How Stanton Chase found an Asia travel retail leader for a global cigar and cigarillo maker when few executives would join a tobacco business
>The Background
Why a Global Cigar and Cigarillo Manufacturer Needed a New Travel Retail Leader in Asia
Our client is a global cigar maker and the world’s leading manufacturer of cigarillos. To build its presence in Asian travel retail, the company needed an Asia Head of Global Travel Retail, based at its regional headquarters in Hong Kong. Stanton Chase was engaged to run the search.
>The Challenge
Recruiting Travel Retail Leaders Willing to Work in Tobacco
The brief carried constraints that narrowed the field early. The client preferred candidates from outside the beauty industry, which removed a large part of the usual travel retail talent. Many capable executives were also reluctant to join a tobacco business. On top of that, every candidate had to complete a Thomas Assessment and reach a set rating before moving forward.
The role itself called for global travel retail experience, ideally across several markets, together with fluency in Mandarin and English. Selection ran through joint first-round interviews with the hiring manager and the Asia and International HR Directors. A final interview and case study presentation with the Global CEO closed the process.
>The Solution
Sourcing and Assessing Travel Retail Talent Across China and Hong Kong
Stanton Chase ran a focused regional search rather than a broad one. We approached Chinese-heritage travel retail professionals across Hong Kong, Singapore, Taiwan, and China, concentrating on those with the experience to lead and a willingness to work in the tobacco sector. Suitable candidates were briefed on the role and the client’s priorities, then supported through the Thomas Assessment, which we offered in Chinese for those who preferred it. Those who met the required rating moved into interviews with our team, and five were shortlisted.
We prepared the shortlist for a demanding, multi-stage process, from joint hiring-manager and HR interviews to a final meeting and case study presentation with the Global CEO. The candidate placed was the China Travel Retail Manager at one of the world’s largest tobacco companies, a leader with direct sector experience who was ready to move. Stanton Chase provided onboarding coaching, and the new hire has settled in well and is meeting targets.
>Our Team
Travel Retail and Consumer Executive Search in China and Hong Kong
Stanton Chase China and Hong Kong led this assignment, working through our Consumer Products and Services practice. We recruit senior commercial and travel retail leaders for clients across the region. Our consultants know these markets well and place leaders who fit both the role and the culture.
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