An 11-month strategic project to ensure operational continuity, lead the executive transition, and accelerate digitalization in the Spanish market.
Client and Sector: Our client, a leading international company in the natural cosmetics sector with a strong presence in the Spanish market and headquarters in Catalonia, was at a critical juncture following the unexpected departure of its previous CEO. In a high-growth market—which exceeded €10.000 billion in 2023—the organization needed strong leadership to maintain its commercial momentum.
The Situation / Need (The Pain): The organization faced a dual challenge: the need to professionalize its management structure and the urgent need to fill a leadership vacuum immediately. The cosmetics sector in Spain demands an agile response to trends such as dermopharmacy, sustainability, and the rise of e-commerce. Without a CEO at the helm, the stability of operations and the execution of the omnichannel strategy were at risk.
The Approach and the Solution EPUNTO (The Methodology):
EPUNTO activated, in record time, a high-level Interim Manager to take over the General Management (CEO) for Spain. During 11 monthsThe executive was integrated with full powers to stabilize the company and prepare the ground for the future.
Under the supervision and mentoring of Patricio Gil Olmedo, Partner of EPUNTO, the project focused on:
Ensuring continuity: Any leadership gap was avoided, maintaining the confidence of internal teams and stakeholders external
Operational Optimization: The sales, marketing, finance and logistics areas were monitored, ensuring that the supply chain responded to the growing demand for natural products.
Digital Acceleration: The strategy of e-commerce and influencer marketing was promoted, key to connecting with the new conscious consumer.
Integrative Leadership: Work was done to motivate a team that had undergone major transformations, fostering an environment of high performance and collaboration.
Partner responsible for the project
Some questions and answers
What was the main challenge in this project?
The challenge was to lead the transition following the departure of the previous CEO at a leading company. A "plug and play" executive was needed to guarantee operational survival and maintain double-digit growth in the competitive natural cosmetics sector in Spain.
Why was an Interim Manager chosen instead of a traditional selection process?
Speed was critical. A traditional CEO selection process can take six to nine months. The client needed an experienced leader who could take the reins in less than two weeks to ensure measurable results within the next few months. 11 months transitional, avoiding the opportunity cost of having the position vacant.
What was the most significant impact in the first 90 days?
In the first quarter, our Interim Manager successfully stabilized the management committee and aligned the local strategy with international guidelines. The execution of the product launch plan was ensured, and processes were optimized. supply chain leaders to avoid stock shortages in key channels such as pharmacies and specialized retail.
How did EPUNTO ensure knowledge transfer at the end of the mission?
Our methodology includes a structured exit plan. Over the past few months, the Interim Manager prepared a comprehensive status report, documented the new efficiency processes implemented, and facilitated a smooth transition to the new permanent leadership, ensuring that the strategic knowledge acquired was not lost.
What differentiating factor did EPUNTO contribute to this solution?
Accuracy in profile selection and partner support Patricio Gil OlmedoWe not only brought in an executive with over 20 years of technical experience, but also a leader capable of managing organizational culture in an international environment, ensuring that the company not only survived the transition, but emerged stronger.