HTP Group Expands in Europe and Transatlantic Markets with Four Partner Appointments
October 9, 2026 – HTP Group has expanded with the additions of François Carloni, Diego Chinnì, Sandrine Lebouc, and Chloë Sonnois as partners. These appointment marks a significant milestone in HTP Group’s international growth, strengthening its capabilities across France, Italy, and Switzerland, while establishing its first-ever dedicated bridge to the North American market. “We are thrilled to welcome Chloë, Diego, François, and Sandrine, to our partner team,” said Ineke Arts and Raffaele Jacovelli, managing directors of HTP Group. “Their collective expertise spans global corporate leadership, transatlantic talent acquisition, and deep executive search experience. As organizations navigate rapid technological shifts, including AI adoption, and seek agile, cross-border leadership, these appointments reflect our commitment to delivering high-impact, human-centric solutions. Expanding our footprint in France and Italy, and establishing our first dedicated link to the U.S. market, positions HTP Group to support our clients’ global ambitions better than ever.”
Based in Paris, Mr. Carloni joins as partner to advise clients across France, Italy, Switzerland, and the wider European market. He has more than 20 years of international experience in executive search and corporate development, having worked with search firms, agencies, and multinational organizations. Mr. Carloni specializes in leadership, change management, and process improvement, combining a strategic perspective with a strong operational focus.
“I am very pleased to be joining HTP Group and to begin this new chapter in Paris,” said Mr. Carloni. “What attracted me to HTP is its entrepreneurial spirit, international outlook and, above all, its genuine focus on people and relationships. I also strongly believe in HTP’s forward-looking approach to AI and the way technology is reshaping leadership and executive search, while keeping human connection and relationships at the heart of the process. I look forward to bringing my experience and energy to HTP. My focus will be on understanding the strategic priorities of each organization and helping them shape the leadership teams required to deliver their ambitions, navigate change and create sustainable growth.”
Mr. Chinnì joins HTP Group to expand the firm’s activities in the Italian market. With over two decades of leadership experience across executive advisory, financial services, and automotive sectors, including a 15-year tenure at BMW Group, he has a track record in driving revenue growth, leading complex business transformations, and scaling digital innovation. Combining analytical rigor with an entrepreneurial mindset, Mr. Chinnì specializes in sales and marketing strategy, corporate innovation, and market development, supporting organizations across Europe in driving strategic alignment and business growth.
“I am delighted and honored to begin this collaboration with HTP Group, a company that enjoys a solid reputation across Europe in the fields of consulting and executive recruitment,” said Mr. Chinnì. “I am fully committed to developing and expanding the significant work already accomplished, bringing it to the Italian market. This is a major challenge that I will tackle with the utmost determination, supported by the invaluable assistance of my colleagues at headquarters.”
Related: HTP Group Adds New Partners
Ms. Lebouc joins HTP Group as partner, based in France operating across Europe, with a focus on executive search, leadership consulting for industrial companies undergoing business transformation.
She has over 26 years of international leadership experience across Europe and Asia. Previously, Ms. Lebouc spent over two decades at Sumitomo Group (SEWS-E) in key commercial and supply chain leadership roles. Based near Paris, she leverages her deep operational background to guide clients through complex industrial, environmental, and digital transitions.
Preparing for the Human Challenges of Digital Transformation
“I’m delighted to join HTP Group,” said Ms. Lebouc, noting her interest in how technology is reshaping the human element of business. “What drew me to HTP is a question I want to explore: as technology transforms businesses, how will the role of people and leaders evolve, and how should we rethink the way we identify and attract talent? Having led teams through growth and change, I’ve seen how transformation reshapes what people need to learn, how they work together and what they expect from leadership. Joining HTP gives me the opportunity to turn that interest into practice, combining my business experience with executive search and leadership advisory to help companies prepare for the human challenges of digital transformation”
Ms. Sonnois joins HTP Group as junior partner, establishing the firm’s first dedicated bridge between the North American and European markets. She has a transatlantic background in executive search, talent acquisition, and strategic partnerships. Her career includes executing senior and C-suite mandates at Perpetual, leading international recruitment for CultureWorks Group (Fotografiska/NeueHouse) across New York, LA, Berlin, and Stockholm, and managing partnerships for the Women’s Forum (Publicis Groupe) in Paris. At HTP, Ms. Sonnois will focus on transatlantic business development across executive search, interim management, and leadership assessment.
“I have a lot of respect for what it takes to build a business,” said Ms. Sonnois. “Behind every company there was once an idea, followed by years of work, decisions, changes of direction and, very often, a deeply personal ambition to make something succeed. The people you bring into that story matter enormously. I care about understanding what a client is building and what the business needs at that particular moment, because the right person in the right place can change what becomes possible. Work carries a lot of our time and energy; I believe it should carry purpose too.”
HTP Group is a European executive search and leadership advisory organization, born from three specialized firms: Hightech Partners, focused on digital executive search and leadership consulting; Hoffman & Associates, a generalist executive search and interim management firm; and Ataya & Partners, a search firm focused on cybersecurity and digital governance. With offices in Brussels, Frankfurt, Geneva, Milan, Paris and Rotterdam, and a network of local partners, HTP Group operates across Europe.
Related: HTP Group Expands in Spain
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
