1. Challenge:
Danone, a global leader in the food and beverage industry, recently underwent a significant reorganization, combining three of their business units—waters, dairy and plant-based, and specialized nutrition—into one. This consolidation resulted in a much larger and more strategic role for the Quality & Food Safety Director Iberia. After an unsuccessful two-month search to find the right candidate, Danone turned to LS International for help. The role demanded a unique blend of strategic thinking and expertise in quality and food safety, along with proficient management skills and fluency in both Spanish and English.
2. Profile Needed:
The ideal candidate for Danone’s Quality & Food Safety Director Iberia needed to possess extensive experience in quality and food safety within the food and beverage industry. Additionally, they required strong strategic thinking capabilities to navigate the complexities of the newly consolidated business units. Effective management skills were crucial for leading a diverse team, and fluency in both Spanish and English was essential for seamless communication within the multinational company.
3. Initial Stage:
Understanding the urgency and specificity of the role, LS International launched a comprehensive search process. We mapped the entire market and engaged with over 80 of the top leaders within the quality and food safety function. Despite encountering many candidates with strong technical expertise, most lacked the general management skills necessary for such a critical and complex role. Our rigorous evaluation and targeted outreach were crucial in identifying candidates who could meet all of Danone’s stringent requirements.
4. Result:
Within just 20 days, LS International identified the perfect candidate who met all of Danone’s criteria. This standout individual brought with them a wealth of experience in quality and food safety, coupled with exceptional strategic thinking and management skills. Fluent in both Spanish and English, they were perfectly equipped to handle the demands of the newly expanded role. Presenting this candidate to Danone’s top executives, LS International demonstrated the value of our specialized approach in connecting companies with top-tier talent.
Key Learnings:
This case study underscores the importance of partnering with a FMCG specialized executive search firm like LS International when facing complex hiring challenges. Our deep industry knowledge and extensive network enable us to identify and attract exceptional candidates who possess the precise skill sets and attributes required for success in critical leadership roles. By choosing LS International, companies like Danone can confidently navigate their talent acquisition challenges and secure visionary leaders needed to drive growth and innovation in today’s competitive market.
At LS International, we specialize in connecting companies with exceptional talent in the consumer industry. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your executive search objectives.
