In H1 2025, 83% of all new CEOs in APAC were internal promotions the highest ratio ever recorded and dramatically higher than Western markets. This surge is not accidental, nor is it a sign of risk-aversion. It reflects a deeper leadership strategy shaped by the geopolitical uncertainty of the region, operational complexity, and the rising value
To deepen our understanding of this transition, Zavala Civitas has launched a Middle East Governance & Succession Committee led by Senior Advisor Carla Geday. The committee brings together regional expertise, applied research and on-the-ground insights from family enterprises across the GCC.Its mandate is clear: to study emerging governance challenges, succession
Innovation as a Structural Imperative The legal sector has entered a stage where innovation is no longer about adopting technology or improving efficiency. It has become structural: the ability of a firm to anticipate, frame, and institutionalize new legal fields now defines its competitiveness. Emerging topics such as Artificial Intelligence
Companies that want to stay ahead of industry shifts in 2026 must identify which senior roles will drive execution certainty, risk governance, and technical excellence in increasingly complex environments. Why 2026 Will Be a Defining Moment for the U.S. EPC Industry Federal and state infrastructure investment entering full execution Project pipelines for
Executive assessment and leadership development are rapidly gaining relevance in Portugal as organizations face digital transformation, talent shortages, and increasing competitive pressure. Portuguese companies are recognizing that strong leadership is not a by-product of experience alone—it requires structured evaluation, targeted development, and continuous support. According to Ken Research, Portugal’s corporate
China has transformed into one of the most important centers of the world for the sector of artificial intelligence, automation as well as deep tech. The country has constructed a strong ecosystem of AI-related R&D, venture capital funding, and state-sponsored technology acceleration initiatives. As of the Stanford AI Index, China
November 11, 2025 Zavala Civitas is pleased to announce the appointment of Carla Geday as Senior Advisor, where she will play a key role in advancing the firm’s strategic initiatives and expansion across the Middle East. Carla brings over two decades of international experience in corporate strategy, business development, and
Mexico has consolidated itself as one of the world’s strongest manufacturing hubs, representing nearly 20% of national GDP, over 4 million jobs, and rapidly expanding due to nearshoring, foreign investment, and the country’s strategic geographic position. According to Mexico’s Ministry of Economy, foreign direct investment in manufacturing grew over 27% in 2023, with record expansion in automotive, aerospace,
Spain has become one of the most competitive executive talent markets in Europe. According to Eurostat and PwC, 63% of Spanish CEOs identify leadership shortages as their top strategic risk, and 82% report difficulties hiring for senior roles—a challenge intensified by digital transformation, internationalization, and hybrid work models. As organizations navigate expansion, restructuring,
Canada’s Green Economy at a Turning Point Canada ranks among the wealthiest countries in the world and boasts a wealth of clean resources. With more than 80% of its electricity being renewable, Canada focuses on the challenges of achieving net-zero emission goals by 2050, which includes modernizing its infrastructure and grids —
Spain’s Energy Transformation Spain is a leader in Europe’s green transition. More than half of Spain’s electricity is produced from renewable sources, and the region is set to reach 81% by 2030. Investments of several billion euros in Spain’s renewable energy, due to the European Next Generation fund and Spain’s Plan Nacional Integrado de
Madrid, Spain – 15 October 2025 Zavala Civitas is pleased to announce the integration of Civitas Germany as partners of the firm, together with a renewed brand identity that reflects our unity, growth, and global vision. This strategic step strengthens our European presence, enhances sector-specific expertise, and reinforces our commitment
A Competitive Market Redefining Global Talent China has entered a new phase of globalization — one where economic resilience and geopolitical rebalancing are rewriting the rules of leadership. After two decades of serving as the world’s factory, China is now positioning itself as a center of innovation, digital transformation, and green technology.
The retirement of a single senior partner can cost a law firm millions in lost revenue. A global study by Thomson Reuters showed that more than 60% of corporate clients would consider following their trusted lawyer if that lawyer moved to another firm. Yet despite this risk, few firms worldwide
Mexico’s Industrial Renaissance Mexico is having a moment in history. With the reorganization of global supply chains, Mexico has become Latin America’s manufacturing powerhouse due to nearshoring. Mexico received foreign investment of over $36 billion in 2024 according to UNCTAD. Mexico also had record inflows in the automobile, electronics, aerospace,
Italy stands among Europe’s top 3 pharmaceutical producers, with strong manufacturing clusters and R&D centers across Lombardy, Lazio, Veneto, and Emilia-Romagna. Current Situation of Italy’s Life Sciences Industry The industry employs over 66,000 professionals directly and contributes nearly €50 billion in production value — making it one of Italy’s most
A leadership turning point in Spain Spain’s executive landscape is changing quietly but profoundly. Many of the country’s senior business leaders — those who rebuilt corporations in the 1990s and steered them through the financial crisis — are now approaching retirement. As this experienced generation steps back, companies are facing
Portugal’s economy has remained one of Europe’s most resilient in recent years, supported by foreign investment, digitalization, and an expanding technology ecosystem in Lisbon and Porto. Unemployment has dropped to historic lows, yet the supply of internationally experienced executives remains limited. As multinational operations grow and local companies expand abroad,
The new approach to executive growth in the U.S. Across the U.S., organizations are moving away from traditional performance reviews and investing in data-driven development. Rather than evaluating results retrospectively, American companies now focus on predicting potential — using analytics and behavioral insights to identify executives capable of steering transformation.
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Jenghiz von Streng as Principal at Zavala Civitas, bringing over a decade of international public and private sector experience across Europe and Asia. Jenghiz has developed his career at the intersection of government, infrastructure, and finance. He has held senior roles in
A turning point for leadership in Spain Spain’s corporate scene is moving into a new phase. Digital transformation, ESG expectations, and hybrid work models have combined to change what organisations need from their senior teams. Instead of searching for leaders who can “manage the business as it is,” boards are
After a volatile 2025, marked by inflation, rapid technological acceleration, and many events shifting workforce expectations, the U.S. leadership market is entering 2026 with complexity. The traditional definition of leadership is being re-written: adaptability, ethical decision-making, and global perspective now rank as highly as P&L responsibility. For executive search firms,
In the continually transforming global market, Executive Search in US is an imperative corporate model for finding leaders who can not only lead organizations through disruption – but thrive in it. In tech – the change has been exceptionally stark as the profile of the CEO has evolved significantly from
AI is no longer a distant prospect. Automated contracts, due diligence completed in minutes, and AI-generated reports are now embedded in the daily operations of many law firms. Yet, as José María Alonso highlighted in a recent interview with us, this transformation presents a double-edged sword: “AI is becoming crucial
The country continues to be one of Europe’s fastest growing markets for cross-border investment by a foreign investor as it relates to Mergers and Acquisitions. In 2024, the local market experienced over 1,000 M&A transactions approximating a value of €90 billion, pushing it to be among the largest M&A markets
Innovation is transforming industries across the country, from green energy to artificial intelligence. Organizations are tasked with identifying leaders who can help them not only adapt to their environment but also create meaningful change or improvement in the way a product or service is delivered. This is where an leadership
Portugal has become one of Europe’s most attractive destinations for nearshoring and international investment. Multinational companies are increasingly setting up shared services centers (SSCs), IT outsourcing operations, and back-office hubs in Lisbon, Porto, and other cities. With its strategic location, multilingual workforce, and competitive salaries, Portugal is competing with Central
Italy remains one of Europe’s most influential economies, combining a strong industrial base, world-leading luxury brands, and growing innovation hubs. Yet, as competition intensifies and the global economy evolves, companies are under pressure to secure leaders who can manage complexity while driving growth. For many organizations, executive search has become
Mexico’s economy is at a turning point. With nearshoring accelerating, foreign investment growing, and sectors such as automotive, technology, and energy undergoing rapid transformation, the demand for highly qualified executives has never been greater. For global and domestic companies alike, executive search has become a strategic tool to secure leadership
China’s Current Business Landscape Slower Growth: GDP is projected to grow 4.5% in 2025, down from 4.9% in 2024. Domestic Weakness: A European Chamber survey revealed 71% of companies cite the domestic slowdown as a bigger concern than tariffs. Labor & Welfare Pressures: New welfare enforcement may hit small firms,
In law firms, partnership has long been the reward for technical mastery. High billable hours, legal expertise, and client loyalty were historically the core indicators of readiness. But the demands of the partner’s role and the expectations of clients and colleagues have become increasingly competitive. From Legal Expert to Business
Brazil’s executive hiring environment remains complex. Economic and political volatility, combined with bureaucratic labor laws and high labor costs, compound pressure on multinationals. For instance, Robert Walters recently shut its Brazil office amid weakened global hiring markets—signalling deeper challenges in attracting senior talent locally. Regulatory Bureaucracy & Labor Protection in
We are delighted to welcome Marcela Silva to Zavala Civitas as Director, bringing with her over 20 years of international experience in Human Resources and executive search across Latin America and Canada. Marcela has built a distinguished career in HR leadership roles across a range of sectors including high tech,
In Spain’s competitive talent market, hiring the wrong executive is one of the most expensive mistakes a company can make. According to industry research, a failed c-level hire can cost between two and three times the leader’s annual salary, once recruitment costs, severance, and productivity losses are considered. For companies
On the last webinar we presented, which I had the pleasure of co-presenting with Javier Alonso Solá, we explored the essential principles of effective succession planning. We explored the common challenges organizations face as well as the reasons it must be integrated into any long-term strategic agenda aiming to ensure
In Portugal’s fast-changing economy, building future-ready executives is no longer optional. According to Eurostat, over 60% of Portuguese companies cite leadership capability gaps as a key obstacle to growth, especially in sectors like technology, industry, and energy. As Lisbon, Porto, and other regions attract increasing foreign investment, organizations are recognizing
We are pleased to announce the appointment of Fernando Igartua as Senior Consultant at Zavala Civitas, bringing with him a strong international background in recruitment and business development. Fernando has developed his career across the recruitment industry, holding key roles in both in-house and consultancy settings. Prior to joining Zavala
The role of Board Advisory in Spain is evolving. For many companies, it’s no longer just about regulatory compliance—it’s about building stronger, more effective boards. As corporate governance standards tighten and investors expect more transparency, Spanish firms are rethinking how their boards operate, with independent advisors taking on a more
While geographically close to Spain, Portugal’s corporate governance, cultural particularities, and business structures are distinct. In this article we explore what works in Portugal to build effective governance. The legal side: Shaping Board Advisory in Portugal Portugal’s corporate governance landscape is shaped by the Código de Governo das Sociedades, which
Portugal is emerging as a key center for multinational growth, especially in the areas of technology, renewable energy, and nearshoring. Lisbon and Porto are Portugal’s main cities attracting foreign investments, driven by their skilled workforce, suitable business climate, and access to the European Union. But success in this market hinges
Partner assessment centers for promotions are one of the most important processes in law firms. Both for the individuals under consideration and for the organization itself. Firms invest heavily in selecting the right candidates but often overlook a critical factor: the impact on those who are not promoted. When this process
According to The Conference Board, CEO turnover in the U.S. reached a 20-year high in 2024, as boards struggled to find internal successors amid burnout, digital disruption, and shifting workforce expectations. At the same time: Only 28% of U.S. companies say they have a strong executive talent pipeline (Deloitte, 2024)
In a world where business challenges are becoming increasingly complex and interrelated, Board Advisory in Mexico is no longer an indulgence, it is a strategic imperative. Companies of all sizes are expected to have proactive governing bodies that lead organizations, not just supervise. Establishing the right governance structure, the right
The Current Business Landscape and Need for Board Advisory in Italy Italy, Eurozone’s third-largest economy, has continued to struggle for recovery with GDP growth estimated at 0.5% for 2024 (the government had previously estimated for its economic growth to be 1%). Business confidence is improving, while consumer sentiment is cautious,
In a fast-changing business environment, Canadian companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate responsible leadership, strategic foresight, and boardroom accountability. This makes board advisory services in Canada more relevant than ever—especially for organizations navigating ESG, succession, or digital risk. What Are Board Advisory Services and Who Needs Them? It
In the competitive and changing market of Brazil, companies are no longer just hiring well-prepared executives —they are making sure to invest in leaders. And that’s where leadership capabilities play a highly important role in effective executive search in Brazil. From São Paulo to Porto Alegre, businesses are facing challenges
In 2025, China continues to be a critical market for multinational growth — but with increasingly complex dynamics. Economic headwinds, regulatory shifts, demographic change, and evolving workforce expectations are reshaping how companies recruit and retain leadership. As traditional recruitment models prove insufficient, executive search in China is playing a key
In Mexico’s evolving business landscape, compensation is no longer just a matter of salary—it’s a strategic tool for attracting and retaining C-level talent. As the executive search market in Mexico becomes more competitive, boards and HR leaders must rethink how they structure offers for C-suite candidates. From performance-linked incentives to
Identifying the right Chief Technology Officer (CTO) is more than just selecting a candidate with technical expertise or management experience. It requires finding someone capable of converting complex business goals into scalable and being able to give incredible technology initiatives. In a market as competitive as Canada’s, identifying top-tier technology
In 2025, diversity and inclusion are no longer optional — they’re expected. Regulatory pressure, investor scrutiny, and shifting societal norms are reshaping the way companies in Spain approach leadership. At the center of this transformation is the growing expectation for executive search in Spain to deliver not just qualified leaders,
Bringing a new partner into a law firm is a high-stakes decision—one that can either strengthen the firm’s position or lead to unexpected challenges. While securing a lateral partner hire is often seen as a success, their long-term performance and contribution to the firm depend on a well-executed onboarding process.
Spain’s business context is undergoing transformation at an accelerated pace. Businesses in Spain continue to face emerging economic challenges with new evolving market opportunities. One thing stands out, however: effective leadership has never been as essential as it is now. This article intends to discuss the case of executive development
Portugal, once a beacon of economic growth, now faces a complex web of economic challenges. From rising inflation and geopolitical uncertainties to talent shortages and digital transformation pressures, businesses are grappling with unprecedented hurdles. In this environment, executive search is paramount, not just for filling vacancies, but for securing visionary
As seen in many of our other articles, headhunting in China goes beyond searching for the right executive fit for the growth of your business but the cultural component can in fact have a large impact on your firm.
The US market is currently going through a difficult phase. Economic challenges like unwavering inflation, increasing interest rates, and geopolitical risks are tough for companies in every industry. In these tricky conditions, securing executive talent is imperative. This is where specialized executive search firms become critical. As per the latest
Labor shortages persist as the primary challenge for Canadian businesses. Approximately one million job vacancies nationally contribute to the struggle to access high-quality talent. To address this, companies are turning to executive search partners for assistance in securing top leaders. Know the peculiarities of finding the right talent in the
Current economics of Brazilian Market: Brazil has a GDP of $1.92 trillion in 2022 and it is the world’s 11th economy and the largest economy in Latin America. Brazil’s service sector includes a diverse range of industries, including hospitality, financial services, retail sales, and professional services. The financial sector has
Expanding or optimizing operations in China requires deep local expertise paired with global strategic vision. At Zavala Civitas, our Organizational Consulting services help multinationals and regional businesses tackle leadership, cultural integration, and operational scalability in one of the world’s most complex markets. Expanding or optimizing operations in China requires deep
As the demands on leadership continue to change, many organizations are rethinking how they identify and promote senior talent. The traditional executive search model—focused on previous job titles, academic credentials, and years of service—no longer reflects what’s required for success. A recent global survey found that 62% of executives believe
We are pleased to announce the appointment of María Bosch as Managing Director of APAC at Zavala Civitas. María brings a wealth of international experience in human resources and executive search, with a strong track record across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the Americas. From 2016 to 2024, María served as APAC-Africa
In the recent past, Spain has seen both advances and regression while doing business, and companies continue to deal with new hardships in relation to the global economy. Companies are being confronted with difficulties with regard to an economic slump and geopolitical tensions; however, multiple sectors are opening up for
The fluctuating business environment of the United States poses many challenges to businesses which demand strategical planning, adaptation, and strong leadership. Firms are having to deal with economic uncertainty, social change, and market disruption today more than ever which exacerbates the need for Board Advisory services. Businesses today have to
Mexico’s dynamic economy and strategic position as a global manufacturing and trade hub make it a key market for growth-focused companies. At Zavala Civitas, our Organizational Consulting services help businesses optimize leadership, culture, and operations to succeed in this competitive landscape. Why Mexico’s Business Environment Needs Specialized Consulting Companies operating
Unlocking Business Potential in One of the World’s Most Dynamic Markets With over 20 years of international experience, Zavala Civitas offers a unique blend of global expertise and local understanding. Our approach to organizational consulting in Brazil is shaped by a deep commitment to diversity, inclusion, and collaborative partnerships. We
Mexico, the second-largest economy in Latin America, is undergoing a period of economic transformation and uncertainty. While the country showed resilience in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the latest data from Banco de México projects a modest GDP growth of around 2.4% for 2024, amid inflation concerns, political transitions,
Organizational consulting plays a pivotal role in helping companies align their internal structure with overarching strategic goals. This alignment is crucial for boosting operational efficiency, resilience, and long-term sustainable growth. As experienced headhunters and strategic consultants, we not only specialize in identifying and recruiting top-tier talent but also in driving
Driving Leadership and Organizational Excellence Across Borders At Zavala Civitas, we bring over two decades of international expertise in executive search and organizational consulting, with a strong presence in strategic markets such as North and South America, Europe, China, Southeast Asia, and India. With a diverse team representing over 12
Portugal is experiencing various economic, political, and social challenges which contributed to the change in their business environment. Some of the factors worsening the country’s problems are the inflating economic stagnation, trends related to the adoption of the digital technologies, and the general absence of a skilled workforce. In such
The past few years have not been easy for business in Mexico with varying degree of challenges, such as political instability or economic fluctuations, which has made it difficult for companies to remain relevant at a national and international level. As the country’s economy adapts to these complex circumstances, the
The landscape for businesses and board advisory in Canada is swiftly changing, with new challenges arising and opportunities emerging at a fast pace. With economic fluctuations, changing regulations, and a more robust focus on diversity and inclusion, businesses need to stay flexible to be able to stay ahead. In this
Strategically and economically, China is facing turbulent times which presents a myriad of challenges for businesses. Currently, and perhaps more than at any other time in history, an institution’s effective leadership is especially important when considering the advisor functions within the board advisory. Board advisory is key because they undertake
Italian companies find themselves dealing with a challenging list of issues owing to the country’s prevailing economic uncertainty, political turbulence, and global market trends. Managing issues such as inflation, a lack of employees, and interruptions in the supply chain are challenges that executives in the current business environment must deal
There is no denying that businesses in Brazil are facing a challenging environment, plagued with political uncertainty, economic ups and downs, and fast-changing global markets. As some problems arise within a business, its growth alongside other factors make Board Advisory help indispensable. With the increasing demand for high-level guidance, executive
Brazil, Latin America’s largest economy, is currently facing significant socio-economic challenges. The Brazilian business environment has been affected in some way or another for the past few years due to the inflationary pressures, high political risks, volatility of the global market, and most importantly, the interest rates. According to the
Italy, the third-largest economy in the Eurozone, is currently facing significant economic headwinds. Inflation pressures, sluggish GDP growth (projected at just 0.7% in 2025), and ongoing political instability are challenging businesses across all sectors. Effective and flexible leaders are often the changes that are needed to tilt the balance from
The United States remains one of the most competitive and dynamic economies in our world. Moreover, American corporations at the moment are attempting to maneuver through a more challenging context marked by economic uncertainty, rapid technological change, talent shortages, and rising demands for innovation and competitiveness. Investing in Executive Development
Spain is the fourth-largest economy in the European Union, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately .75 trillion in 2024. The nation’s economy also greatly benefits from the developed service sector which includes finance, retail, tourism, and professional services. The advancement accompanying technology, renewable energy and industrial manufacturing has
Italy stands as the third-largest economy in the European Union, with a Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of approximately .05 trillion in 2023. It has a vast service sector which sustains its economy. Some of it´s strongest are finance, hospitality, retail, and professional services. Italy is one of the global leaders
Mexico is the second-largest economy in Latin America, with a GDP of approximately 42 trillion in 2022.These industries include finance, hospitality, retail, and various professional services, all forming part of the service sector. Amongst them all, financial spends more than one-fourth of the GDP, supporting widely the economic advancement of
Brazil’s education and nonprofit sectors play a crucial role in shaping the country’s social and economic landscape.Nevertheless, there are challenges within as well, like, education gaps, insufficient funding, bureaucratic procedures, and leadership deficits. Proper leadership that embraces innovation strategy and resource management is crucial. Key Statistics on Brazil’s Education and
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