Insights for CHROs and HR Directors in the Agri-Food Sector In the agri-food sector, plant and supply chain leaders form the operational backbone of organizations. They ensure that raw materials move efficiently and safely from farm to factory to consumer or retailer—while meeting strict standards for quality, food safety, and sustainability. A Highly Dynamic [...]
Sustainability is no longer something that sits next to the business strategy — it is the strategy. Nowhere is that clearer than in the agri-food world. Pressure from regulators, consumers, investors and supply-chain partners is rising fast. Companies are being held accountable for their environmental footprint, social responsibility and transparency. Ten years ago, sustainability [...]
Whenever I speak with directors in the agri-food sector, one thing always strikes me: almost everyone feels the pace of change speeding up. Recently, I sat with the director of a mid-sized food company in his office garden. Coffee on the table, folders pushed aside. “Wilko,” he said, “it feels like everything is changing [...]
Anyone who thinks the biggest changes in the agri-food sector are happening in production lines, robotics or high-tech greenhouses is missing the real story. The true revolution is unfolding in the boardroom where companies decide who will lead a sector under extraordinary pressure: climate change, unstable supply chains, shifting consumer behavior and a global [...]
The executive team is the engine that turns future vision into reality. Whether it's scaling up circular supply chains, implementing AI in logistics, or building consumer trust through transparent communication — the people at the top determine the direction and pace of transformation. Aligning leadership with these strategic shifts is not a luxury, but [...]
We were having coffee, Julie and I — she had just returned from a visit to a tomato processing plant in Spain, and I was curious about her thoughts on the company’s next growth step. Julie is young, sharp, and always striving for improvement. Not just in her processes, but especially in her people. [...]
Balancing Sector Expertise and External Innovation in Leadership Appointments The agri-food sector is under increasing pressure to adapt rapidly to a more complex playing field. Digitalization, sustainability, new regulations, and shifting consumer behavior are driving a structural transformation of the industry. In this dynamic environment, leadership is more crucial than ever. For boards of [...]
The agri-food sector is facing growing scrutiny when it comes to Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) standards. From reducing greenhouse gas emissions to ensuring fair labor practices and creating transparent supply chains — ESG is no longer a side issue. It’s a strategic priority, and it calls for strong leadership at the highest levels [...]
Expectations of CEOs in private equity-backed companies are evolving rapidly. Where firms once focused primarily on operational efficiency and cost control, they now increasingly seek leaders who can drive strategic transformation — often under considerable time pressure. In a world shaped by digital disruption, geopolitical instability, and persistent talent shortages, the modern PE-backed CEO [...]
Among all C-suite hires in private equity-backed companies, the Chief Financial Officer remains the most critical, especially in the early post-acquisition phase. While the CEO sets the direction, it’s often the CFO who determines whether the company can maintain momentum and meet investor expectations. 90 Days to Clarity and Control From the first 90 [...]
