Executive Search Success Story: Rebuilding the Leadership Bench at a Multi-Billion-Dollar CPG Manufacturer

How JRG Partners executed a confidential, multi-role executive search that re-anchored the leadership team of a North American consumer packaged goods company during a period of rapid acquisition and growth.

The Challenge

A leading North American consumer packaged goods manufacturer had reached a critical inflection point. Following a series of acquisitions, expanded retail distribution, and entry into new product categories, the business was experiencing strong revenue growth—but its leadership infrastructure had not kept pace.

Through strategic planning sessions, the Board and CEO identified several interconnected challenges:

• Inconsistent execution across newly integrated business units
• Supply chain inefficiencies impacting margins and service levels
• Increasing retailer pressure from Walmart, Costco, Kroger, Target, and regional chains
• Growing competition from private-label brands
• Executive succession risk concentrated in key leadership positions
• The need for transformational leaders who could drive change while preserving company culture

The leadership team determined that a series of strategic executive hires—not a single replacement—would be required to support the company’s long-term growth objectives.

The confidential mandate included searches for:

• President
• Chief Operating Officer (COO)
• Vice President of Supply Chain
• Vice President of Sales
• Vice President of Manufacturing
• Director of Operations
• Category Leadership Executives

Several searches involved replacing underperforming incumbents, making confidentiality and discretion absolutely essential.

Why the Client Chose JRG Partners

Deep Consumer Industry Expertise

JRG Partners maintains dedicated executive search practices across consumer products, food and beverage, manufacturing, supply chain, operations, and commercial leadership.

Access to Passive Executive Talent

The most sought-after CPG executives are rarely active job seekers. Leveraging proprietary market intelligence and long-standing industry relationships, JRG Partners identified and engaged leaders who were inaccessible through traditional recruiting channels.

Confidential Search Execution

Our team conducted every search with complete discretion, protecting the client’s reputation and preserving workforce morale.

North American Reach

The search spanned major executive talent markets across the United States and Canada, including Chicago, Minneapolis, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Dallas, Toronto, and Los Angeles.

Our Executive Search Strategy

Phase 1: Leadership Assessment

JRG Partners worked directly with the CEO, Board members, and HR leadership to evaluate organizational gaps, succession risks, growth objectives, and future leadership requirements.

Phase 2: North American Talent Mapping

More than 450 executive profiles were researched and assessed across Fortune 500 consumer products companies, food and beverage manufacturers, household goods organizations, PE-backed brands, and emerging challengers.

Phase 3: Executive Engagement

• Revenue acceleration
• National account management
• Supply chain optimization
• Manufacturing excellence
• Operational turnaround
• M&A integration
• Retail channel expansion

Phase 4: Executive Assessment & Selection

• Strategic leadership capability
• Team-building effectiveness
• Change management experience
• Financial acumen
• Operational expertise
• Cultural alignment
• Long-term retention potential

Key Outcomes

• 450+ executives assessed across North America
• Multiple executive leadership placements completed
• Critical positions filled ahead of schedule
• Reduced succession risk
• Enhanced organizational performance
• Improved executive retention