Key Takeaway: Italy’s PE investment grew 83% in 2024 to €56.4 billion in deal value, and over 40% of Italian manufacturers are now investing in digital technologies. The same industrial fabric that made Italy the EU’s third-largest economy — its SME structure, family ownership, and deep sector specialisation — is
Key Takeaway: Mexico is the world’s 7th largest vehicle producer, received ~$41 billion in FDI in the first nine months of 2025 (a record), and saw $1.2 billion in venture capital invested in startups in 2024. Three sectors — automotive/manufacturing, technology, and energy — are simultaneously demanding executive leadership at
Key Takeaway: China’s GDP grew 4.9% in 2024 and is projected at 4.5% in 2025. 71% of companies in China cite the domestic slowdown as a greater concern than tariffs — and welfare compliance stands at just 28.4%. In this environment, the wrong executive appointment does not create a performance
Key Takeaway: Gartner finds that a failed promotion to partner costs a law firm up to 2.5 times the lawyer’s annual compensation. Harvard Business Review research across 1,800+ professional services partners identifies one profile — the Activator — as generating up to 32% more revenue than peers. The firms that
Key Takeaway: Brazil receives over $60 billion in annual FDI and has $260 billion committed to infrastructure through the Novo PAC programme. Yet it has a talent gap of 530,000+ IT professionals, a labour framework that creates legal exposure for every executive hire, and takes 120+ days to fully start
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,
Key Takeaway: A failed C-level hire in Spain costs between 2 and 3 times the leader’s annual salary — and global studies put the upper estimate at 300% of total compensation. In a market where 75% of companies report difficulty finding senior talent and 92.4% of businesses are family-owned, the
Key Takeaway: 51% of companies have no identified CEO successor (Stanford GSB). 70% of global executives acknowledge they are unprepared for abrupt leadership changes (Deloitte). Replacing a high-performing C-level executive can cost up to €400,000. Succession planning is not a contingency exercise — it is a proactive investment in leadership
Key Takeaway: Over 60% of Portuguese companies cite leadership capability gaps as a key obstacle to growth (Eurostat) — yet 62% of Portuguese organisations increased their leadership development investment in 2022–2023 (Randstad). The investment is growing. The structure is not keeping pace. Portugal’s executive development gap is not a resource
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
Key Takeaway: Spain’s CNMV Good Governance Code requires listed companies to maintain at least 40% independent directors — and by 2026, 40% female board representation. With 92.4% of Spanish companies being family-owned and PE investment at €7,015 million in 2025, the demand for independent advisors who combine governance credibility with
Key Takeaway: Spain mandates 40% independent directors for listed companies and has legally required gender board quotas. Portugal’s Código de Governo das Sociedades is a voluntary framework — governance is adopted by choice, not by enforcement. Both markets are evolving, but the mechanisms that drive board professionalisation are structurally different,
Key Takeaway: Portugal has over 2,700 multinational companies operating locally, C-level salaries ranging from €90,000 to €180,000, and a business culture where trust and relationships drive decision-making faster than formal authority. For foreign companies entering the market, the executive they appoint — local or expat — is not just a
Key Takeaway: Associate attrition in U.S. law firms reached 20% in 2024, and 60% of associates report their firms are not actively trying to retain them (Major, Lindsey & Africa). Partner Assessment Centres offer law firms a mechanism that addresses both problems simultaneously — not just by selecting better, but
Key Takeaway: The Conference Board reports CEO turnover in the U.S. reached a 20-year high in 2024 — yet only 28% of U.S. companies say they have a strong executive talent pipeline (Deloitte, 2024), and 62% of HR leaders cite readiness gaps as the primary reason for stalled promotions. The
Key Takeaway: Only 18% of board members in Mexico are women (IMCO, 2023), over 60% of corporate boards lack formal succession planning (PwC Mexico), and yet companies that have implemented board advisory show 23% higher ROI on executive decisions (Korn Ferry). The governance gap in Mexico is measurable — and
Key Takeaway: Italy’s PE and M&A market generated nearly €47 billion in deal volume in the first half of 2024 alone — and grew 83% year-on-year to €56.4 billion for the full year (AIFI/PwC, 2025). Yet non-meritocratic hiring practices are estimated to cost Italian companies a 16% productivity loss economy-wide.
Key Takeaway: More than 80% of Canadian directors now say their boards are directly involved in ESG oversight — up from just 48% five years ago (Institute of Corporate Directors). In a market where the Canada Infrastructure Bank holds a $46 billion portfolio and clean energy investment reached CAD 40
Key Takeaway: Brazil receives over $60 billion in annual FDI, has $260 billion committed through the Novo PAC infrastructure programme, and saw AI-related executive roles grow 75% year-on-year. In this environment, the leadership profile that creates value is not the one that managed well in stability — it is the
Key Takeaway: China accounts for ~30% of global AI investment, attracts over $160 billion in annual FDI, and produces 36% of the world’s AI research publications. Yet GDP growth forecasts for 2025 range from 3.8% to 4.8% — and the leadership pool capable of navigating this environment’s regulatory complexity, cultural
Key Takeaway: With salary pressure running 10–20% above prior-year levels in Mexico’s nearshoring regions and 40% of companies reporting shortages of bilingual senior leadership, compensation benchmarking for C-suite roles in Mexico is no longer optional. Organisations that go to market with below-benchmark offers are not losing to higher salaries —
Key Takeaway: Canada invests over CAD 20 billion annually in R&D and ranks in the Global Innovation Index top 20 — yet 55% of Canadian businesses report significant hiring challenges. In technology leadership specifically, the CTO pool that combines genuine technical depth with the commercial and cross-functional leadership capabilities that
Key Takeaway: Only 19.8% of executive committee members in IBEX 35 companies were women in 2024 — despite board representation reaching ~34%. The gap between board compliance and C-suite diversity is where Spain’s inclusion challenge is most visible. McKinsey finds companies with the most gender-diverse executive teams are 25% more
Key Takeaway: Nearly 50% of lateral partner hires struggle to integrate successfully within their first 12–18 months. In a market where partner transitions in Spain occur at only 6–8% annually, the onboarding investment is not optional — it is the mechanism that determines whether the hiring decision creates the strategic
Key Takeaway: Spain was Europe’s fastest-growing economy in 2024 at 3.2% — yet 75% of Spanish companies report difficulty finding senior talent, and 92.4% of businesses are family-owned. In this context, executive assessment and development are not HR investments. They are the mechanism through which organisations identify who is ready
Key Takeaway: Portugal has over 2,700 multinational companies operating locally, FDI growing at 13% in 2024, and a startup ecosystem of 5,091 companies paying salaries 81% above the national average. The economy is both the challenge and the opportunity — and executive search is the mechanism that determines whether organisations
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.
Key Takeaway: The U.S. has a GDP exceeding $28 trillion, a PE market at $1.2 trillion, and CEO turnover at 12.5% — an 8-year high. In this environment, executive search is not just a recruitment service. It is the mechanism through which organisations access the leadership capable of managing cost,
Key Takeaway: Canada has approximately one million job vacancies nationally, 55% of businesses reporting significant hiring challenges, and a bilingual complexity that makes provincial context as important as sector expertise in executive search. The organisations that access the right leadership are those that treat Canada as a collection of distinct
Key Takeaway: Brazil is the world’s largest economy in Latin America, receiving over $60 billion in annual FDI, with a $260 billion infrastructure programme deployed through Novo PAC. Yet Fragomen data shows Brazilian emigration for visas to Portugal grew 200% in 2022, to the U.S. by 114%, and to Australia/New
Key Takeaway: China’s GDP growth target for 2025 is ~5%, supported by a 4% fiscal deficit target and 1.3 trillion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds. Yet 71% of multinationals operating in China cite domestic market slowdown as their primary concern. Organisational consulting that understands both the policy levers and
Key Takeaway: 62% of executives say a CV often fails to reflect true capabilities. Leaders with high learning agility are 5× more likely to be promoted — yet this trait rarely appears on a résumé. Skills-based executive hiring does not reject experience; it reframes how value is recognised. It puts
Key Takeaway: Zavala Civitas appoints María Bosch as Managing Director of APAC — bringing eight years as APAC-Africa HR Director at Prosegur across seven countries, prior senior talent leadership at BCG, Oliver Wyman, McKinsey, and Ahlstrom, and recognition as a Harvard Business Review Advisory Council member. Her appointment strengthens the
Key Takeaway: Spain was Europe’s fastest-growing economy in 2024 at 3.2% GDP growth, with PE investment reaching €7,015 million (+11.5%) and 92.4% of businesses being family-owned. Yet the talent shortage is structural — 75% of Spanish companies report difficulty finding senior talent. Board advisory that combines governance expertise with active
Key Takeaway: 69% of U.S. CEOs believe having the right leadership team is the key to navigating uncertain environments (Korn Ferry). With the U.S. PE market at $1.2 trillion, CEO turnover at an 8-year high, and 47% of companies making progress on board diversity, the board advisory function in the
Key Takeaway: Mexico attracted ~$41 billion in FDI in the first nine months of 2025 alone — a record — with cumulative nearshoring investment of $46 billion over five years and 40% of manufacturers reporting shortages of bilingual senior leadership. Organisational consulting in Mexico that addresses the leadership infrastructure gap
Key Takeaway: Brazil projects 2.2% GDP growth in 2025 with a nominal economy of $2.307 trillion, $65.9 billion in FDI in 2023, and BNDES disbursements growing 16.9% year-on-year to $21.4 billion in 2024. Against this backdrop of capital deployment, a 6.3% fiscal deficit and 6.8% unemployment signal that the organisational
Key Takeaway: 70% of Mexican companies are family-owned, yet only 15% have formal succession plans. PwC Mexico estimates over 60% of corporate boards lack formal succession planning at any level. In a market receiving $41 billion in annual FDI and scaling operations faster than leadership development can keep pace, executive
Key Takeaway: Companies with highly aligned strategy and structure are 72% more profitable than those without (HBR). Yet 74% of U.S. companies say they have hired the wrong person for a position at least once. In a market where CEO turnover is at an 8-year high and the PE sector
Key Takeaway: Portugal hosts over 2,700 multinational companies, attracted FDI growth of 13% in 2024, and has a corporate training and leadership development market valued at over USD 1.2 billion. The organisational consulting challenge is not capital or talent availability — it is building leadership structures that meet the governance
Key Takeaway: 72% of Portuguese businesses plan to increase sustainability investment (PwC, 2023) and 50% cite digital transformation as their top strategic priority (Deloitte, 2024). Portugal hosts over 2,700 multinational companies and attracted FDI growth of 13% in 2024. In this environment, boards need members who understand ESG governance, digital
Key Takeaway: Only 18% of board members in Mexico are women (IMCO, 2023) and over 60% of Mexican corporate boards lack formal succession planning (PwC Mexico) — yet companies with board advisory show 23% higher ROI on executive decisions (Korn Ferry). Mexico’s nearshoring wave has brought $41 billion in FDI
Key Takeaway: More than 80% of Canadian boards are now directly involved in ESG oversight — up from 48% five years ago (ICD). Canada has approximately one million job vacancies nationally (Statistics Canada) and a Canada Infrastructure Bank portfolio of $46 billion across 94 projects. The boards governing organisations at
Key Takeaway: China’s GDP growth reached 4.9% in 2024, supported by over $160 billion in annual FDI (UNCTAD) — yet 60% of companies in China report difficulties finding leadership talent with the right skills (Korn Ferry, 2023) and 71% of multinationals cite domestic market slowdown as their primary concern (European
Key Takeaway: China’s GDP growth reached 4.9% in 2024, supported by over $160 billion in annual FDI (UNCTAD) — yet 60% of companies in China report difficulties finding leadership talent with the right skills (Korn Ferry, 2023) and 71% of multinationals cite domestic market slowdown as their primary concern (European
Key Takeaway: Companies with effective governance structures in Brazil are 30% more likely to experience higher profitability (IBGC, 2023) and 60% of Brazilian companies are now prioritising ESG factors in their business strategy (Brazilian Business Institute, 2024). With Brazil receiving over $60 billion in annual FDI and projecting 2.2% GDP
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
Brazil’s consumer and retail sector stands as a cornerstone of its economy, reflecting both resilience and adaptability in the face of evolving market dynamics. As of 2024, Brazil’s retail e-commerce market is projected to reach .74 billion, positioning it as the largest in Latin America. This growth trajectory underscores the
En esta conversación, contamos con la participación de José María Alonso, destacado abogado especializado en litigación y arbitraje, con una trayectoria de más de 2000 procedimientos judiciales y más de 200 arbitrajes nacionales e internacionales. Ha ocupado cargos como decano del Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Madrid y socio director
Brazil’s life sciences and healthcare industry is the largest in Latin America, making up 9.47% of the country’s GDP and totaling an annual expenditure of 1 billion. The country has more than 214 million citizens which leads to a continuous increase in demand for healthcare services. However, this demand brings
Brazil’s professional services sector, which includes consulting, legal, accounting, and IT services, is a cornerstone of the country’s economy. In 2021, employment in the sector reached a record 13.4 million workers which reflects 7.8% more from the last year, demonstrating steady growth and resilience. Key Challenges in Brazil’s Professional Services
Brazil’s technology sector is on a significant growth trajectory, with projections indicating the market will surpass $100 billion by 2025. This expansion is fueled by rapid digital transformation and increased adoption of emerging technologies. However, the sector faces notable challenges, including a substantial talent shortage. Estimates suggest a demand for
Law firm partners represent the highest talent of legal expertise and leadership within a firm, making their movement between firms relatively rare and highly strategic. In Spain, where legal partners are well-remunerated, the reasons behind their mobility extend far beyond salary considerations. Instead, moves are often driven by alignment with
Portugal’s insurance sector constitutes a central part of the national financial system and greatly contributes to the economy’s stability and risk management at the business and individual levels. Due to digital transformation, regulatory shifts and changes in consumer expectations, insurers are now facing greater leadership challenges than ever before. Companies
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Andrea Molinas as Principal, bringing his extensive international experience in business development and recruitment to Zavala Civitas. Andrea has built an impressive career across multiple industries, specializing in the pharmaceutical and automation sectors for the Italian region. His expertise includes technical executiverecruitment,
Portugal’s financial services and banking sector has demonstrated remarkable resilience and adaptability in recent years, emerging stronger from past economic challenges. As technology keeps advancing, it does along with new regulations, transforms vast portions of the industry which in turn leads to the development of new executive search firms that
The automobile industry in Portugal generates about 2.1% of the GDP and comprises around 8.5% of the industrial output in the country.Notably, 97.7% of vehicles manufactured in Portugal are exported, underscoring the industry’s export-oriented nature. In 2022, the nation produced over 300,000 vehicles, with more than 96% destined for international
The energy and infrastructure sectors of Portugal are changing, fuelled by new investments on sustainable projects and renewable energy vision targets. To thrive in establishing greater energy self-sufficiency while offering infrastructure innovations in leadership is key. In this paper we will talk about the current landscape of the sector as
Portugal’s education and nonprofit sectors are pivotal in shaping the nation’s future, yet they face significant challenges that impede their progress. Addressing these issues requires strategic leadership, where executive search firms play a crucial role in identifying and placing leaders capable of driving positive change. Current Challenges in Portugal’s Education
Retaining top-level talent has become a critical priority for organizations. Long-Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) play a crucial role in ensuring leadership stability, aligning executive interests with company goals, and driving sustained performance. Companies that leverage LTIPs effectively not only retain their key executives but also enhance their attractiveness during the
Portugal’s development, in industrial and automation sector, has gone a long way. The industry takes part in robotics, production, engineering and that area is clearly the leader in efficiency. Still with the international market getting tougher and technology evolving there are difficulties that require competent management. The Evolution of
Portugal’s consumer and retail sector is a vital part of the national economy, encompassing everything from fashion and food retail to e-commerce and luxury goods. Nonetheless, fluctuations in economic conditions and changing buying habits are altering the landscape of the sector and these come as both trials and opportunities for
Portugal’s lifesciences and healthcare sector has witnessed significant growth in healrecent years, driven by both domestic and international investment. Portugal is facing economic challenges in 2024 as a result of moving globally more towards integration which is affecting several sectors including healthcare and lifesciences. High inflation, increased health costs, and
Portugal’s professional services sector is a cornerstone of its economy, comprising a diverse range of industries from legal and accounting services to consulting and management. In 2024, Portugal’s economy is facing several hurdles. With inflation on the rise, GDP growth slowing down, and operational costs increasing the uncertainty starts to
Portugal’s technology sector has been booming in recent years, attracting international attention and investment. In 2024, Portugal finds itself in a period of economic uncertainty, grappling with inflation, rising energy costs, and a fluctuating job market. The tech industry, although resilient, has not been immune to these pressures. According to
The real estate sector in Mexico is navigating a complex landscape marked by economic challenges and emerging opportunities. Recent events, such as changing of regimes and some of their economic policies have brought in some doubts which affect the sector as well as the economy in general. In this context,
Advancements in technology, stronger client demands, and shifts on job market demands are reshaping the sector. Companies are being challenged to deliver greater value, faster, and with more agility than ever before. As we look ahead to 2025, it’s clear that success will belong to firms that embrace innovation, adapt
As a result of technology and foreign investment, Mexico’s industrial automation sector is developing rapidly. Nevertheless, there are several obstacles to progress in the sector – a lack of specialized human resources and low levels of infrastructure development. Executive search firms are instrumental in placing leaders who can drive the
Madrid, Spain – November 11, 2024. Zavala Civitas is pleased to announce the appointment of Beatriz Baker Araujo as Senior Advisor. Beatriz brings with her 40 years of experience advising corporations and boards on best practices in corporate governance, with a focus on stakeholder governance and sustainability. Her extensive background
Mexico’s education and nonprofit sectors are at a crossroads. Persistent challenges like uneven access to quality education, economic pressures, and resource limitations are holding back progress. At the same time, opportunities to foster change and innovation are within reach. Executive search firms are specialized in helping organizations find the leadership
The life sciences and healthcare industries are pivotal to Mexico’s economy and public health system. Due to its geographical location near the U.S., the nation has developed into a center for pharmacological research and development, manufacture of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Moreover, the rising demand for healthcare services has accelerated
The technology sector in Mexico is big fish in the the Latin American region. The sector of finance, retail, and manufacturing areas are rapidly developing due technology. Artificial intelligence (A1), blockchain technology, as well as the Internet of things (IoT) are among the various strategies and technologies that businesses are
Digital transformation has rapidly reshaped HR practices, leading to groundbreaking changes in how talent and employee experience are managed. Tools like artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), personalized development platforms, and cybersecurity solutions are changing every aspect of the HR sector. In this article we explore the top technology trends
Mexico’s logistics sector is growing quickly, but it faces many challenges. High costs, trade uncertainties, and the need for digital change are putting pressure on companies. In this tough environment, strong executive leadership is key. Leaders need to guide companies through these issues while finding new opportunities for growth. Executive