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Giovanni Lamarca
Managing Director and Global Consumer Health & Wellness Leader at ZRG Partners
Professional Background
Giovanni Lamarca is a distinguished expert in the field of Diversity and Inclusion (D&I), with a well-rounded career dedicated to fostering diverse workplaces and enhancing organizational culture. As a passionate advocate for D&I, Giovanni leverages his extensive experience to help organizations attract and recruit diverse talent, as well as implement strategies to create inclusive environments. His impressive career trajectory as an executive search leader crosses multiple markets, giving him unique insights into the cultural dynamics that drive successful teams.
With a hands-on approach, Giovanni has witnessed firsthand the challenges and triumphs of establishing a D&I-focused organization. His background includes significant leadership roles in renowned consumer brands, including Johnson & Johnson, The Coca-Cola Company, and Japan Tobacco International (JTI), where he navigated complex markets across LATAM, Europe, and North America. Giovanni's commitment to enhancing workplace cultures reflects his belief that an organization is only as strong as its culture, which must authentically represent today’s diverse market landscape.
Education and Achievements
Giovanni Lamarca brings a solid educational foundation to his professional endeavors. He studied an MBA in Business Administration and Management at the prestigious Thunderbird School of Global Management, and he further honed his executive skills by completing a PED program at IMD Business School. His academic journey also includes a focus on Diversity and Inclusion at Cornell University, providing him with specialized knowledge that complements his vast corporate experience.
In addition to academic achievements, Giovanni has an impressive track record of leadership that spans over 25 years, marked by his ability to lead cross-cultural, diverse teams effectively. He has developed a deep understanding of the consumer landscape, which has been pivotal in his roles across various organizations. Notably, Giovanni has demonstrated excellent performance in CEO capacities by driving company growth in market share and profitability, demonstrating his expertise in P&L management for over a decade.
Achievements
Giovanni's career accomplishments reflect his commitment and expertise in both D&I and general management. He has a wealth of experience in leading organizations through significant changes, including mergers and acquisitions, integrating business operations, brands, and people seamlessly. His leadership style is characterized by an ability to inspire and motivate large teams—he has led organizations with over 500 employees, nurturing talent and driving performance through strategic thinking, innovation, and effective communication.
His impressive career profile showcases his ability to adapt and thrive in various environments. With fluency in six languages and a triple citizenship as a U.S. permanent resident, he embraces a cosmopolitan outlook, which enriches his understanding of diverse cultures and markets. Giovanni's career includes notable roles such as Managing Director & Global Consumer Health & Wellness Leader at ZRG Partners, LLC, and previously, Senior Client Partner at Korn Ferry. He has held several strategic positions at Heidrick & Struggles, contributing significantly to the Consumer Products sector in both Americas and Western Europe.
Furthermore, his tenure as CEO in Switzerland at JTI, along with various global marketing director roles within the same organization, allowed him to showcase his marketing expertise and leadership capabilities. These experiences enrich his perspective on cultural change within organizations and enable him to craft innovative solutions that enhance diversity and inclusion efforts.
Giovanni's passion extends beyond the workplace, as he actively engages in conversations and initiatives surrounding D&I on various platforms.
Additional Expertise
Languages and Cultural Diversity
Fluent in six languages, Giovanni Lamarca's capacity to communicate across cultures enhances his effectiveness in addressing the diverse needs of the global market. His linguistic skills not only empower him to connect with a broader audience but also reflect his dedication to embracing cultural diversity in every aspect of his professional interactions.
