Strengthening leadership and accelerating growth across the Americas
Chicago, IL / São Paulo, Brazil – May 4, 2026 – Consea, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Samir Amad as Country Manager Brazil, effective immediately.
In this role, Samir will be responsible for leading Consea’s operations in Brazil, driving strategic growth, strengthening client partnerships, and further expanding the firm’s presence across the Industrial and Consumer Goods sectors. He will work closely with the Americas leadership team and Consea’s global partners to deliver high‑impact executive search and advisory solutions to clients operating in an increasingly complex and dynamic market.
“Brazil is a strategic market for Consea and a key pillar of our long‑term growth in the Americas,” said Antonella Cerabona, Head of the Americas Region. “Samir brings strong leadership capabilities, deep knowledge of the local business environment, and a client‑centric mindset that aligns perfectly with our values and ambitions. His appointment reinforces our commitment to investing in top talent to better serve our clients in the region.”
“I am joining Consea at a moment of strong momentum, with a clear focus on accelerating growth and delivering high‑impact executive search across Brazil and the Americas,” said Samir Amad. “Organizations today are facing increasingly complex leadership challenges, from transformation to the future of work. Consea is uniquely positioned to support clients in identifying and attracting the right executive talent to navigate this environment and drive sustainable growth.”
Samir brings extensive C‑level leadership experience and a strong international track record, with decades of exposure to executive leadership, business transformation, and client partnership. His deep understanding of the Brazilian and broader Latin American markets enables him to support both local and multinational organizations in building high‑performing leadership teams.
His appointment reflects Consea’s continued investment in regional leadership and sector specialization, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering high‑value executive search solutions and long‑term impact for clients across an increasingly dynamic global market.
About Consea
Consea is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm with a strong track record across the Industrial, Consumer Goods, and Personal Care/Beauty sectors. Operating through an integrated international platform, Consea supports clients in identifying, attracting, and developing top leadership talent to drive sustainable growth and transformation.
Inside Consea Poland: a conversation with Ilona Ulamek
1. Tell us about yourself
I'm a Team & Office Manager and Senior Recruiter with a strong background in recruitment and a passion for creating structure and harmony in dynamic environments, which makes my role both exciting and fulfilling.
I manage the Polish branch of our company, making sure that everything - from daily office life to hiring processes are running smoothly and efficiently every day.
I’m definitely a perfectionist at heart, and I find a lot of satisfaction in the details that make a big difference.
Working in an Italian company feels like the perfect fit - I love the culture, the language, and of course... the food!
Outside of work, you’ll most likely find me dancing, traveling (Italy has a special place in my heart), or completely immersed in a good book.
2. Describe your role at Consea
As the Team & Office Manager and Senior Recruiter, my role is really about connecting people, processes, and purpose.
On one hand, I’m responsible for the day-to-day operations of our Polish branch - making sure the office runs smoothly and the team has everything they need to do their best work and deliver high-quality results.
On the other hand, I lead executive recruitment processes, finding the right people whose values and skills align with the client’s culture.
I work closely with both our local and international teams, acting as a bridge between departments and ensuring that communication flows effectively. My goal is always to create a supportive, well-organized environment where people feel motivated and empowered.
It's a dynamic role that requires a lot of multitasking, but that's exactly what I enjoy about it!
3. What do you like most about your job?
What I enjoy most about my job is the variety and the impact it allows me to have - both on people and on the way the company functions day to day.
I love that no two days are the same. One moment I’m deep in recruitment, connecting with inspiring professionals, and the next I’m solving operational challenges, supporting the team, or improving internal processes. It keeps me engaged, challenged, and always learning.
But above all, I truly enjoy working with people - helping them grow, succeed, and feel good about where they work. Creating a positive, well-organized, and motivating environment is something that brings me a lot of satisfaction.
4. What are the main differences you’ve noticed between working in the Polish office and other locations (such as Italy)?
While the core values are consistent across all locations, each office has its own rhythm. In Poland, things tend to be more structured and formal, with a clear focus on planning and processes, while in Italy, there's often a more spontaneous and flexible approach. Both bring unique strengths - in Poland, the emphasis on order and precision helps us deliver consistent, high-quality results. Meanwhile, the Italian style brings creativity, warmth, and adaptability to the table, which inspires new ideas and builds strong team bonds.
Working across these cultures has taught me to appreciate different perspectives and blend the best of both worlds to create a productive and positive work environment. I appreciate how we learn from one another.
5. In what ways do your relationships with colleagues from different countries enrich your work?
My relationships with colleagues from different countries truly enrich my work by bringing diverse perspectives and approaches to problem-solving. Each culture has its unique way of thinking and communicating, which helps me see challenges and opportunities from angles I wouldn’t have considered otherwise.
Working with international teams also fosters greater creativity and flexibility. It pushes me to be more open-minded and adaptable, which benefits not only my professional growth but also the overall success of our projects.
Moreover, building personal connections across borders creates a sense of community and trust, making collaboration smoother and more enjoyable. I genuinely value the friendships and professional bonds I’ve formed, as they make everyday work more meaningful and inspiring.
6. What is something interesting about you that others might not know?
One thing that some people might not know about me is that I spent two years working abroad in Ireland. That experience was incredibly valuable - it taught me a lot about adapting to new cultures, communicating effectively in diverse teams, stepping out of my comfort zone and building connections with people from around the world. Living and working in a different country broadened my perspective both professionally and personally, and it definitely helped me grow. It’s an experience I’m really proud of and that still influences how I approach my work today.
7. What is a personal dream you are pursuing?
I have many dreams, but one personal goal I’m currently focused on is becoming fluent in Italian. I’ve been learning the language for a while now, and I want to speak it confidently - not just for work, but also for myself. Being able to communicate fluently will allow me to connect more deeply with the culture I love, travel more meaningfully, and build stronger relationships both professionally and personally. It’s a long-term goal that I’m excited to keep working on and a challenge I really enjoy, and it motivates me every day.
8. What is the best work-related advice you have ever received?
Actually, the best work-related advice I’ve ever received... I gave to myself! I realized that staying curious and open to learning is key - no matter how much experience you have, there’s always room to grow and improve. This self-reminder keeps me motivated and adaptable, especially in a fast-paced, international environment. Sometimes, the best advice is the one you decide to follow every day. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. It sounds simple, but it’s powerful - curiosity and openness lead to growth, understanding, and better teamwork.
9. What is your favorite activity outside of work, and how does it contribute to your personal balance?
One of my favourite ways to unwind outside of work is through dancing. It’s not just exercise for me - it’s a way to express myself, relieve stress, and reconnect with my energy. Dancing helps me clear my mind and stay active, which is essential when you spend a lot of time juggling different tasks. I also love traveling. What’s really amazing is that I often combine these two passions by going on dance trips abroad. These journeys allow me to immerse myself in new cultures, meet inspiring people, and fuel my creativity both personally and professionally. These activities help me maintain a healthy balance in life, keeping me motivated and refreshed for the challenges at work, and reminding me how important it is to nurture joy and connection alongside work.
10. If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Most importantly, I’d tell myself to believe in my dreams and my own potential even when things don’t go as planned. If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to trust the process and be patient, as real growth takes time, and every challenge along the way is a valuable lesson. I’d also encourage myself to embrace uncertainty, keep learning, and not be afraid to make mistakes, since they’re an essential part of the journey.
Ilona Ulamek, Poland Delivery Team and Office Manager
Consea Group Appoints Samir Amad as Country Manager Brazil
Strengthening leadership and accelerating growth across the Americas
Chicago, IL / São Paulo, Brazil – May 4, 2026 – Consea, a global executive search and leadership advisory firm, is pleased to announce the appointment of Samir Amad as Country Manager Brazil, effective immediately. In this role, Samir will be responsible for leading Consea’s operations in Brazil, driving strategic growth, strengthening client partnerships, and further expanding the firm’s presence across the Industrial and Consumer Goods sectors. He will work closely with the Americas leadership team and Consea’s global partners to deliver high‑impact executive search and advisory solutions to clients operating in an increasingly complex and dynamic market. “Brazil is a strategic market for Consea and a key pillar of our long‑term growth in the Americas,” said Antonella Cerabona, Head of the Americas Region. “Samir brings strong leadership capabilities, deep knowledge of the local business environment, and a client‑centric mindset that aligns perfectly with our values and ambitions. His appointment reinforces our commitment to investing in top talent to better serve our clients in the region.” “I am joining Consea at a moment of strong momentum, with a clear focus on accelerating growth and delivering high‑impact executive search across Brazil and the Americas,” said Samir Amad. “Organizations today are facing increasingly complex leadership challenges, from transformation to the future of work. Consea is uniquely positioned to support clients in identifying and attracting the right executive talent to navigate this environment and drive sustainable growth.” Samir brings extensive C‑level leadership experience and a strong international track record, with decades of exposure to executive leadership, business transformation, and client partnership. His deep understanding of the Brazilian and broader Latin American markets enables him to support both local and multinational organizations in building high‑performing leadership teams. His appointment reflects Consea’s continued investment in regional leadership and sector specialization, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to delivering high‑value executive search solutions and long‑term impact for clients across an increasingly dynamic global market.
About Consea
Consea is a global executive search and leadership advisory firm with a strong track record across the Industrial, Consumer Goods, and Personal Care/Beauty sectors. Operating through an integrated international platform, Consea supports clients in identifying, attracting, and developing top leadership talent to drive sustainable growth and transformation.
Building a Sustainable Future: Consea North America’s 2025 Sustainability Report
At Consea North America, we believe that growth and responsibility must go hand in hand. This year, we are proud to present our Sustainability Report, which highlights the progress we have made, the challenges we continue to face, and the commitments that guide our future.
Why Sustainability Matters
Sustainability is not an initiative but a way of working. It defines how we operate, how we build partnerships, and how we shape a future that benefits both businesses and people. For us, it is about creating measurable value while advancing environmental stewardship, supporting communities through social responsibility, and ensuring strong corporate governance. Our sustainability journey is tied to our mission: to improve lives and businesses. Every decision we make, from the clients we serve to the way we support our teams, is guided by this principle.
Key Areas of Impact
This year's report focuses on three main areas:
Environmental stewardship
We are reducing waste, improving efficiency, and managing resources responsibly. These initiatives demonstrate our commitment to lowering our environmental footprint.
Social responsibility
Our people are at the center of our work. We foster diversity, equity, and inclusion while investing in professional growth and strengthening the communities where we operate.
Corporate governance
Strong governance is critical to building trust. We maintain transparent processes and ethical standards to ensure accountability across all levels of our business.
Recognition of Our Progress
Our work is also reflected in external recognition. Consea North America successfully completed the EcoVadis Solutions Practitioner Program, underscoring our focus on sustainable excellence and continuous improvement. In addition, we earned an EcoVadis Bronze rating in 2024 and advanced to a Silver rating in 2025. These achievements validate our ongoing efforts in ESG reporting and responsible business practices.
Looking Ahead
Sustainability is a continuous journey. The challenges of climate change, social equity, and responsible growth demand ongoing attention and innovation. We will continue to integrate sustainable procurement practices, strengthen accountability, and set benchmarks that reflect both ambition and transparency.
Read the Full Report
We invite you to explore the complete Consea North America Sustainability Report for more detail on our initiatives, achievements, and long-term commitments.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL REPORT
Building Bridges in Asia: A Year of Growth and New Perspectives from Singapore
After nine years in China, Matteo reflects on his first year in Singapore and the opportunities this dynamic hub offers to global businesses
Tell us about yourself
I am an Italian professional currently living in Singapore, where I relocated at the end of 2024. Drawn by curiosity and the desire to broaden my perspective, I first moved to Shanghai in 2015 and ended up spending over nine years there. I joined Consea in 2019 as Senior Consultant and Key Account Manager in Shanghai, where I consolidated my experience in Executive Search and Business Development. I now serve as Head of BD and Delivery APAC, overseeing regional operations and client partnerships across the Asia-Pacific region.
It’s almost a year since you relocated from China to Singapore — how has this transition been for you, both personally and professionally?
The transition was much easier than expected. Singapore is extremely efficient in every aspect, from obtaining a work visa to setting up utilities, with clear instructions, well-defined processes, and strict adherence to deadlines. Communication barriers are minimal since English is widely spoken, making it easy to see why Singapore is recognised as an international hub for both companies and people. Professionally, entering a new, consolidated, and competitive market like Singapore is always a challenge. However, I found an open and welcoming environment, with professionals at every level willing to discuss the job market, recruitment challenges, and current needs in the region. There are many opportunities for networking, and people are happy to connect and offer support, which makes integrating professionally much smoother.
What surprised you the most about living and working in Singapore compared to your previous market?
The living standards in Singapore are exceptionally high. From housing to transportation and schooling, everything here is top-notch. Professionally, what impressed me the most is the level of skills and competence of professionals. Singapore truly attracts some of the best talent from around the world. Every professional encounter I’ve had has been inspiring and intellectually stimulating: people here not only possess exceptional skills in their respective functions or industries, but also have diverse interests and knowledge across a wide range of topics.
What key trends are you noticing in the HR and talent landscape in Singapore and Southeast Asia?
Singapore experienced a significant influx of high-level professionals, many coming from Mainland China and Hong Kong, starting toward the end of COVID-19. During that period, not only did individuals relocate, but many companies also moved their regional headquarters for Southeast Asia and the Pacific to Singapore, creating notable shifts in a relatively small market. The years 2022 and 2023 were particularly frenetic, while 2024 and 2025 have seen activity cool down somewhat. This major inflow of people and companies substantially increased costs, prompting some organizations without direct ties to the Singapore market to relocate their offices to Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or in some cases, Indonesia. At the same time, cross-border talent hiring has been constrained by visa and permit regulations, limiting companies’ flexibility and, in some cases, causing expats to move elsewhere within the region.
How do clients' needs here differ from what you experienced in China?
In China, for Western companies, it can be relatively complicated to identify and evaluate local talent due to factors such as language barriers, different job portals, and a distinct set of values and behaviours. In Singapore, the process appears easier on the surface: talent is abundant, but filtering through hundreds of CVs can be very time-consuming. Moreover, the best candidates rarely apply to job posts online, making Active Search still essential to identify the most suitable talent. Additionally, we are seeing companies place more emphasis on soft skills, investing in coaching employees in areas such as leadership, communication, and conflict management, as well as focusing on employee wellbeing initiatives.
How does having an office here enhance our global footprint and ability to serve international clients?
Singapore serves as a strategic hub for Southeast Asia. Many companies with regional operations choose to locate their headquarters here because of its strategic location and connectivity, stable political and legal environment, business-friendly tax and regulatory system, world-class infrastructure, and a skilled, diverse talent pool. Having a presence in Singapore allows us to stay close to the command center and key decision-makers, enabling us to intercept opportunities and spot trends faster across the APAC region.
What are the opportunities you see in Singapore and Southeast Asia in the coming years?
In Singapore, one of the key opportunities will be AI-driven reskilling, as there is likely to be a gap between the skills employers need and those available in the market. Additionally, cost pressures and employee wellbeing will play an increasingly important role, making retention a significant challenge for companies in the coming years. In other countries in the region, particularly India, growth opportunities are expected to be substantial. To sustain this expansion, companies will need to look externally, tapping into talent from competitors and the broader market to meet demand.
Looking back at your first year, what’s the biggest learning you’d like to share with colleagues and clients?
Whatever the challenge, there’s always a solution. In our industry, things don’t always go as planned, but the key is to stay positive, adapt, and concentrate on solving problems instead of looking back.
If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?
To worry less about the unknown, remember that the greatest achievements often come from taking risks and leaving your comfort zone.
And finally — what are you most excited about for the year ahead?
I’m excited about expanding our reach into new markets and strengthening existing relationships, building on the solid foundation we’ve created so far. Matteo Scipioni Bertoli - Head of BD & Delivery APAC
25 years at Consea – Interview with Stefania Segalin
You have been with Consea for 25 years: is there a special memory or moment that you hold dear?
I must say that there have been many special moments over these years. The one I remember with the greatest affection is when, during a difficult period in my life, I was told that the Altomonte family would be there for whatever I needed. It was a gesture I have never forgotten.
Over the years, how have you seen Consea change and what has this change meant for you?
Consea has changed tremendously over the years, aligning with and often surpassing the leading groups in our sector. I have followed this evolution with enthusiasm and curiosity, seizing the opportunity to always learn something new.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The absolute autonomy I have in managing my responsibilities.
Which skill or personal quality have you developed most during your time at Consea?
The ability to tackle any problem head-on. I often think back to a piece of advice from Dr. Altomonte: “If there is a problem, there is a solution. Otherwise, it is not a problem.” This mindset has guided me throughout my professional and personal journey.
What has been the greatest challenge of your career, and how did you overcome it?
Opening Consea China many years ago. Initially, it was a representative office and, as such, had very different dynamics compared to the operational branches. At the time, even tax consultants did not have a clear understanding of how the Chinese context worked. I therefore sought to inform myself, studying and researching local regulations in depth. In the end, I successfully aligned the entire accounting framework. Thanks to that experience, I also received requests for support from other companies entering the Chinese market.
How would you describe Consea to someone who doesn’t know the company?
I would describe it as an international group with a special heart: it is truly a large family where challenges are faced together and support among colleagues is both practical and natural.
How do you envision Consea’s future?
Consea never stops: it keeps moving forward with the same spirit and its own strength. I am certain there are still many important goals to achieve.
If you had to choose one adjective to describe yourself, what would it be?
Empathy. And, if I may add another: creativity. Others also suggest: perseverance.
What is your favorite activity outside of work and how does it help you recharge?
I try to do as many sports as possible to release tension, but my favorite activity is fitwalking; it helps me a lot from a creative and proactive perspective as well. While I walk, new ideas come to me, and I often start developing projects or reflecting on solutions.
If you could give one piece of advice to a young Stefania, what would it be?
I would tell her: “In every challenge, always try to be yourself and never change. Believing in yourself is the secret to facing and reaching every milestone."
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