabilities but also considering external talent. Strategic headhunting services can play a critical role in identifying leaders with the agility, resilience, and global mindset needed to drive transformation.
Assessing Leadership Agility and Resilience
To future-proof leadership, companies must move beyond traditional performance reviews and begin assessing leadership agility and resilience. These qualities determine how well leaders can adapt to change, manage uncertainty, and guide their teams through disruption. Agility shows up in how your executive team responds to ambiguity, pressure, or shifting priorities. Are they flexible in their thinking? Do they encourage innovation and manage risk effectively? Resilience is reflected in their ability to recover from setbacks, maintain clarity under stress, and keep the organization focused during turbulent times.
Building a Future-Ready Leadership Team
A future-ready leadership team doesn't happen by accident. It starts with a clear assessment of current leadership capabilities and how they measure up against emerging business challenges. Key attributes to evaluate include: Strategic thinking and long-term vision
Familiarity with digital technologies and innovation
Inclusive leadership aligned with DEI goals
Cultural awareness and global business fluency
A commitment to ESG principles and sustainability These capabilities are increasingly essential, especially as the pace of change accelerates across industries.
Align Your C-Suite With Your Growth Strategy
As your business evolves, so should your leadership team. Many executive teams were built for past priorities. If your company is pursuing new markets, scaling operations, or embracing digital transformation, it's important to align your C-suite with your growth strategy. This might involve redefining roles, introducing fresh leadership perspectives, or investing in executive coaching. The goal is to ensure your leadership team has the mindset and skill set to support your future vision.
Assessing Executive Team Performance
Regularly assessing executive team performance helps you keep leadership aligned with strategic goals. Look beyond individual performance metrics to evaluate how the team functions collectively. Are they collaborating effectively? Is decision-making timely and strategic? Are they living the values they ask others to uphold? Future-proof leadership is not a one-time initiative. It's an ongoing process of evaluation, development, and alignment. Organizations that prioritize executive readiness will be better positioned to lead through change and seize new opportunities.
Let's Talk Leadership Readiness
Learn how our Human Capital Consulting services can help assess your executive team and build a future-ready leadership strategy, or contact us to start the conversation today.
Digital Transformation at the Top: Why Companies Need Leaders Fluent in AI and Innovation
Digital transformation is reshaping every sector of the global economy. While technology continues to evolve at extraordinary speed, meaningful transformation still depends on people. More specifically, it depends on leaders who can connect strategy with innovation and guide organizations toward new ways of working. AI is no longer a technical consideration but a fundamental leadership capability. Artificial intelligence, automation, and data analytics are redefining how companies operate and compete. For most organizations, the challenge is no longer whether to adopt these technologies but how to embed them into decision making and long-term growth. This requires executives who are open to change and confident in navigating it. Leaders fluent in AI and innovation are becoming essential.
Why Digital Transformation Fails Without Leadership Buy-In
Many digital initiatives fail because they begin at the operational level without full alignment at the top. When executives see digitalization as a technical upgrade rather than a strategic evolution, progress becomes fragmented. Teams may introduce new tools or systems, yet the broader cultural and organizational shifts do not follow. Successful organizations take a different approach. They view digital transformation as a collective effort that depends on clarity of vision and the ability to bring people together. Leaders play a central role in explaining why change is needed, setting priorities, and supporting teams as they learn and adapt. Their involvement provides direction through uncertainty and helps build the trust required for innovation to take root.
The Business Risk of Executives Without Digital Expertise
As markets shift and new technologies accelerate, the cost of appointing leaders who lack digital fluency continues to rise. Executives are expected to interpret complex data, evaluate AI-driven insights, and make decisions in an environment where conditions change quickly. Without these capabilities, organizations struggle to respond effectively or anticipate what comes next. Business performance is not the only area affected. Companies without digitally aware leadership often face challenges in talent retention, resource allocation, and cross-functional collaboration. Opportunities to innovate are missed. Growth initiatives lose momentum. In response, many organizations are placing greater emphasis on AI executive hiring to ensure their leadership teams can transform emerging technologies into strategic advantage.
How Consea Identifies Leaders with Proven Innovation Credentials
At Consea Group, we understand that digital transformation requires leadership that is both visionary and practical. Our executive search and leadership consulting practices are designed to help clients identify professionals who can translate new technologies into meaningful business value. Our approach looks beyond technical experience. We focus on the qualities that support innovation and sustainable change. This includes the ability to set a clear direction, encourage collaboration, and create an environment where teams feel empowered to experiment and learn. We also evaluate how leaders approach uncertainty and how they guide others through periods of transition. By combining industry knowledge with behavioral insight, we help organizations identify leaders who bring integrity, adaptability, and a long-term mindset to digital transformation.
Securing Future-Ready Leadership
The organizations that thrive in the years ahead will be those led by individuals who are prepared for the future and understand that innovation is not a separate initiative but an essential part of business strategy. These leaders recognize that AI and data are reshaping every dimension of organizational performance and that the role of leadership is to create the conditions for progress. As transformation accelerates, the need for executives who are digitally fluent, strategic, and deeply people-focused will continue to grow. Consea Group partners with organizations worldwide to identify and develop the leaders who will shape the future of digital transformation.
Speak with our consultants to explore how Consea Group can help you identify leaders who are ready to guide your digital transformation journey.
Why Internal Promotions Aren’t Always Enough for Executive Roles
For many organizations, promoting from within feels like the safest path when filling a senior leadership role. Internal promotions signal stability, reward loyalty, and preserve institutional knowledge. These are meaningful advantages. But when it comes to executive search versus internal promotion, relying only on internal talent can limit the organization's ability to adapt, innovate, and compete in rapidly changing markets. As a global executive search firm, Consea Group hears the same assumption from clients: “We believe someone internally can grow into this role.” Internal mobility should absolutely be part of a healthy talent strategy. However, it is not always the right solution, especially during periods of transformation. Understanding the limits of internal-only promotions is the first step toward building a future-ready leadership team. Organizations that complement internal development with strategic external headhunting consistently achieve stronger outcomes at the executive level.
The Value and the Limitations of Internal Promotions
Internal promotions offer several advantages: Continuity and cultural fit. Internal leaders already understand the business, the team dynamic, and the operational context.
Motivation and retention. Demonstrating upward mobility boosts morale and keeps high-potential talent engaged.
Cost efficiency. Onboarding is faster and the initial investment may be lower than an external search. However, when organizations depend too heavily on internal hiring for C-suite and executive roles, gaps often emerge that an internal promotion strategy alone cannot fill.
1. Limited diversity of thought
People who have spent years within the same organization often share the same assumptions and habits. For companies looking to pivot or innovate, this can reinforce old patterns instead of challenging them.
2. Skill gaps at the senior level
Leadership requirements evolve quickly. For critical positions such as Chief Transformation Officer, Chief Digital Officer, or VP of Global Supply Chain, internal successors may not yet have the experience needed to succeed.
3. Lack of fresh market perspective
Executives promoted from within may have limited exposure to new business models, global competitors, or best-in-class industry practices. Internal leaders are essential for succession planning, but they should not be the only option.
Why Transformational Moments Often Require External Talent
When companies go through periods of significant change, internal continuity may not be enough. Consea's experience across complex, innovation-driven industries such as food and beverage, advanced manufacturing, and broader industrial sectors shows a consistent trend. Transformational challenges often require external executive leadership.
Digitalization and technology shifts
Businesses that are modernizing their operations or expanding digital capabilities often need leaders who have already delivered digital transformation elsewhere. Internal leaders may not have that experience.
Global expansion and new market entry
International growth requires executives with proven global leadership, cross-cultural management experience, and industry networks that may be outside the reach of internal candidates.
Restructuring and turnarounds
When the mandate is to reset strategy, streamline operations, or improve performance, external executives bring objectivity and fresh perspective. Internal candidates can struggle to bring this level of neutrality. This is where partnering with a specialized executive search and headhunting firm creates real value.
How Consea Uncovers Exceptional Leadership Talent
Consea Group's approach to executive search goes far beyond simple candidate matching. Our global network and structured headhunting methodology allow us to identify leaders who would never surface through internal channels or traditional recruitment.
1. Access to hidden and passive candidates
Many of the strongest C-suite leaders are not actively looking for a new role. Consea's targeted search approach uncovers these hidden profiles who can bring fresh vision and proven experience in transformation.
2. Strategic fit, not only cultural fit
We evaluate alignment with organizational culture and also assess a candidate's ability to challenge it when needed to support growth.
3. Industry-specific expertise
We understand what drives success in competitive and complex environments. Our specialization spans food-focused organizations and industrial companies , giving us a deep understanding of the leadership traits required for high-performance environments.
4. A balanced talent strategy
Our advisory approach helps clients design leadership structures that combine internal talent development with external leadership talent acquisition. This ensures the right leader is selected for the right moment.
Why the Best Leadership Strategies Combine Internal and External Talent
Internal mobility is important for long-term organizational health. External leadership is equally important for innovation and transformation. The most successful companies take a hybrid approach: Promote internal talent into roles where continuity matters
Use executive search partners when the organization needs new expertise or fresh perspective
Build proactive succession pipelines that compare internal potential with external benchmarks This balanced strategy creates stronger, more resilient, and more future-ready leadership teams.
Partner with Consea Group to Build the Leadership Your Business Needs Next
As organizations navigate shifting markets, evolving technologies, and global competition, the stakes for executive hiring continue to rise. Consea Group provides the executive search, headhunting, and leadership advisory expertise needed to help clients go beyond the limitations of internal-only promotion models. If your organization is ready to strengthen its leadership pipeline with a combination of internal development and strategic external recruitment, Consea is here to help uncover the talent that will shape your next stage of growth.
Let's shape the next chapter of your leadership team together.
Consea APAC: China Labor market outlook, with an eye on Asia 2024
More than a year after China’s reopening and its return to normal life, the exodus of foreign talent seems to have been partially stopped, even if many expats had already left the country between 2020 and 2022. In 2020, there were approximately 845,000 foreigners in Mainland China[1], including Chinese citizens holding foreign passports, while in 2023 the recorded number was 711,000.[2] At first glance, this number seems very encouraging, however, what might have changed is its composition. Based on reports from the different European chambers of commerce in China, the number of citizens coming from these countries has drastically reduced. As a matter of fact, according to the report issued by the European Union Chamber of Commerce, 25% of German citizens have left the country permanently, and similar numbers have also been recorded for French and Italian citizens (-20% each).[3] This drop appears to be much more drastic than the -15% recorded in 2023. If we take a closer look, this trend had already started prior the pandemic. Between 2010 and 2020, the number of American (-23%), French (-39%) and German (-22%) citizens on Chinese territory declined sharply, and so did the number of citizens from other countries such as Japan (-44%), South Korea (-51%), Singapore (-32%) and Australia (-4%). On the other hand, inflows from countries such as Myanmar (+783%), Vietnam (+119%), Laos (+590%), Cambodia (+1159%) and North Korea (+88 %) have increased exponentially, as well as for other African and South American countries.[4] The risk, therefore, for the country is to have lost a significant number of high-skilled labor from more developed countries, and to have partially compensated for this loss with the entry of low-skilled labors from emerging countries. This theory also seems to be supported by the distribution of foreign citizens on the territory; cities such as Beijing and Shanghai recorded a sharp decline in the number of immigrants in the period between 2010-2020 (-41.5% and -21.4% respectively), while Yunnan province recorded a 700% increase.[5] In conclusion, although precise data regarding the three-year period of 2020-2022 is still lacking, it is easy to assume that the trend that was already in place in the previous decade has been accelerated by the pandemic and the related restrictions put in place. Moreover, the disruption brought by the pandemic also had, among other effects, a strategic change towards the Chinese market; indeed, many foreign players have decided to adopt a “China for China” approach. China, therefore, is no longer a potential hub for managing the Asia/APAC region, but rather a market with highly localized organizational structures and a scope of responsibility limited only to China Mainland or Greater China borders. This has clearly triggered a greater focus on recruiting local talent, minimizing the number of expats in the country. We, as Consea, have seen first-hand a reduction in the number of executive searches (hyperlink https://consea-group.com/head-hunting/ ) of expatriates in the area. This new structure has led many companies to move their regional HQ, or to relocate some of the foreign decision makers to Singapore or other areas in South East Asia or Far East, depending on the industry and the business model implemented. Furthermore, many companies are evaluating other destinations in Asia for their new FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), such as Singapore (hyperlink https://consea-group.com/2023/06/14/nuova-aperto-a-singapore/ ), but also Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia and India, particularly for the manufacturing sectors. This consideration is the result of several factors, including: the high labor cost: disposable income per capita in 2023 amounted to 39,218 yuan, up 3% on an annual basis in nominal terms[6];
the aging of the workforce: the age of the Chinese workforce increased from 37.1 in 2017 to 38.3 in 2022[7];
other macro-economic factors such as declining population, risk of deflation or stagnation, domestic consumption and exports still low, downturn of real estate market;
and the willingness to diversify the supply chain. FDI in the ASEAN region grew between 2020 and 2022 up to $227Bn, although 2023 saw a decline of -16%, but despite this, the number of greenfield project announcements in the region still increased by 37%. Also, India had a similar path in terms of incoming FDI and "greenfield projects".[8] For this reason, we are seeing a growing demand for foreign talent coming from these areas. Nevertheless, numbers for China seem to be encouraging and improving for 2024. According to official data, unemployment in urban areas fell by 0.4 percentage points in 2023 to 5.2%[9], so did youth unemployment which fell to 14.9% in December 2023, after the peak of 21.3% reached in July of the same year[10]. GDP ‘s growth has returned to levels around +5%[11], and the government is planning various measures and incentives aimed at helping the economy. Among these, of particular importance for companies and foreign citizens, there are certainly the tax exemption on benefits for foreign staff, promulgated until 31 December 2027, and the "visa-free" entry guaranteed to citizens from the main Europeans countries, as well as from Malaysia and Singapore. Although not sufficient to reverse a trend that has been undergoing for several years now, they are certainly important signs of going in the right direction. Author: Matteo Scipioni Bertoli, Head of Business Development & Delivery APAC [1] China embraces increasing foreign residents, China Daily, 2021 https://global.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202105/12/WS609b14c5a31024ad0babd49f.html [2] Foreigners living in China in 2023 return to 85% of 2019 levels; simplified border measures to facilitate more foreign visitors: NIA, Global Times, 2024 https://www.globaltimes.cn/page/202401/1305619.shtml [3] European Chamber of Commerce, European Business in China Shanghai Position Paper 2023/2024. [4] Number of foreigners in China, results of 7th national census, Expat Focus, 2022 https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/nfm1Vzfdu0LC8mXgBggxbQ [5] Goodbye China: What Do Fewer Foreigners Mean for Multinationals and the Chinese Economy?, Intereconomics, volume 57, 2022, number 5 https://www.intereconomics.eu/contents/year/2022/number/5/article/goodbye-china-what-do-fewer-foreigners-mean-for-multinationals-and-the-chinese-economy.html#footnote-008 [6] China's per capita disposable income grows 6.3 pct in 2023, Xinhua, The State Council The People’s Republic of China January 17, 2024 https://english.www.gov.cn/archive/statistics/202401/17/content_WS65a73d26c6d0868f4e8e32e0.html [7] China’s Changing Labor Market – Trends and Future Outlook, China Briefing, 2023 https://www.china-briefing.com/news/chinas-labor-force-data-trends-and-future-outlook/ [8] Global FDI in 2023 was weak, with lower flows to developing countries, United Nations UNCTAD, Issue 46, 2024 https://unctad.org/system/files/official-document/diaeiainf2024d1_en.pdf [9] China Unemployment Rate, Trading Economics https://tradingeconomics.com/china/unemployment-rate [10]China Youth Unemployment Rate, Trading Economics https://tradingeconomics.com/china/youth-unemployment-rate [11] National Economy Witnessed Momentum of Recovery with Solid Progress in High-quality Development in 2023 https://www.stats.gov.cn/english/PressRelease/202401/t20240117_1946605.html
The 25th Pambianco Fashion Summit titled “The Fashion Industry and the Management of Uncertainty,” was held on Wednesday, November 11th, 2020. The event highlighted the impact the pandemic has had on global markets and the actions taken by companies to address this crisis. Resulting from this year’s turbulent events, the luxury fashion sector was severely damaged by the global closure of shops, as well as by the lack of tourists – something still having an impact in European markets. The key component for facing adversity, common to all the interlocutors present at the summit, ultimately relies on “resilience.” Thanks to the willpower and team spirit, the featured companies present at the event expressed gratitude and satisfaction for the results obtained. A recovery was highlighted in the third quarter, especially in the Asian market driven by China, where domestic consumers returned to travel, giving advantage to the areas where tax-free poles have been created (Hainan) and ultimately enabling those to benefit from the new concessions introduced by the government. From the analysis conducted by PwC on Millennials and Generation Z, it has been discovered that in the new normal, consumers will have greater attention to the price of products and will seek a safe and accessible customer experience. Engagement will be shifted towards digital and companies will have to place more and more attention to issues relating to sustainability. If the number of consumers who moved their shopping channel online during Covid-19 has increased in all markets, and that number will no longer return to pre-pandemic levels, it is also true that the physical brick & mortar store will continue to represent an important space for the consumer; consumers want to “touch and feel” and will continue to seek that. Omnichannel is now essential, and it has to allow a true integration between physical and digital, giving rise to a “phy-gital” shopping experience. Another interesting find, provided by Silvio Campara, CEO of Golden Goose, underlined how the crisis has definitively changed the way of approaching the consumer, who can no longer be defined by the 4 P model (Place / Product / Price / Promotion) but from a new model based on 4 Cs (Consumer / Community / Conversations / Consideration) that all revolve around People. A key role in the world of fashion is certainly played by Italy, where 41% of European fashion production takes place. Furthermore, 60% of the high-end product is produced in Italy (data: National Chamber of Fashion). Italian textiles and clothing allocate about 66% of their production to exports (data: Confindustria Moda). Fashion is, therefore, the second most important industry at a national level and it is extremely important to protect the entire chain that goes from large brands to SMEs. In addition to the issues of sustainability and digitalization – in order to overcome the crisis, it will be crucial also to focus on competencies and on the training of people (both for technical roles and within the retail locations): this strategy will protect the fashion chain and create added value. Even if the numbers are still not trending positive, signs of cautious optimism came from the summit; once the health crisis is resolved, consumers will return to travel and choose European markets for their purchases because they are more advantageous to them. Ultimately, a new approach to the global consumer and an organic integration between online and offline will allow for greater engagement and the possibility of a complete customer experience. Interested in the summit? Find out more here!
Navigating China Retail Landscape and HR Implications
As mentioned in our previous article on China Labor Market Outlook, numbers for China seem to be encouraging and improving for this 2024, further evidenced by last year GDP growth of 5.2%, which accounts for one third of global GDP. While several macroeconomic indicators are pointing in a promising direction, there are also other areas that are still cause for concern, shaping both consumer behavior and enterprise strategies. Indeed, a negative consumer and business “sentiment” still permeate in China, which is influenced by a variety of factors: the collapse in property transactions and a 5% decline in exports, zero growth in fixed asset investment by privately-owned companies, and double-digit youth unemployment. Although lower sentiment levels increased savings rate to 31.7% in 2023, which represents a significant reservoir of potential spending power should consumer confidence recover, consumer sentiment in China reflects a blend of caution and resilience. Based on McKinsey report, in general consumers are spending more conservatively and they are not necessarily opting for cheaper brands. They are seeking more value through different channels or discounts and promotions. This is evidenced by a significant portion of consumers (47%) changing retailers for lower prices rather than opting for cheaper brands (19%). Looking at the tourism industry, while international travel has rebounded significantly, reaching 77% of pre-COVID levels by early 2024, spending patterns indicate a shift towards experiences over mere transactions. However, even though buying abroad is not that attractive compared to the past (price attractiveness), Chinese travelers spend more than pre-covid as shopping is still a substantial part of the travelling experience: Japan: +117% Singapore: +40% Europe: +20% (these data are related to 2023 in comparison with the consumption in 2019) The automotive sector represents another promising area of growth in consumption. While overall auto sales grew by a 17%, during the first two months of the year, electric vehicles outpaced this number with a 37% surge, highlighting changes in consumer preference for greener alternatives. In fact, EVs now represent 35.6 percent of China's total automotive market. Thus, even though there is still a negative sentiment from consumers and enterprises, number shows that in 2024 retail sales grew of +5%, with goods contributing a 4.6% rise. Remarkably, foodservice sales leapt by 12.5 percent, indicating a robust recovery in hospitality sectors. Future Trends: Charting the Course Forward Looking ahead, key trends emerge that will shape consumer behavior and market dynamics. Consumers are increasingly seeking self-insurance, purpose-driven brands, and a sense of belonging. They are becoming savvier about what they buy and have high expectations on and willingness to pay for meaningful ESG attributes, e.g. authenticity and transparency, brand’s social responsibility and reputation. This calls for brands to establish clear identities and foster communities around their products, while maintaining a delicate balance between brand value and trendiness, which is pivotal in navigating the evolving retail landscape. HR Implications: Navigating Change and Uncertainty In the realm of HR, the shifting retail and overall market landscape and consumers spending behaviors necessitate strategic adaptation. Disruptive supply chain issues, currency fluctuations, and a shifting regional landscape necessitates cost-cutting measures, for a more streamlined and efficient operations. Considering this, businesses have adopted a more conservative outlook and measures. Hiring freezes and digital transformation initiatives are on the rise, with 40% and 34% of companies respectively prioritizing these areas. Moreover, restructuring efforts, often involving dual roles managed by single individuals, are becoming commonplace. As China's retail sector charts a course through turbulent waters, adaptation and agility emerge as the cornerstones of success. By embracing change, fostering resilient consumer relationships, and strategically navigating HR implications, retailers can carve a path towards sustainable success in China's evolving retail landscape. Follow us on LinkedIn to stay up to date! Sources: Event: Retail Insights: Navigating Recent Uncertainties Among China Consumers: Brand Building Versus Short Term Actions, Italian Chamber of Commerce 2023 McKinsey China Consumer Report, McKinsey & Company Report: Mainland China and Hong Kong Luxury Market: Unlock infinite growth possibilities and sustainable value of luxurious lifestyle, PWC, April 2024 Article: Consumer market overcomes COVID impact, China Daily, April 2024 https://www.chinadaily.com.cn/a/202404/29/WS662efa39a31082fc043c4923.html Authors Alessandra Yin, Senior Consultant APAC Valentina Meng, Recruitment Consultant & China Social Media Manager
Food & Beverage 2025: Strategic Skills for the Leadership of the Future
The agri-food sector is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by technological innovation, sustainability, and changing consumer habits. In this dynamic context, executive and managerial profiles must evolve to effectively lead companies toward success.
Emerging Trends and Leadership Implications
Events such as TUTTOFOOD Milan 2025 have highlighted the importance of key themes like sustainability, innovation, and internationalization. In particular, it became clear that growth depends on highly innovative products, more sustainable processes, and expansion into increasingly competitive international markets. These trends directly influence the skills required of those who lead companies.
Key Competencies for Leaders in the Sector
1. Systemic Thinking and a Sustainability Mindset
Integrating sustainable practices into business strategies is crucial. Leaders must be able to assess environmental, social, and regulatory impacts and translate them into actionable decisions. 2. Ability to Drive Innovation
Fostering the adoption of digital technologies, promoting cross-functional teams, and leveraging pilot projects are essential competencies to remain competitive. 3. Intercultural Leadership and International Expansion
With exports serving as a primary driver of growth, managerial leadership must be capable of operating in multicultural environments and managing global supply chains. 4. Agile Management and Data-Driven Thinking
Using data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and predictive marketing is now essential. Soft skills such as adaptability and critical thinking complement a strong data-driven culture. 5. Employer Branding and Talent Development
Attracting and retaining talent requires the ability to create inclusive, appealing work environments while maximizing the potential of internal teams.
The Role of the Head Hunter in This New Landscape
In this evolving scenario, the role of the head hunter is key to identifying and attracting talent with the necessary strategic competencies. Our mission is to support companies in selecting leaders capable of driving innovation, promoting sustainability, and successfully navigating global market challenges. Since, as mentioned, the food & beverage sector is constantly evolving, companies must adapt quickly to remain competitive. Identifying and integrating the right skills will be crucial to addressing future challenges and seizing the opportunities offered by the market.
Talent Risk Audit: Why Summer Is the Best Time to Identify Leadership Gaps
August is a natural pause in the business cycle. With many decision-makers on holidays and operations running at a slower pace, it's the perfect time to look forward—especially at the strength and stability of your leadership team. While most companies wait until there's a resignation or crisis to react, a summer talent audit allows you to proactively uncover hidden risks in your org chart and identify where your organization may be exposed. Don't wait for a vacancy to fix a leadership gap. Instead, plan ahead before talent gaps become urgent.
Why Conduct a Talent Risk Audit in August?
Time to Reflect
With fewer meetings and a lighter workload, HR leaders and executives finally have room to zoom out. Use this space to ask: Where are we most vulnerable if a key leader leaves?
Who is actually ready to step up?
What roles would take the longest to fill externally?
Less Noise, More Clarity
The quieter pace of summer allows you to analyze your leadership pipeline without the usual daily distractions. It's an ideal time to assess succession pipelines, role fragility, and readiness gaps that are often ignored in the rush of day-to-day operations.
Get Ahead of the September Surge
As business ramps back up in September, many companies scramble to address sudden leadership changes or backfill strategic positions. Assess your leadership exposure before September so you can respond with confidence when new opportunities or challenges arise.
What to Look for in a Talent Risk Assessment
A strong talent risk assessment goes beyond org charts and job titles. It should evaluate: Whether the company is too dependent on a single person for certain roles
If there are team members who could confidently step into leadership if needed
Whether current employees are being prepared to grow into bigger roles
If the leadership team has the right skills for where the company is headed
Where potential gaps could slow down the business if someone left suddenly Too often, companies have succession plans on paper that don't hold up in practice. Maybe the “next in line” lacks the trust of their team, or they're missing key technical skills. Maybe no one is actually ready. By engaging in a structured talent risk audit with Consea, you get a clearer picture of both the risks and the opportunities within your current leadership structure.
Don't Let a Vacancy Be the Trigger
Leadership transitions are inevitable. When succession is poorly planned or not planned at all, the consequences ripple across teams and departments. Productivity declines. Morale suffers. Strategic momentum slows. Rather than reacting to a leadership gap when it happens, take a proactive approach. The organizations that navigate change successfully are those that prepare for it in advance.
August Is Your Strategic Advantage
August offers something rare: time and perspective. Use it wisely. Uncover hidden risks in your org chart, strengthen your succession pipeline, and ensure your leadership team is ready for what's next. The summer slowdown may just be your best window to secure your leadership future. Learn more about our Human Capital Consulting services and how Consea can help you conduct a forward-looking talent risk audit.
Assess Your Risk
Executive Leadership Hiring in Q4 & Key Trends Every Company Should Know
As the year draws to a close, many organizations focus their energy on wrapping up projects, closing out budgets, and preparing for a strong start in January. But for executive leadership, Q4 is much more than a time of reflection—it is one of the most critical hiring seasons of the year. The decisions companies make now about their leadership teams will directly shape strategy execution and organizational success in 2026. At Consea, we see firsthand how executive hiring trends are evolving and how companies can seize this pivotal quarter to secure the leaders who will take them forward. Below, we explore the most important executive leadership hiring trends shaping the market and what they mean for organizations.
Rising Demand for Digitally Fluent Leaders
Digital transformation has been a recurring theme in business strategy for years, but the expectations of executive leaders continue to grow. Organizations are not just looking for leaders who understand digital tools. They want executives who can leverage data, AI, and emerging technologies to drive innovation and operational efficiency. In Q4, as companies set their strategic priorities for the year ahead, digitally fluent leaders are particularly sought after to ensure competitiveness in increasingly tech-driven industries. Whether in manufacturing, healthcare, retail, or finance, executives with strong digital capabilities are positioned to make an immediate impact.
Succession Planning Takes Center Stage
Another key trend in executive recruitment is the renewed emphasis on succession planning. With economic uncertainty, evolving workforce dynamics, and generational transitions in leadership, companies cannot afford to wait until a vacancy arises to think about who will step in. In Q4, boards and CEOs are more frequently evaluating their executive bench strength and taking steps to build leadership pipelines for 2026 and beyond. This proactive approach reduces disruption, ensures business continuity, and gives rising leaders the development opportunities they need to succeed when the time comes.
Pressure to Ensure Diverse Leadership Pipelines
Diversity, equity, and inclusion remain high on the executive agenda, and leadership hiring is a critical piece of the puzzle. Investors, employees, and customers alike expect organizations to reflect diverse perspectives at the decision-making table. For companies recruiting in Q4, this means paying careful attention to candidate slates, expanding search networks, and ensuring that recruitment partners prioritize diversity in both process and outcome. Building a diverse executive team is no longer optional—it is a business imperative tied to innovation, resilience, and long-term growth.
Why Q4 Matters for Executive Recruitment
While executive hiring is important year-round, Q4 presents unique advantages. Companies are finalizing strategies for the coming year, creating clarity about the skills and leadership profiles they need most. At the same time, senior leaders may be reflecting on their own career goals, making them more open to exploring new opportunities before the calendar turns. Seizing this window allows organizations to align leadership talent with strategic priorities and start 2026 with the right executives already in place.
How Consea Helps Companies Navigate Q4 Hiring
At Consea, we specialize in guiding organizations through these complex executive hiring decisions. From identifying digitally skilled leaders to building robust succession pipelines and ensuring diverse candidate slates, we partner with clients to align leadership recruitment with long-term business success. Our proven methodology and global network enable us to deliver results even in competitive markets. As companies face year-end hiring pressures, we provide the insight, agility, and expertise to secure leaders who will make a measurable difference in 2026 and beyond.
Position Your Company for Success in 2026
Q4 is not just the end of the year—it is the beginning of the next chapter in your company's growth. By recognizing the latest executive hiring trends and working with a trusted recruitment partner, organizations can set themselves up for lasting success. Learn more about how Consea supports organizations with executive search and head hunting tailored to today's evolving leadership landscape.
The 56th edition of Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna has just concluded, taking place from March 20 to 23, 2025, with significant participation, confirming its status as a leading event in the cosmetics industry. This year’s results once again highlighted great success: over 3,000 companies from 65 countries participated (35% of which for the first time), along with more than 250,000 visitors and industry professionals. The global scale of the event was further emphasized by the presence of 80 international delegations. There is no doubt that in recent years, the beauty industry—including makeup, skincare, and haircare—has experienced significant global growth. In 2023, global beauty market retail sales grew to $446 billion, marking a 10% increase compared to 2022. Forecasts indicate that the market will continue to expand, reaching a revenue of $673.70 billion by 2025, with a projected compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.35% for the period 2025–2029 (source: McKinsey). The cosmetics industry is undergoing a profound transformation, both in terms of values and market dynamics, including distribution channels. What are the main trends? Clean Beauty and Sustainability: consumers are increasingly attentive to product ingredient lists (INCI), favoring natural and eco-friendly solutions. This has led many companies to adopt the “Clean Beauty” philosophy, introducing organic and sustainable product lines.
E-commerce and Social Media: the online sale of beauty products has seen exponential growth in recent years. Platforms like TikTok and Instagram have become essential for discovering and purchasing cosmetics, with social commerce on the rise. Beauty influencers, in particular, are shaping the future of product promotion and sponsorship.
Technological Innovation: the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in product development is revolutionizing the industry. AI enables companies to analyze huge amounts of data, such as consumer preferences and market trends, optimizing product development and enhancing operational efficiency.
Inclusivity and Personalization: the growing demand for products that cater to diverse consumer needs highlights inclusivity and personalization. This trend reflects increased awareness of diversity. Personalization allows companies to create tailored, almost “custom-made” solutions that meet individual preferences, fostering deeper connections and strengthening customer loyalty. Innovation, technology, trend awareness, and inspiration are key elements in this industry, whose continuous growth is deeply rooted. Cosmetics are closely linked to personal identity, intimacy, and self-esteem, and the beauty sector has the unique ability to swiftly adapt to consumer desires. This makes it an extremely resilient industry, capable of withstanding inflation and economic crises. As mentioned earlier, the global beauty market is continuously expanding, with an estimated value of just under $700 billion. Of this, skincare accounts for 28%, haircare for 17%, and makeup for 14%. From a geographical perspective, the Asia-Pacific region leads the growth, followed by North America. The fastest-growing regions are Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa, all experiencing double-digit growth rates. Western Europe is growing at a rate of 4.9%. The expansion of the beauty industry has also had a significant impact on the job market in Italy, where the cosmetics sector employs approximately 155,000 people across the entire supply chain, from production to distribution. Italy stands out as a center of excellence in this sector, both in research and development and in manufacturing. This growth has created an increasing demand for qualified professionals, highlighting the need to attract highly skilled and structured profiles suited to the industry’s landscape while also investing in training and skills development. Consea, a company specializing in recruiting and human capital consulting, serves as a strategic partner for businesses in the beauty sector. With in-depth knowledge of the global market and the ability to identify professionals with targeted expertise, Consea supports companies in sourcing and attracting talent—both with specific beauty backgrounds and cross-sector experiences that bring added value. Furthermore, Consea assists businesses in defining talent management strategies, helping build career development paths aimed at retaining key professionals. In an ever-evolving industry like cosmetics, partnering with an expert like Consea presents a tangible opportunity to successfully navigate challenges and change. Author Chiara Altomonte, CEO Fashion&Retail and Consumer division
We and third parties have selected cookies or similar technologies for technical purposes and, with your consent, also for other purposes ("experience improvement" and "measurement") as specified in the Privacy policy and Cookie policy. You can freely give, refuse or withdraw your consent at any time.You can consent to the use of these technologies by using the "Accept all" button. By closing this information, you continue without accepting.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
