In today’s hyper-competitive U.S. market, where consumer loyalties shift with viral trends, building a successful CPG brand is more challenging than ever. As companies battle direct-to-consumer disruptors, navigate the complexities of digital marketing, and meet the growing demand for sustainable products, the need for innovative leadership has reached a fever pitch. Finding the right executive who can build a brand that resonates and drives growth is a critical challenge. That’s where a specialized CPG executive search firm comes in.
These firms possess the deep industry knowledge, extensive networks within retail and marketing, and a keen understanding of consumer trends needed to identify and attract top-tier talent. To help you in your search, we’ve curated a list of the top 14 CPG recruiters and executive search firms for 2025 that consistently deliver exceptional leaders.
Top Consumer Packaged Goods Executive Recruiters
JRG Partners: Excelling in retained searches for the CPG sector, JRG Partners is known for its speed and precision in placing C-suite and senior-level leaders. They operate as strategic advisors, immersing themselves in a brand’s DNA to find executives who can drive growth, innovation, and market share in high-stakes, competitive environments.
Korn Ferry: A global powerhouse, Korn Ferry’s Consumer Practice is a go-to for Fortune 500 CPG companies. They leverage vast proprietary data and integrated talent solutions—from executive search to leadership assessment—to place top-tier executives who can manage complex, global brand portfolios.
Heidrick & Struggles: With a strong focus on transformational leadership, Heidrick & Struggles excels at finding CPG executives who can navigate the industry’s digital shift. They are experts in recruiting leaders for roles centered on e-commerce, data analytics, and sustainability, making them ideal for companies seeking to innovate.
Spencer Stuart: Known for its deep, collaborative, and consultant-led approach, Spencer Stuart’s Consumer Goods practice has a rich history of partnering with iconic global brands. They are renowned for their rigorous assessment process and focus on finding leaders who are a perfect long-term cultural and strategic fit.
ForceBrands: As a leading recruitment firm for the consumer brands industry, ForceBrands is particularly dominant in the Food, Beverage, and Beauty sectors. They offer a full suite of services and are uniquely positioned to connect both disruptive challenger brands and established giants with top talent across all functions.
Russell Reynolds Associates: This firm takes a highly consultative and assessment-led approach to CPG executive search. They are known for using data-driven insights to help clients define the ideal leadership profile, making them a top choice for complex C-suite and board-level searches within the CPG industry.
Protis Global: A highly respected specialist in the Food & Beverage and CPG industries, Protis Global has a deep network and a strong track record of placing high-impact talent. They excel at filling roles across a wide range of functions, including sales, marketing, finance, and operations.
Egon Zehnder: Operating with a unique “one-firm” model, Egon Zehnder offers a globally collaborative and discreet search process. Their deep focus on leadership potential and cultural assessment makes them a premier partner for the most sensitive, high-stakes C-suite searches for leading CPG organizations.
Boyden: As a global firm with a strong, partner-led approach in the US, Boyden’s Consumer & Retail practice offers a compelling blend of international reach and boutique-level service. They are adept at finding leaders who can manage the complexities of the modern CPG landscape.
Mazur Group: A premier boutique search firm with a laser focus on the Beauty industry, the Mazur Group is the go-to expert for this dynamic CPG segment. They have an unparalleled network and deep expertise in placing executives in cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, and personal care companies.
The Sager Company: An established boutique firm with a long and respected history in the consumer goods space, The Sager Company is known for its deep industry relationships and personalized, high-touch approach to executive search. They are a trusted partner for finding proven CPG leaders.
Hobson Associates: With a dedicated Consumer Products practice, Hobson Associates has a long-standing reputation for its disciplined and effective search process. They are particularly strong in placing high-impact talent in critical sales, marketing, and general management roles within CPG companies.
Stanton Chase: This global firm has a robust Consumer Products & Services practice within the US. They excel at placing leaders who can navigate both domestic market complexities and international growth opportunities, making them a strong partner for CPG companies with a global footprint.
Kinsa Group: With a legacy spanning decades, Kinsa Group is a highly respected executive search firm exclusively dedicated to the food and beverage industry. Their deep expertise covers the entire “farm to fork” spectrum, from agriculture and ingredients to CPG manufacturing and foodservice. They are a trusted partner for finding talent across all functions, including sales, marketing, R&D, and operations.
10 Benefits of Using a CPG Executive Search Firm
In the fast-paced U.S. consumer market, the success of a CPG brand often hinges on having the right leadership at the helm. Hiring a top-tier executive is more than just filling a role; it’s a strategic move to secure market share, drive innovation, and build a brand that resonates with American consumers. However, the best leaders are rarely looking for a job.
This is where a specialized CPG executive search firm provides a decisive advantage. They offer a strategic, targeted approach that goes far beyond a simple job posting. Here are 10 key benefits of partnering with one for your next critical hire.
1. Access to Top-Tier, Passive Candidates
The most impactful CPG leaders—the star brand managers, the savvy sales directors with deep retailer connections, the innovative R&D heads—are not Browse job boards. These “passive candidates” are happily employed and delivering results for your competitors. Executive recruiters have spent years building trusted relationships with these individuals and can bring you access to a hidden talent pool that is otherwise unreachable.
2. Deep Industry and Functional Expertise
Specialized CPG recruiters live and breathe the consumer goods industry. They understand the nuances between a role in Food & Beverage versus one in Beauty. They know the specific skills required to manage a P&L, launch a product with Target, or lead a digital marketing team. This expertise ensures they can vet candidates with a level of precision that a generalist recruiter simply cannot match.
3. Faster Hiring Process ⏳
Every day an executive position remains vacant, your company loses momentum and money. A CPG search firm works with urgency and has an established process and a pipeline of pre-qualified talent. Their dedicated focus dramatically reduces the time-to-fill, enabling you to onboard the right leader and start executing your strategy much faster.
4. Unwavering Confidentiality
Many senior-level searches are highly sensitive. You might be replacing a current executive or creating a new strategic role to gain a competitive advantage. Recruiters act as a confidential intermediary, protecting your company’s sensitive information while discreetly approaching and vetting top candidates.
5. In-depth Knowledge of Retailer Networks
A candidate’s experience and relationships with key US retailers like Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and Target are invaluable. Top CPG recruiters have a deep understanding of these complex ecosystems. They can identify leaders who have a proven track record of successfully managing these critical partnerships, a factor that is often a key determinant of success.
6. Objective and Expert Candidate Assessment
An external search partner provides a crucial, unbiased third-party perspective, free from internal politics or preconceived notions. They use structured interview techniques and data-driven assessment tools to evaluate candidates based on core competencies, leadership potential, and cultural fit, ensuring a more objective and successful hiring decision.
7. Expert Negotiation and Closing
Securing a top CPG executive often involves complex compensation packages that include base salary, performance bonuses, and long-term incentives. Recruiters are skilled negotiators who act as a trusted go-between to manage expectations and seamlessly guide both parties to a successful close, significantly increasing your chances of landing your top choice.
8. Reduced Risk of a Bad Hire
The cost of a bad executive hire in the CPG industry can be astronomical, impacting everything from retailer relationships to brand reputation. A recruiter’s rigorous vetting, screening, and reference-checking process acts as a powerful quality control measure. This diligence drastically lowers the risk of making a hiring mistake and improves long-term retention.
9. Invaluable Market Intelligence
A specialized CPG recruiter is a source of real-time market intelligence. They can provide valuable insights on compensation trends for specific roles, the competitive landscape for talent, and current organizational structures within leading CPG companies. This information helps you craft a compelling and competitive offer.
10. Enhances Your Employer Brand
Using a reputable executive search firm signals to the market that your company is serious about attracting the best talent. The professional, respectful, and well-organized process run by a top firm enhances your employer brand and leaves every candidate—even those not selected—with a positive impression of your organization.
Analyzing Each CPG Executive Search Firm
Choosing the right CPG executive search firm is like selecting a creative agency to launch your next flagship product—the “best” choice depends entirely on your brand, your target market, and your specific goals. The list below contains a mix of global powerhouses and nimble specialists. This analysis will help you understand the key differences and identify the ideal partner for your unique search.
1. JRG Partners
JRG Partners is a national retained executive search firm that has built a formidable reputation by specializing in the placement of C-suite and senior-level leaders within the CPG sector. The firm operates on the understanding that today’s CPG leaders must be multifaceted—acting as brand architects, digital marketing gurus, and savvy commercial operators all at once. JRG’s deeply consultative approach focuses on identifying executives who not only have a proven track record of growing brands but also possess the innovative mindset to thrive in the omnichannel marketplace.
With extensive experience across key CPG categories—including food & beverage, personal care, and household goods—JRG Partners excels at matching transformative leaders to a company’s unique brand DNA and strategic goals. Their search process is meticulously engineered for speed and precision, delivering executives who can immediately take ownership of a P&L, navigate complex retailer relationships, and drive meaningful growth in a highly competitive landscape.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Dedicated Retained Partnership: JRG’s model guarantees an exclusive, high-commitment search team, ensuring the utmost confidentiality for critical leadership searches, such as a new Chief Marketing Officer or President.
- Expertise in Growth-Oriented Leaders: They have a proven ability to identify candidates with a track record of driving success, from launching disruptive DTC channels to winning the battle for shelf space against private labels.
- Deep Cultural and Brand-Fit Assessment: The firm goes beyond the resume to ensure a candidate’s leadership style and consumer-centric vision align perfectly with the client’s brand identity and company culture.
- Agile and Precise Search Process: Recognizing that a leadership vacancy can mean lost market share, their methodology is designed to quickly deliver a shortlist of world-class, thoroughly vetted candidates ready to make an impact.
Why Work with JRG Partners?
You choose JRG Partners when you have an urgent, confidential, or highly strategic need for a transformative CPG leader. Their core strength lies in their ability to act as a true strategic partner, delivering executives who are both masterful brand stewards and savvy commercial operators. For companies that require a rigorous and efficient search process yielding a leader ready to drive immediate brand growth and profitability, JRG Partners is a proven and highly effective choice.
2. Korn Ferry
Korn Ferry is a global organizational consulting firm whose Consumer Practice operates on an immense scale, making it a go-to partner for the world’s largest CPG corporations. Their approach to executive search is uniquely integrated with a full suite of talent solutions, including leadership assessment, organizational strategy, and compensation consulting. They leverage vast amounts of proprietary data to provide clients with unparalleled market intelligence and to benchmark candidates against proven success profiles.
The firm’s power lies in its ability to solve complex, enterprise-level talent challenges. For a Fortune 500 CPG company, partnering with Korn Ferry means gaining access to a global network of proven senior executives who have managed iconic, multi-billion dollar brands. Their data-driven methodology ensures that candidates are evaluated not just on their experience but on their agility, strategic mindset, and capacity to lead in a complex global market.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Integrated Talent Strategy: They go beyond search to offer a holistic approach, aligning leadership acquisition with broader organizational goals and succession planning.
- Data-Driven Insights: Korn Ferry utilizes extensive data and analytics to inform the search process, from defining the ideal candidate profile to structuring competitive compensation packages.
- Unmatched Global Reach: With a massive global footprint, they can seamlessly execute complex, cross-border searches to find the best CPG talent in the world.
- Deep Fortune 500 Relationships: The firm has deep-rooted, trusted relationships with the boards and executive teams of the most influential CPG companies.
Why Work with Korn Ferry?
You choose Korn Ferry when you are a large, multinational CPG company facing a complex leadership challenge that requires a comprehensive, data-driven, and global solution. They are the premier partner for confidential, high-stakes searches for roles like a new CEO, a division President, or a Chief Supply Chain Officer who must manage a global network.
3. Heidrick & Struggles
Heidrick & Struggles has built its esteemed reputation by serving as a top-tier advisor to boards and CEOs on their most critical leadership decisions. Their Consumer Markets practice excels at finding transformational leaders who can guide CPG companies through the industry’s most significant disruptions, particularly the shift to digital. They are experts at identifying executives with the foresight to build brands that are not only relevant today but are positioned to win in the future.
The firm’s consultants act as strategic partners, helping clients think critically about the evolving demands of a leadership role before a search begins. They have a particular strength in recruiting for roles that sit at the intersection of marketing, technology, and sustainability. Heidrick & Struggles is also a recognized leader in advancing diversity and inclusion, actively working to build more representative leadership teams for their CPG clients.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Focus on Transformational Leadership: They specialize in finding “game-changer” executives who can lead through disruption and drive significant business model innovation.
- Digital and Sustainability Expertise: The firm excels at finding leaders who are fluent in e-commerce, data analytics, and the ESG principles that modern consumers demand.
- Strategic, Board-Level Advisory: Their process is highly consultative, often helping clients shape the role and define future needs.
- Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: They are a market leader in presenting diverse slates of candidates for top-level executive and board positions.
Why Work with Heidrick & Struggles?
You partner with Heidrick & Struggles when you are seeking more than just a functional expert. They are the firm of choice for forward-thinking companies that need a CPG leader to be a central part of the C-suite, driving enterprise-wide strategy, sustainability, and digital transformation.
4. Spencer Stuart
Spencer Stuart is distinguished by its highly collaborative, consultant-led approach to executive search. The firm operates as a true partnership, bringing the collective expertise of its global team to bear on every client engagement. Their Consumer Goods practice has a rich history of working with the world’s most iconic brands, helping them find leaders who can act as both stewards of a great legacy and drivers of future innovation.
The firm is renowned for its rigorous, in-depth assessment of candidates, going beyond skills and experience to evaluate leadership style, cultural fit, and long-term potential. Spencer Stuart consultants build deep, lasting relationships with clients, often advising on leadership succession and team effectiveness far beyond a single search assignment. This long-term perspective ensures they are focused on placements that deliver enduring value.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Collaborative, Team-Based Approach: Clients benefit from the insights of multiple consultants across different industries and geographies, ensuring a comprehensive search.
- Rigorous Candidate Assessment: They employ a proprietary assessment framework to provide deep insights into a candidate’s leadership capabilities and potential.
- Focus on Iconic Brands: They have a long and successful track record of serving the world’s most well-known and respected CPG companies.
- Long-Term Relationship Focus: The firm acts as a long-term leadership advisor, often assisting with succession planning and board services.
Why Work with Spencer Stuart?
You choose Spencer Stuart when you are looking for a deeply committed, consultative partner for a critical, high-stakes search for an established brand. They are an excellent choice for organizations that value a rigorous assessment process and are seeking a long-term leadership solution, not just a quick hire.
5. ForceBrands
ForceBrands has firmly established itself as the go-to recruiting partner for the modern consumer brand ecosystem. With deep specialization in the Food, Beverage, Beauty, and Wellness sectors, they are uniquely positioned at the center of the CPG universe. Their model is built to serve the entire industry, from high-growth, venture-backed challenger brands to established, global corporations looking to innovate.
More than just an executive search firm, ForceBrands operates as a comprehensive talent acquisition partner, offering services that include board-level search, mid-management recruiting, and temporary staffing. Their team understands the culture of brand-building and has a powerful network of talent that is digitally native, entrepreneurial, and passionate about the consumer space.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Expertise in High-Growth Sectors: They are dominant in the fast-moving Food, Beverage, Beauty, and Wellness categories.
- Serves Both Startups and Giants: They are uniquely skilled at meeting the talent needs of both disruptive DTC brands and large, established CPG companies.
- Full-Service Talent Partner: They offer a range of services from board search to interim staffing, providing flexible solutions.
- Deep Network of Modern Talent: Their network is rich with candidates who have proven experience in e-commerce, digital marketing, and brand-building.
Why Work with ForceBrands?
You partner with ForceBrands when you need a firm that truly understands the culture and talent demands of the modern CPG industry. They are the ideal choice for innovative companies, from scrappy startups to legacy brands undergoing transformation, who need leaders fluent in today’s consumer landscape.
6. Russell Reynolds Associates
Russell Reynolds Associates (RRA) operates as a top-tier leadership advisory firm, with their CPG executive search practice defined by its intellectual rigor and data-driven approach. They help clients solve their most complex leadership challenges by first defining the ideal candidate profile through a sophisticated lens of psychometric data, cultural analysis, and future business needs.
RRA excels at identifying CPG leaders who can navigate significant complexity and ambiguity. They are a powerhouse in recruiting senior executives and board members who possess the strategic acumen required to provide effective oversight and steer large CPG enterprises through market shifts. The firm’s consultants are respected thought leaders, frequently publishing insights on topics shaping the future of the consumer industry.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Assessment-Led Methodology: RRA uses a suite of proprietary assessment tools to evaluate a candidate’s leadership competencies against objective, data-driven criteria.
- Focus on C-Suite and Board Level: The firm is a leader in placing the most senior executives (CEOs, CMOs) and non-executive directors within the CPG sector.
- Data-Driven Strategic Insights: They provide clients with rich data and analytics on talent trends and compensation to inform critical hiring decisions.
- Intellectual Rigor: RRA consultants are known for their deep, analytical approach to solving the most complex CPG leadership challenges.
Why Work with Russell Reynolds Associates?
You engage Russell Reynolds Associates when you need a highly analytical and consultative partner to help you define and find a world-class leader for a complex role. They are the ideal choice for C-suite and board-level searches where a data-backed assessment of a candidate’s fit and potential is paramount.
7. Protis Global
Protis Global is a highly respected specialist recruitment firm with a deep and specific focus on the CPG, Food & Beverage, and Hospitality industries. For decades, they have been building an extensive network of professionals in these sectors, giving them an intimate understanding of the talent landscape. Their specialization allows them to move with speed and precision, connecting clients with high-impact talent that generalist firms would struggle to find.
The firm is adept at placing leaders across a wide range of functions that are critical to a CPG company’s success, including sales, marketing, finance, and operations. Protis Global’s consultants are known for their deep industry knowledge and their ability to build long-term relationships, making them trusted advisors to both clients and candidates within their specialized markets.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Deep Industry Specialization: Their primary focus on CPG and Food & Beverage provides them with unparalleled market knowledge and network depth.
- Multi-Functional Expertise: They have a strong track record of placing leaders across all key functions, from sales and marketing to supply chain and R&D.
- Extensive Network of Talent: They have cultivated a vast network of professionals, giving them access to a rich pool of passive candidates.
- Agile and Responsive Service: As specialists, they are able to quickly understand client needs and deliver a relevant slate of candidates efficiently.
Why Work with Protis Global?
You choose Protis Global when you need a dedicated specialist with a deep network and proven track record in the CPG and Food & Beverage industries. They are an excellent partner for companies seeking an efficient and effective search process for mid-to-senior level leadership roles.
8. Egon Zehnder
Egon Zehnder operates with a distinct and powerful “one-firm” model. All consultants work as a single global team, sharing information and fees, which fosters a purely collaborative environment focused entirely on the client’s best interests. This structure, combined with their unwavering commitment to discretion, makes them a top choice for the most sensitive and high-stakes leadership searches for the world’s leading CPG companies.
Their approach to finding CPG leaders is deeply rooted in assessing a candidate’s character, potential, and cultural fit. They utilize a proprietary competency framework to evaluate candidates, ensuring they not only have the requisite skills but also the leadership potential to grow with the organization. Their process is famously thorough and consultative, often feeling more like a strategic leadership project than a simple recruitment assignment.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Unique One-Firm Model: This ensures a globally collaborative effort where the client gets the benefit of the entire firm’s network and expertise.
- Unparalleled Discretion and Confidentiality: They are the gold standard for highly confidential searches, trusted by boards and CEOs worldwide.
- Deep Focus on Cultural Fit and Potential: Their assessment process is designed to find leaders who will thrive in the client’s specific culture for the long term.
- Holistic Leadership Advisory: Egon Zehnder provides a full suite of services, including board consulting, CEO succession, and leadership development.
Why Work with Egon Zehnder?
You work with Egon Zehnder for your most critical and confidential senior leadership needs. They are the premier partner for organizations seeking a deeply consultative, rigorous, and globally collaborative search process where finding the absolute perfect C-suite fit is the only acceptable outcome.
9. Boyden
Boyden is a global leader in executive search that offers a compelling blend of worldwide reach and high-touch, partner-led service. Their Consumer & Retail practice is staffed by senior consultants who possess deep industry expertise and an intimate understanding of the challenges facing CPG companies today, from supply chain disruption to the battle for consumer attention.
The firm’s strength lies in its ability to leverage its global network to provide clients with a diverse slate of candidates while maintaining the personalized feel of a boutique firm. Boyden’s partners are deeply involved in every aspect of the search process, ensuring a high level of accountability and strategic counsel. They are adept at finding leaders who can balance the demands of driving short-term results with the need for long-term brand building.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Partner-Led Engagement: Clients work directly with senior partners, ensuring a high level of strategic insight and personalized service.
- Global Network, Local Insight: They combine a vast international network with a deep understanding of the specific dynamics of the U.S. consumer market.
- Cross-Functional Expertise: They have a strong track record of placing leaders across all key CPG functions, including marketing, sales, operations, and finance.
- Focus on Diversity and Inclusion: Boyden is committed to presenting diverse candidate slates to help clients build stronger, more representative leadership teams.
Why Work with Boyden?
You choose Boyden when you want the best of both worlds: the extensive resources and global reach of a major international firm combined with the senior-level attention and customized service of a boutique. They are an excellent choice for complex searches that require both a broad perspective and a personal touch.
10. Mazur Group
Mazur Group has established itself as the premier, go-to executive search firm for the **Beauty industry**. With a laser focus on this dynamic and high-growth CPG segment, they offer a level of specialization and network depth that is simply unmatched by generalist firms. Their consultants live and breathe the beauty world, understanding its unique trends, key players, and the specific skill sets needed to succeed.
The firm’s network spans every corner of the beauty ecosystem, from indie and DTC darlings to global heritage brands. They recruit across all functions critical to a beauty company’s success, including brand management, product development, marketing, sales, and creative. For any company operating in the cosmetics, skincare, fragrance, or personal care space, Mazur Group is an essential partner for talent acquisition.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Exclusive Focus on the Beauty Industry: Their hyper-specialization provides unparalleled expertise and access to top talent in cosmetics, skincare, and fragrance.
- Deep Network of Beauty Professionals: They have cultivated personal relationships with a vast pool of candidates, from Brand Managers to CEOs.
- Expertise in Both Indie and Global Brands: They understand the different leadership needs of a disruptive startup versus a large, multinational corporation.
- Full-Spectrum Functional Placement: They successfully place executives across the entire beauty organization, from creative and marketing to sales and operations.
Why Work with Mazur Group?
The choice is clear: you work with Mazur Group when you need to hire top talent for your beauty brand. Whether you are an emerging DTC company or an established global player, their specialized expertise and deep network make them the undisputed leader for executive search in the beauty industry.
11. The Sager Company
The Sager Company is an established boutique executive search firm with a long and respected history of serving the consumer goods industry. Their reputation is built on a foundation of deep, long-term relationships and a highly personalized, high-touch approach to recruitment. They act as trusted advisors to their clients, taking the time to thoroughly understand their business, culture, and leadership needs.
The firm’s strength lies in the deep industry knowledge and extensive personal networks of its senior consultants. They are particularly skilled at leveraging these relationships to uncover exceptional, often passive, candidates who are proven performers in the CPG space. For companies that value a partner-led, consultative experience, The Sager Company offers a compelling alternative to larger, more process-driven firms.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Long-Standing Reputation: They have a decades-long track record of success and have earned the trust of many leading consumer goods companies.
- Personalized, High-Touch Service: Clients receive dedicated, senior-level attention throughout the entire search process.
- Relationship-Driven Approach: They leverage a deep network of personal contacts built over many years in the industry.
- Deep Understanding of the CPG Landscape: Their consultants possess a nuanced understanding of what it takes to succeed in the consumer goods sector.
Why Work with The Sager Company?
You partner with The Sager Company when you are seeking a highly experienced and consultative search partner who will invest the time to truly understand your business. They are an ideal choice for companies that value deep industry wisdom and a personalized approach to finding their next great CPG leader.
12. Hobson Associates
Hobson Associates is one of the oldest and most respected names in executive search, and their dedicated Consumer Products practice has a long-standing reputation for excellence. They are known for their highly disciplined, thorough, and effective search process, which has been refined over decades of successful placements. The firm prides itself on its integrity, professionalism, and commitment to delivering outstanding results for its clients.
They are particularly strong in placing high-impact talent in roles that are critical to a CPG company’s commercial success, such as sales, marketing, and general management. Hobson Associates’ consultants are true experts in their field, taking a diligent approach to identifying, vetting, and presenting candidates who not only meet the qualifications but also align with the client’s culture and values.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Long-Standing Reputation for Excellence: With over 50 years in the business, they have a proven track record of success.
- Disciplined and Thorough Search Process: Their methodology is well-defined and consistently delivers high-quality candidates.
- Strength in Commercial Leadership Roles: They are particularly adept at finding top talent for critical sales, marketing, and general management positions.
- High Level of Professionalism and Integrity: The firm is known for its ethical and professional approach to the search process.
Why Work with Hobson Associates?
You choose Hobson Associates when you need a highly professional and reliable search partner with a proven process for success. They are an excellent choice for companies looking to fill critical commercial leadership roles with top-tier talent.
13. Stanton Chase
Stanton Chase operates through a global network of partner-owned offices, providing a unique combination of international reach and local market expertise. Their Consumer Products & Services practice in the US leverages this structure to provide clients with deep insights into both domestic consumer trends and global market opportunities. This makes them a strong partner for CPG companies with a significant international footprint or those planning an expansion.
The firm’s partner-led model ensures that clients receive senior-level attention and strategic counsel throughout the search process. Stanton Chase consultants are skilled at finding leaders who are culturally adaptable and possess the global mindset needed to succeed in today’s interconnected CPG landscape. They are adept at navigating the complexities of cross-border searches and delivering candidates who can thrive in diverse market environments.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Global Firm with Local Ownership: Their structure provides clients with senior-level attention combined with a worldwide talent network.
- Expertise in Cross-Border Searches: They are skilled at finding leaders who can manage international operations and drive global growth.
- Deep Local Market Insights: Each office possesses an intimate understanding of the regional talent landscape and consumer trends.
- Partner-Led, High-Touch Service: Clients benefit from the direct involvement and strategic guidance of the firm’s senior partners.
Why Work with Stanton Chase?
You work with Stanton Chase when your talent needs extend beyond the US border. They are an ideal choice for CPG companies that require a search partner with a sophisticated understanding of global markets and the ability to find leaders who can succeed on an international stage.
14. Kinsa Group
Kinsa Group has built an impeccable reputation over several decades as a premier executive search firm exclusively dedicated to the **food and beverage industry**. Their specialization is their greatest strength, providing them with a depth of knowledge and a network that is virtually unparalleled in this specific CPG sector. They truly understand the entire “farm to fork” talent ecosystem, from ingredients and manufacturing to marketing and sales.
The firm’s consultants are deeply embedded in the food and beverage community, allowing them to identify and engage top performers who are not actively on the market. They successfully place talent across every key function, including C-suite executives, sales leaders, R&D innovators, and operations directors. For any company in the food and beverage space, Kinsa Group offers the expertise of a true industry insider.
Key Features of Their CPG Recruitment
- Exclusive Food & Beverage Focus: Their singular dedication to this industry provides them with unmatched expertise and network access.
- “Farm to Fork” Industry Knowledge: They recruit for all segments of the industry, from agriculture and manufacturing to CPG brands and foodservice.
- Decades of Proven Experience: With a legacy dating back to 1985, they have a long and successful track record.
- Deep Network of Industry Professionals: Their specialization has allowed them to build a robust, nationwide network of top talent in food and beverage.
Why Work with Kinsa Group?
You choose Kinsa Group when you are a food or beverage company and need a search partner that speaks your language. Their deep industry expertise, extensive network, and proven process make them the go-to firm for finding top-tier leadership talent in this specific CPG vertical.
Conclusion
In the relentless battle for brand relevance and market share, the most decisive factor is no longer just distribution or advertising spend—it’s leadership. The executive search firms profiled here are more than just recruiters; they are brand-building partners, gatekeepers to creative and commercial innovators, and strategic advisors in crafting winning leadership teams.
Choosing the right firm is a decision that reverberates from product development to the shopping cart, directly influencing brand loyalty, digital engagement, and ultimately, your position on the retail shelf. We trust this 2025 guide will serve as an essential resource as you navigate this vital process and secure the leaders who will build the iconic CPG brands of tomorrow.
