Signium Expands in France
September 17, 2024 – Executive search consortium Signium has expanded with the addition of three new partners in France. The new partners include Pascal Moreau-Luchaire, managing director of PG&C Consulting, Alexandre Trotto, director at Hajime RH, and François Barbier, founder of FB Consulting. “France has always been a strategic market for Signium and we are delighted to welcome such experienced and successful individuals to the Signium community,” said Annelize van Rensburg, chair of Signium. “Our global yet local approach to business will enable our managing partners to seize the market effectively as well as capitalize on future growth expectations.”
The timing of this expansion comes at a pivotal moment for business in France, particularly following the Paris Olympics and amid a period of political uncertainty. “For now, much of France’s economy has slowed down because of the Olympics and politics. It’s hard to predict when the winds of business will blow again,” said Mr. Barbier.
Mr. Moreau-Luchaire concurs that French organizations are waiting with bated breath on the election of the next government, before making major executive placement decisions: “We expect these challenges to persist until the end of the year, but it depends on the government and how quickly economic activities can recover,” he said. “People will have to invest eventually, but it’s difficult to say when.”
Despite the challenges, Mr. Trotto remains optimistic about the future: “I believe that the hardest season is behind us,” he says. “Business is flourishing across the world, and it will flourish in France again – very soon.”
France’s executive search landscape has been relatively quiet in recent years, with organizations taking a cautious approach to recruitment. “Executive candidates are making decisions very slowly – they are reluctant to move or change roles in the current climate,” Mr. Barbier said. “This does affect the executive placement industry as companies become more selective regarding the skills they require.”
Mr. Trotto notes that artificial intelligence significantly influences the business environment in France. “More organizations are looking for professionals who can navigate the new AI landscape,” he said. “However, due to the novelty of AI roles, finding qualified candidates at the executive level remains a challenge.”
Mr. Moreau-Luchaire, whose firm specializes in executive placement in the life sciences industry, added: “It’s impossible to separate life sciences and AI. In the world of wearable devices, the pivot towards AI is inevitable, but it’s still a giant leap for these organizations to make in such a short time.”
Adjustment of the Retirement Age
France’s recent adjustment of the retirement age to 67 has also changed workplace dynamics, allowing companies to retain experienced senior executives while simultaneously hiring younger talent. This blend of youthful energy and long-term experience is expected to enhance innovation and strategic thinking within organizations, Signium noted. While executive search remains predominantly localized within France, there is an increase in collaboration across Europe, particularly with Germany. The country’s renowned business schools continue to produce strong MBA graduates, further supporting economic growth and strengthening France’s position. Furthermore, English has become a common second language, opening doors for globalization and international executive placements, according to Signium.
Related: Signium Opens New Office in Sydney
Mr. Barbier emphasizes that, in addition to technical skills and industry knowledge, up-and-coming leaders must showcase listening skills, drive, and positive energy. Mr. Trotto agrees that soft skills are essential for executives to stay relevant. “It’s important for leaders to demonstrate empathy and know what their people are facing,” he said. “And agility is crucial. Leaders who are ready to adapt will thrive, particularly in the IT sector, where technology changes at such a fast pace.”
The new managing partners share their enthusiasm for joining Signium France. Mr. Moreau-Luchaire expresses his excitement about this new chapter: “I’m looking forward to a collaborative future with Signium. I believe we can leverage our collective expertise to redefine executive search in France, and beyond.”
“Being independent does allow certain freedoms, but the international reach that a company like Signium offers can’t be overlooked,” Mr. Trotto said. “It’s a partnership that benefits each of us, the Signium Group, and the country as a whole. It puts France on the executive placement map worldwide.”
Signium has 38 offices in 30 countries serving clients in the Americas, EMEA, and Asia-Pacific regions. The firm delivers talent acquisition and management solutions for global companies across industry sectors, including consumer goods, financial services, technology, industrial, life sciences, and professional services.
Related: Signium Adds Former HR Executive in Dublin, Ireland
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
