Find Top Executive Talent in China
Hiring senior leadership in China requires local market insight, speed, and a process you can trust.
Zavala Civitas supports Italian companies with cross-border executive search in China, combining a client-centric approach, local expertise, weekly progress reports, and a milestone-based fee structure that supports successful executive placements.
Our Presence in China
Our leaders ensure we deliver the most value to our clients.
A Decade of Commitment
For over 10 years, we have been dedicated to serving clients across China building lasting relationships.
Extensive Portfolio
With over 350 successful projects completed throughout China, we have garnered extensive expertise in navigating this dynamic market.
Proven Execution in China
Our executive search assignments in China achieve a 92% completion rate, with an average time to hire of approximately two months and an 81% retention rate within the first three years key for Italian companies operating in complex cross-border environments.
Maria Angeles Bosch
Managing Director APAC
María has over 10 years of experience leading HR and executive talent initiatives across APAC, including China, Southeast Asia, Australia, India, and South Africa. She previously held senior roles at Prosegur and global consulting firms such as McKinsey & Company.
Jessica Jiang
Senior Research Consultant
Jessica is based in Shanghai and focuses on executive search and cross-border recruitment across China and international markets, supporting multinational and European companies in securing senior leadership talent locally.
Andrea Molinas
Principal
Andrea has developed a strong cross-sector career within the Italian market, bringing deep expertise in executive search for life sciences and industrial companies, including international groups with operations in Asia.
Our Global Footprint
Please review this map to identify the following:
- Physical office: Countries where we have an office and a dedicated partner.
- Preferred partner: Countries where we have a preferred partner available.
- Projects executed: Countries where we've successfully completed multiple search assignments
Executive Search Case Studies
Shanghai, China
Beijing, China
The client required a senior General Manager to lead its China operations from Beijing within a highly regulated life sciences environment. The role demanded deep knowledge of the local regulatory landscape, strong leadership capabilities, and the ability to manage complex stakeholder relationships while maintaining full alignment with Italian headquarters. The search needed to be conducted confidentially within a limited and highly competitive leadership market.
Executive Search Service Flow
Search Definition
In depth briefing of client's organization needs and environment.
Follow-up Meeting
Weekly follow up of candidates and market reports.
Market Mapping
Across the industry, direct competitors, contacting 100+ executives per search.
Executive Evaluation
Proactive outreach, evaluation, and shortlist in 10 days with weekly updates.
Reference Checks
360° reference checks and optional psychometric assessment.
Onboarding Support
Negotiation support and onboarding follow-up at 180 days.
Client reviews
Fee structure / Risk reduction
Added value: Milestone-based fee structurel
“What differentiated Zavala Civitas was their milestone-based fee structure. We only paid as tangible results were delivered, which significantly reduced risk compared to traditional upfront models. This approach gave us confidence from the very beginning of the search.”
— CFO, Italian Industrial Group
Personal involvement / Client-centric approach
Added value: Partner-led, highly personalized service
“The level of personal involvement was exceptional. The team worked closely with us throughout the search, fully understanding our context and priorities. It felt like a truly tailored process rather than a standard executive search engagement.”
— Managing Director, European Group with Operations in China
Proactivity / Speed / Execution
Added value: Proactive search and fast delivery
“Zavala Civitas ran a very proactive and fast-moving search. The shortlist was delivered quickly, and we received structured updates every week. This level of pace and visibility made a real difference in a complex cross-border assignment.”
— Board Member, International Company