The Leadership Insider | December 2024

The festive season is upon us, and as the year swiftly draws to a close, it's the perfect time to reflect on its highs and lows. Together, let’s appreciate what the year has brought us, embrace its lessons, and look ahead with purpose. In this issue, we also explore the topics that continue to dominate C-suite and candidates' agendas:

• Discover how branding impacts talent attraction and retention, and the critical elements of building inspiring brands - interviews with Maureen Baas and Monique Elliott

• Insights for candidates on offer negotiations: top 3 non-negotiables for leaders today

• Pacific International bucks executive search trends and paves the way for continued growth

• Looking for the next career step? Get on Pacific's radar or apply for one of the latest strategic leadership roles Pacific has been retained for

• Examples of the recently closed projects

• What's coming up in future issues

• Happy Holiday message from David Howells, Group CEO of Pacific International Executive Search

Building Inspirational Brands: The Secret to Attracting and Retaining Top Talent

A recent poll by Pacific International revealed that 60% of executives and senior professionals consider a company’s brand crucial or a significant influence in their career decisions, with only 11% stating it has no impact. This underscores the vital role of a strong brand in attracting and retaining talent.

In this Leadership Insider interview, Margaret Jaouadi talks with Maureen Baas, an award-winning, commercially driven marketing leader with a track record of driving business growth and innovation, and most recently a Director of Integrated Marketing and E-commerce DTC at BISSELL Homecare, Inc.

Maureen shares her diverse career journey across iconic brands like L’Oréal, Philips, and Nespresso, emphasizing the importance of brand strength in shaping her career choices. She discusses how branding impacts talent attraction and retention, the evolution of marketing strategies in response to technological and cultural shifts, and the critical role of authenticity, purpose, and leadership in building inspiring brands. Maureen Baas advocates for storytelling, customer-centricity, and consistent brand experiences as essential for long-term success.

Read the full article

In the second conversation, we delve into the fascinating world of branding and its pivotal role in shaping organizational success. Pacific International's guest, Monique Elliott, SVP, Brand and Communications at Schneider Electric, shares her insights drawn from over two decades in the industrial technology industry, including her current leadership role at Schneider Electric.

In this wide-ranging discussion with Margaret Jaouadi, Monique illuminates how a brand goes beyond its visual identity to embody purpose, trust, and cultural values.

Whether you’re looking to refine your branding strategy or gain fresh perspectives on leadership in today’s complex business environment, this conversation is packed with practical examples. Join us as Monique Elliott offers a masterclass in building brands that inspire, resonate, and endure.

Read the full article

Insights for Candidates on Offer Negotiations: Top 3 Non-Negotiables for Leaders Today

Is a next career step on your New Year's resolutions list? If so, check out this insightful post from Adam Nuzie on the Top 3 non -negotiables for senior professionals today.

The leaders of today are NOT just chasing money (although the right remuneration package is essential); they are seeking roles that respect both their professional aspirations and personal priorities. In an era where many organizations are mandating a return to the office (RTO), the message from top talent is loud and clear: Flexibility is no longer a perk—it’s a priority.

What are your non-negotiables? Let us know in the comments!

Read the full post

Pacific International Bucks Executive Search Trends and Paves the Way for Continued Growth

In a year marked by economic volatility and shifting market dynamics, Pacific International Executive Search has shown remarkable resilience. Throughout 2024, while leadership hiring fluctuated across key industries, our client-centric approach and unwavering commitment to building trusted partnerships have enabled us to defy unfavorable executive search trends. As the year draws to a close, we reflect on a journey defined by adaptability, strategic focus, and a dedication to delivering value to our clients.

Read the full article

Looking for the next career step? Here is a selection of strategic leadership roles we are currently engaged on:

• Senior Commercial Director and General Manager APAC (m/f/d) (remote in India) at a leading global industrial manufacturing and engineering business with a strong sustainability focus

• Director of Manufacturing (Waikato, New Zealand) at a pioneering company in the packaging industry

• Vice President of HR (Hebron, KY, USA) at a leading baked goods manufacturing company

• Global VP, Lean and Kaizen Promotion Officer (remote in North America) at a global provider of cutting-edge product technology, multi-vendor software and service excellence for financial and retail customers

• General Manager (Boston, MA, USA) at a supplier of market-leading HVAC, Plumbing and Electrical service brands

• Vice President, Commercial (Europe) to lead the UK & Europe at a global renewable energy business focused on green hydrogen solutions for commercial and industrial clients

Please click here to apply for one of these and other currently posted roles.

To get on Pacific International's radar for other opportunities, including a growing number of confidential searches, please register here.

What clients say about Pacific International Executive Search

Examples of recently closed mandates

Coming up ...

In the coming months, we’ll be sharing insights from leading industry voices on key topics such as:

• Building Inspirational Company Brands and Brand Turnaround in Challenging Times

• From Vision to Value: Leaders at the Helm of Business Transformation

• Strategic Leadership in the Era of Uncertainty: Navigating Challenges and Monetizing the Opportunities

If you'd like to be interviewed for one of these topics, please email Margaret Jaouadi at margaret.jaouadi@pacific-international.com.

Have your say in shaping this newsletter

If you'd like to suggest a topic for future issues, please email Margaret Jaouadi at margaret.jaouadi@pacific-international.com.

Happy Holidays and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!

From David Howells, Group CEO of Pacific International Executive Search:

“As we close out another remarkable year, I want to extend my sincere thanks to our clients worldwide. Your trust and partnership motivate us to consistently raise the bar and deliver excellence. Looking ahead, we are excited to continue building stronger connections with you, applying our expertise to provide exceptional and diverse talent solutions that not only fuel your business growth but also align with your ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) goals. Together, we can reach even greater heights!

“Our accomplishments this year would not have been possible without the extraordinary efforts of our global team. Their dedication to providing exceptional service, their passion for innovation, and their collaboration in sharing knowledge and best practices have been at the core of our success. We are proud of each and every one of them and remain deeply committed to supporting their growth through training, resources, and development opportunities. To our team members—you are the driving force behind Pacific International, and we thank you for everything you do.

"I also want to extend heartfelt thanks to our growing LinkedIn community of over 100,000 followers and everyone who engaged with our content this year. Whether by reading and sharing insights from The Leadership Insider or participating in discussions on topics shaping the future of leadership, your support and engagement have amplified our reach and impact. Together, we’re fostering conversations that drive progress and innovation.

"To our team, clients, and community: thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to another year of collaboration, growth, and making a difference together!"

Happy Holidays and a Peaceful and Prosperous New Year!