At Hanson Search, we’ve specialised in communications and PR recruitment across Europe for more than 20 years. Over the past 12 months, we’ve seen a significant rise in demand for communications talent in Italy, particularly in Milan. Driven initially by agency hiring and now increasingly by in-house teams, this growth points to a larger trend. Italian businesses are winning more complex, international briefs and need high-calibre communications professionals to deliver them. Camille Chevallier, Senior Consultant and communications recruitment specialist at Hanson Search, explains: “Milan is fast becoming one of Europe’s key communications hubs, alongside Paris, Amsterdam and Brussels. 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 enjoyed a longstanding global luxury reputation in sectors including fashion, luxury, design and automotive industries, where brand storytelling and reputation management are vital. In recent years however, the landscape has shifted. Italian companies are accelerating their focus on digital innovation, ESG, financial restructuring and global expansion. Government programmes including the €191.5 billion National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR) have injected significant investment into technology, education and infrastructure. As a result, demand is rising for communications professionals skilled in corporate reputation and crisis management, stakeholder engagement, financial communications, brand positioning and digital strategy. To support these changes Italy has introduced several initiatives to attract international talent. These incentives are positioning Italy, and Milan in particular, as an increasingly attractive destination for both communications professionals and the companies that hire them.
- Italy Startup Visa – encouraging non-EU entrepreneurs and professionals to set up in innovation hubs.
- Elective Residency Visa – a flexible option for independent relocation.
- Impatriate Tax Regime – offering up to 70% income tax exemption for skilled workers relocating to Italy (and up to 90% in southern regions).
Why Milan?
Milan is Italy’s communications and financial capital. It hosts the Borsa Italiana and is home to many leading consultancies and multinational corporations, including Google, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon and L’Oréal, all of which require sophisticated communications strategies at both local and global levels. Milan also boasts a thriving start-up ecosystem, with over 2,500 companies in fintech, healthtech, e-commerce and green tech. There are Innovation clusters such as MIND – Milan Innovation District, creating demand for digital and marketing expertise. There is a strong academic talent pipeline, with universities such as Bocconi, Politecnico di Milano and Università Cattolica, producing multilingual graduates with in-demand skills in corporate affairs, strategic communications and digital marketing.
Communications Recruitment Trends in Milan
At Hanson Search, we’ve seen a clear shift in the recruitment landscape. Agencies are scaling up and looking for candidates with international experience and strong digital acumen. Financial communications and IR roles also are on the rise, reflecting Milan’s position as a financial hub. Strategic communications expertise, including ESG and crisis communications are in increasing demand. Across the board, communications is moving from a support function to a core strategic discipline, embedded in leadership and commercial growth agendas.
Why Communications Professionals Are Choosing Milan
Over 20% of Milan’s workforce are employed in knowledge-intensive sectors including communications, tech and finance, making it a great destination for professionals seeking impact-driven roles in fast-evolving industries. Beyond career opportunities Milan consistently ranks among the most liveable cities in Europe. It offers high-quality healthcare and infrastructure, international schools, expat-friendly services, a fantastic culture and excellent transport links.
While cities like London or New York may remain communications powerhouses, Milan is firmly on the rise. For businesses Milan provides access to an internationally minded, multilingual talent pool across corporate affairs, marketing, PR and investor relations. For individuals it offers outstanding opportunities in an evolving and globally connected market.
Looking to hire communications talent in Milan, or considering your next communications role in Italy? Get in touch with our team at Hanson Search — we’d be delighted to help.
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