Walpole: Tell us about your company…
Melissa Reed: H.I. Executive Consulting is a leading global executive search firm specialising in placing transformational leaders within the luxury, consumer and digital sectors. Our distinctive approach combines deep industry knowledge with unparalleled access to exceptional talent, enabling us to partner with prestigious organisations ranging from heritage luxury houses to innovative digital disruptors. Working with international corporations, founder-owned brands and investor-backed companies across all parts of the luxury ecosystem, we meticulously analyse organisational structures to identify business-critical leadership needs that drive sustainable growth and brand elevation.
We have a global team across Europe, Asia and the US, all of whom are experts in their markets, enabling us to collaborate successfully with international clients on pivotal appointments including chief executive, non-executive director and chair positions, alongside a comprehensive range of functional and regional leadership roles. Our expertise extends to CEO succession planning and leadership assessment, ensuring seamless transitions that build brand integrity whilst driving innovation.
Our partners bring diverse experiences from global top-tier executive search firms and specialised boutiques – offering multifaceted expertise tailored to each unique engagement. This distinctive blend of perspectives enables us to understand the nuanced requirements of businesses at every stage of development.
What is your area of expertise and how can luxury brands benefit from working with you?
Our expertise lies in identifying exceptional leadership talent that understands the global luxury consumer, international brand growth, combined with forward-thinking innovation.
We offer luxury houses three distinct advantages: first, our globally integrated team provides comprehensive market intelligence across the key luxury markets of Europe, the Americas and Asia, ensuring we identify leaders with an international mindset capable of driving sustainable global growth; second, our extensive network within the luxury ecosystem gives us privileged access to exceptional talent often unavailable through traditional recruitment channels. This trusted network allows us access to proven leaders with demonstrated and tangible success, together with appropriate cultural fit; and, finally, we have pioneered an approach to diversity and inclusion ensuring organisations benefit from diverse perspectives whilst maintaining their distinctive brand ethos and values. Our meticulous six-stage search process embeds inclusion at every step, resulting in leadership teams that balance innovation with tradition.
What luxury brands has your company worked with previously?
We are privileged to partner with some of the world's most distinguished luxury houses and innovative, growth brands. We invite our network to share insights in our Heads Up interview series, which explores transformational leadership and has become a valuable resource for our global community.
> If any Walpole members would like to take part in the Heads Up series, please contact [email protected]
Why was it important for your organisation to be involved with Walpole?
Our partnership with Walpole represents a natural alignment of values and purpose. We recognise and celebrate the unique position that British luxury occupies in the global marketplace. Through our Walpole partnership, we deepen our understanding of the distinct strategic opportunities and challenges facing businesses today. We are pleased to support any Walpole initiatives and member organisations on their growth journeys.
Tell us about an exciting development or new launch for your company in the coming months?
We are delighted to welcome Selma de Fressenel to our team as a partner based in Paris. Selma brings over 20 years of experience working with global luxury brands. Plus we have expanded our Asia-Pacific presence with a fifth office and appointment for the key leadership team in Tokyo. This Walpole partnership represents an exciting new chapter in our commitment to British luxury, and we look forward to contributing our expertise to this distinguished community.
> Learn more about H.I. Executive Consulting on the organisation's Walpole partner page
Melissa Reed has over 20 years’ experience in consumer executive search and is currently a Managing Partner at H.I.E.C, leading the firm’s global consumer, digital and luxury practice. She has worked with many leading international listed, private and investor-backed clients on key positions including chief executive, non-executive director and chair, as well as a wide range of general management, functional and regional leadership roles. Reed also advises on CEO succession planning and leadership assessment.
