Communications Recruitment in Milan: Why Italy Is Attracting Top Talent

At Hanson Search, we’ve specialised in communications and PR recruitment across Europe for over 20 years. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen a marked rise in demand for communications professionals in Italy, particularly in Milan. Initially led by agency hiring, this demand is now increasingly coming from in-house teams across sectors. The trend reflects a broader shift: Italian companies are winning more complex, international communications briefs and need experienced, multilingual professionals to lead them.

“Milan is fast becoming one of Europe’s key communications hubs, alongside Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels,” says Camille Chevallier, Senior Consultant at Hanson Search. “Clients are looking for talent with deep knowledge of the Italian market and strong international experience. These are exciting times.”

Why Italy Is Emerging as a Communications Hub

Italy has long been a global leader in luxury, fashion, automotive and design, where brand storytelling and reputation management are business-critical. But the country’s economic narrative is evolving. Italian companies are embracing digital transformation, ESG initiatives, financial restructuring, and international expansion. Fuelled by the €191.5 billion National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), the government has injected significant investment into technology, sustainability and education and with it, increased the demand for strategic communications professionals.

In-demand communications expertise includes:

• Corporate reputation and crisis management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Financial and investor relations communications
• Digital and brand strategy
• ESG and sustainability communications

Italy is also working to attract international talent through government-backed initiatives, further boosting its position as a talent destination. Key incentives include:

• Italy Startup Visa – for non-EU entrepreneurs and innovation professionals
• Elective Residency Visa – ideal for remote workers or independent relocation
• Impatriate Tax Regime – up to 70% tax exemption for skilled workers relocating to Italy, rising to 90% in southern regions

Why Milan Is Leading the Way in Communications Recruitment

As Italy’s financial and commercial capital, Milan is home to the Borsa Italiana and serves as headquarters for leading consultancies and multinationals including Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon and L’Oréal. The city offers a vibrant start-up ecosystem, with over 2,500 companies operating in fintech, healthtech, green tech and e-commerce. Innovation hubs like MIND – Milan Innovation District are also creating strong demand for professionals in digital marketing, content strategy, and corporate affairs.

Why companies choose Milan for communications hiring:

• Access to multilingual, globally-minded professionals
• Presence of global brands with local execution needs
• A deep academic talent pipeline, led by universities such as Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano, and Università Cattolica

Communications Recruitment Trends in Milan

At Hanson Search, we’re seeing a clear evolution in Milan’s PR and communications job market:

• Agencies are scaling up, prioritising candidates with international backgrounds and strong digital experience
• Financial communications and investor relations roles are growing, reflecting Milan’s status as a finance hub
• ESG, crisis, and reputation management are moving up the hiring agenda
• Corporate communications is now viewed as a strategic leadership function, not just a support role

Why Communications Professionals Are Choosing Milan

With over 20% of Milan’s workforce employed in knowledge-based industries like tech, finance, and communications, it’s a magnet for high-impact professionals. The city consistently ranks as one of Europe’s most liveable cities, offering:

• International schools and expat-friendly services
• High-quality healthcare and infrastructure
• A thriving culture and culinary scene
• Excellent transport links across Europe

While global cities like London or New York continue to lead in communications, Milan is firmly on the rise. For companies, it offers access to a dynamic talent pool across PR, public affairs, marketing and corporate communications. For candidates, it offers meaningful, globally connected career opportunities.

Looking to Hire or Work in Communications in Milan?

Whether you’re building your communications team in Italy or exploring your next PR or corporate affairs role in Milan, Hanson Search can help.  Get in touch to learn how we can support your communications hiring strategy in Milan.

Hanson Search is a globally recognised, award-winning talent advisory and headhunting consultancy. Our expertise lies in building successful ventures worldwide through our recruitment, interim and executive search in communications, sustainability, public affairs and policy, digital marketing and sales.