The consumer electronics & durables sector covers a range of products from audiovisual equipment via white goods to children’s toys. In recent years, consumer durables companies have focused on quality, technical design, innovation and aspirational/lifestyle branding to differentiate their products in mature markets. In emerging markets, these groups have sought to exploit lower-cost manufacturing opportunities and greater growth potential. In the current global recession, the common challenge across categories and markets is falling consumer spending on what are often big-ticket, discretionary items.
The response to this global reduction in demand has differed markedly between different companies, even in the same industry. While some have chosen to restructure and consolidate operations, others are pursuing a more aggressive strategy of pushing for market share through innovation and acquisition.
What skills are needed now?
These uniquely challenging times call for strong leadership and new ways of thinking; strategic and conceptual insights must be matched with flawless, cost-effective execution. Consequently, there has never been greater need for skilled and experienced executives. Restructuring and change management skills are key competencies. Functional/operational excellence is a prerequisite, allied to a high level of consumer understanding and commercial expertise. Above and beyond this, managers must be able to create effective innovative strategies that ensure survival and lead to sustainable success.
How can Egon Zehnder International support the Consumer electronics and durables industry?
Executive talent remains the most enduring source of competitive advantage. We concentrate on helping our clients obtain this advantage through the identification, assessment and recruitment of talented professionals with outstanding track records.
Our consumer electronics and durables team has profound experience in the field, working with the leading companies to ensure the success of their management teams. Over the last 5 years, we have successfully completed over 750 searches worldwide. Our ability to work seamlessly with our Consumer, Technology and Industrial Practices, in order to leverage their experience and expertise, enables us to assemble global teams that assure our clients the best possible solution.
How we operate
Our services go beyond executive search to include the talent pipeline. Here, we proactively identify top strategic talent in the global market, with competencies in such critical functions as innovation and supply chain, as well as in general management.
Our
Leadership Strategy Services assess and develop individual leaders and also leadership teams. We work with clients on an ongoing basis, as well as in M&A and restructuring situations, to evaluate and improve their talent portfolios.
Executive management teams can only be successful in these times if supported by an effective board. Our Board Consulting experience covers NED recruiting, appraisal of individual board member contributions, and overall board performance reviews.
