Brief for Government Relations Director

Our client, a prominent global leader in agrifood, human, and animal nutrition, occupies a critical position in the agricultural processing chain. By working closely with both farming communities and manufacturers, they are uniquely positioned to mobilise key allies and influence government decisions effectively. With existing government relations teams in the US, South America, and Asia, the client sought to expand their influence by hiring a Government Relations Director for the EU, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region, headquartered in Switzerland.

The Challenge

The recruitment landscape presented several challenges. Switzerland’s candidate pool for this niche role was limited, necessitating a comprehensive mapping of potential candidates across Europe, with a special focus on Brussels due to the role’s strong EU regulatory component. Furthermore, the company’s Public Affairs function was still evolving, making this the first hire for this critical position. The selected Director of Government Relations needed to work closely with the communications, tax, and business management teams at the headquarters in Switzerland to align on objectives and provide guidance when necessary.

In addition, the company had recently acquired a significant player in the Animal Nutrition industry and had another acquisition pending in France. Therefore, the candidate needed to demonstrate strong knowledge in this sector or show adaptability to serve as an ambassador for this expanding segment of the business.

Our Approach

To address these challenges, we deployed a strategic approach that combined market intelligence with a deep understanding of our client’s needs. We conducted an extensive mapping of the European market, leveraging our in-house research team’s capability to navigate large, cross-border talent pools. Our well-established network further provided valuable insights and recommendations.

We engaged in detailed discussions with various stakeholders within the client’s organisation to fully comprehend the role’s impact and the expectations from different teams. This ensured that we could align our search with the broader strategic objectives of the company.

In parallel, we worked closely with potential Director of Government Relations candidates, taking into account their personal circumstances, particularly the feasibility of relocating to Switzerland. This close collaboration extended to working hand-in-hand with the client’s HR team to facilitate a smooth relocation process for the successful candidate.

The Outcome

Our approach yielded a diverse and highly qualified shortlist of candidates from Switzerland, France, Belgium, Italy, and Germany. We successfully identified a candidate with extensive expertise in animal nutrition and a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between animal and human nutrition sectors. This candidate also brought a global perspective, which was crucial for the role’s success.

The client was extremely pleased with the candidate’s fit and the smooth recruitment process for the Director of Government Relations position, which included our support in facilitating the candidate’s relocation to Switzerland. As a result of this success, the client entrusted us with a subsequent search for a Global Marketing role, further solidifying our partnership.

Conclusion

By leveraging our deep market knowledge, extensive network, and meticulous mapping capabilities, we successfully placed the first Director of Government Relations for our client. This strategic hire not only enhanced their influence within the animal nutrition industry but also positioned them as a leader in the market. Our ability to facilitate the candidate’s relocation to Switzerland and integrate them seamlessly into the organisation further underscores our commitment to delivering tailored recruitment solutions that drive our clients’ growth and strategic ambitions.

Hanson Search is a leading talent advisory and executive search consultancy with consultants based across the UAEUK, USA, and Europe. We specialise in business-critical roles that drive revenue, reputation, and risk, with dedicated teams in Communications, Government Relations, Financial CommunicationsPublic AffairsMarketingDigital MarketingSustainabilityInvestor Relations and C-Suite recruitment. 

Looking to hire exceptional talent or explore your next career move? Get in touch with our team.

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