Case Study Snapshot
- Role: Director of Category Insights
- Sector: Fresh Produce and Fruit Breeding
- Market: USA (Remote)
- Search Type: Exclusive Retained Executive Search
- Outcome: Executive-level insight leader appointed to support global data strategy
Supporting Organisational Transformation Through Insight Leadership
During a period of organisational transformation, our client was making several senior appointments across its global operations. Working closely with the CEO and newly appointed Chief HR Officer, LCR International supported the business in strengthening its leadership structure.
A priority within this programme was the appointment of a Director of Category Insights to build stronger relationships with global retail partners and strengthen the organisation’s use of consumer and performance data.
Given the strategic importance of the role, the client engaged LCR International to lead the search under the direct oversight of its founder.
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A Specialist and Executive-Level Brief
The successful candidate needed deep expertise in category management, retail analytics, and insight generation, alongside the credibility to operate at executive level.
High salary expectations, limited availability of suitably qualified professionals, and competition from multinational businesses made the search particularly challenging.
At the client’s request, the search included targeted engagement with professionals working for direct competitors.
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Defining Strategy and Mapping Specialist Talent
LCR commenced the assignment with a detailed briefing involving senior leadership. This process clarified performance objectives, leadership expectations, and organisational priorities.
We established target organisations, geographic parameters, and realistic timelines before conducting comprehensive market mapping across North America and Europe.
Using our specialist knowledge of the fresh produce and fruit breeding sectors, we identified and discreetly approached relevant professionals with aligned experience.
All engagement was managed confidentially to protect both commercial interests and candidate relationships.
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Delivering a Market-Ready Insight Leader
Through structured interviews and formal assessments, LCR developed a focused shortlist of executive-level candidates.
The successful candidate demonstrated strong alignment with the company’s analytical capability, cultural values, and strategic objectives.
Following appointment, the new Director of Category Insights strengthened retailer collaboration, improved internal data sharing, and supported the implementation of insight-led decision-making across the business.
This appointment has enhanced the organisation’s ability to translate data into commercial action.
