Challenge
The North American Consumer Leader of a $1.6bn global consultancy engaged River to recruit senior strategy and transformation leaders within the Food & Beverage sector.
The initial mandate was ambitious: appoint 10 Principals and 2 Partners to strengthen capability across key U.S. markets. The firm required commercially credible leaders capable of driving growth in a competitive consulting landscape.
Following early success and comprehensive market mapping, the scope expanded to include building a new Agribusiness practice.
Why River
River was engaged for its ability to deliver multi-hire, Partner-led search programmes with full market coverage and strong diversity outcomes. The mandate required coordinated stakeholder management across global and regional leadership, alongside disciplined pipeline governance over a 12-month period.
Approach
- Conducted comprehensive North American market mapping across strategy and transformation leaders in Food & Beverage
- Engaged senior Partner and Principal talent across Chicago, Miami, New York, and other key hubs
- Managed a multi-stakeholder process involving Global and North American leadership
- Built a structured, diverse pipeline with a strong focus on quality and commercial credibility
- Expanded the programme to support the build-out of a new Agribusiness capability
Outcome & Impact (12 Months)
- Appointed 4 Partners across Chicago, Miami, and New York
- Delivered 6 Principal hires
- Built a new Agribusiness team
- Achieved a 75% female shortlist at Principal level
- Achieved a 50% female shortlist at Partner level
The programme strengthened senior coverage across priority markets and enabled the launch of a new Agribusiness capability within North America.