of 72 of 72

When to Stay, When to Go: Strategic Career Moves in the CPG Industry

The beverage industry is a hub of constant innovation, where shifting consumer preferences, emerging product categories, and technological advancements redefine opportunities. From sustainable packaging to AI-driven analytics, transformation is the norm. Navigating this dynamic environment requires foresight and intention, especially when deciding whether to continue growing within your current role or explore opportunities that align more closely with the market’s future.

Recent insights from McKinsey & Company highlight the importance of proactive career strategies. Professionals who anticipate and adapt to industry changes—rather than reacting to them—experience greater career satisfaction, build stronger networks, and achieve long-term growth. The key lies in recognizing pivotal moments: whether to stay and grow or move on to a role that better suits your aspirations.

of 70

Self-Reflection: Recognizing Growth Opportunities

Self-assessment is vital for career longevity. If your current role no longer challenges you or enhances your expertise, it may be time to consider new possibilities. In an industry fueled by innovation—think non-alcoholic beverages, functional drinks, and artisanal mixers—stagnation can signal missed opportunities to grow alongside the market. A lack of skill development or exposure to new trends can mean your role is no longer fueling your professional evolution.

Cultural alignment is equally important. Today’s beverage brands prioritize authenticity, sustainability, and inclusivity. A disconnect between your personal values and your company’s mission can lead to dissatisfaction and diminished performance. Working for a company that doesn’t embrace transparency or prioritize well-being can erode your passion for the industry over time.

Even in a positive culture, growth potential matters. Does your organization provide clear pathways for advancement? Are there opportunities to take on cross-functional projects or leadership roles? Companies that value their employees invest in their future. If your employer lacks a forward-looking approach to talent development, you may find yourself standing still while the industry moves forward.

Another signal to consider is whether your skills are underutilized. If you have expertise in data analytics or supply chain strategy but spend your days on tasks that don’t leverage your strengths, it might be time to explore roles that align better with your abilities. In a vibrant, skill-driven industry, maximizing your potential is critical to both your satisfaction and your contribution.

Finally, consider market trends. The IWSR predicts steady growth in some beverage categories and stagnation in others. If your company is resistant to innovation or slow to adapt to consumer demands, you may miss the chance to contribute to forward-focused initiatives. Aligning yourself with organizations at the forefront of emerging trends can secure your place in the industry’s future.

The Case for Staying the Course

While exploring new opportunities is tempting, there are times when staying put is the most strategic decision. If your organization is embarking on transformative initiatives—such as digital innovation, sustainability certifications, or market expansion—remaining in your role can provide exposure to valuable experiences that elevate your marketability.

Access to mentorship is another reason to stay. Guidance from seasoned leaders can reshape your approach to industry challenges and enhance your strategic thinking. Mentorship offers long-term benefits, often outweighing short-term frustrations. Similarly, high-impact projects—like launching a non-alcoholic product line or optimizing a global supply chain—can set you apart in future roles.

In these scenarios, patience isn’t complacency; it’s a proactive investment in your growth. Building expertise during pivotal organizational changes can position you as a leader ready to navigate future industry shifts.

of 71

Making an Informed Decision

Determining your next move begins with an honest assessment of your skills, goals, and the broader market landscape. Identify the roles and companies that align with your strengths and passions. Are you drawn to the innovation of functional beverages, the artistry of craft spirits, or the precision of sustainable packaging? Understanding what inspires you can guide your decision-making process.

Research tools like Euromonitor International or Beverage Dynamics can provide valuable insights into growing segments and emerging trends. Networking—whether through conferences, LinkedIn groups, or industry associations—offers perspectives that deepen your understanding of potential opportunities. Conversations with peers, mentors, and recruiters can illuminate paths you may not have considered.

If self-reflection feels overwhelming, seeking expert guidance can simplify the process. Protis Global specializes in connecting professionals with roles that match their skills and ambitions. With a deep understanding of the beverage industry’s complexities, we help you align your career with both market trends and personal growth objectives.

Driving Forward with Purpose

In a constantly evolving industry, no career decision is one-size-fits-all. Staying with your current employer might unlock opportunities to lead transformative initiatives or access mentorship that sharpens your strategic skills. Alternatively, pursuing a new role could place you in a forward-thinking organization where your talents thrive in emerging categories or global markets.

The goal is to respond with clarity and intention. Observe signals of growth or stagnation, weigh organizational changes, and align your decisions with your long-term goals. By thoughtfully evaluating your options, you can transform uncertainty into opportunity—embracing roles that amplify your strengths, align with your values, and propel your career forward in a dynamic and rewarding industry.

Our Impact

In 1995, our founders embarked on a journey that would disrupt the status quo of the executive recruiting industry. We have been transforming companies and lives ever since.

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-16-32-9170-PM

9,395

First Round Interviews

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-17-23-0672-PM

3,000+

Total Placements

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-18-06-3937-PM

47%

Diversity Placements

Frame 1000004239-May-16-2024-12-18-38-1485-PM

$700M

Economic Impact

zz-logo

Brent Albertson

CEO, Zing Zang LLC

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“ Our experience with Protis Global has been very positive. They have strong multi-industry CPG experience and understand our business model and standards. They know the difference between an “A-player” and a “B-player” in several functions, and the honesty around that standard helps us move faster. Mike and team set up a great process, especially in early canvassing and vetting that helps our leaders engage at the right time and make decisions fast. ”

mark-anthony-brewing-1-1

Colin Nolan

Executive Vice President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc.

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“Protis Global’s approach to talent acquisition is marked by diligence, transparency, and a genuine dedication to client satisfaction. Their strategic insights and personalized service have made a substantial impact on our organization, ensuring that we always have the best professionals driving our initiatives forward. The team at Protis Global demonstrates a keen ability to identify individuals who not only possess the requisite skills but also align seamlessly with our company culture.”

Glass_House_Brands_Inc__Glass_House_Brands_Reports_Record_Second

Hilal Tabsh

Chief Revenue Officer, Glass House Brands

Cannabis
Cannabis

“Over the last 10+ years my experience with Michael Bitar and the Protis Global team has been exceptional across multiple industries. Michael and his team work to get to the true needs of my hiring plan and partner with us throughout the process. They understand our business, company culture, what success looks like, and then propose candidates that will produce results while also fitting into our team dynamic. Overall it’s a great team and experience and I would recommend to anyone looking to hire top-notch quality candidates reach out to Protis Global and Michael Bitar.”

bespoke-logo

Peter Iglesias

Chief Executive Officer, Bespoken Spirits

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

“I highly recommend Protis Global as a top-notch recruiting agency. I have had the pleasure of working with them for the past 15 years, both as a candidate and employer in the Spirits and Wine industry. In my 25 years of experience, I have found Protis Global to be the most efficient and effective recruiting agency I have ever dealt with. Protis Global has consistently come through for me in the clutch, providing exceptional professionalism and execution in job searches and placements. Their dedication to finding the right fit for both candidates and employers sets them apart from other agencies. I have always been impressed by their ability to understand the needs of both parties and successfully connect them in a timely manner.”

Zevia new logo

Soley Van Lokeren

SVP, People

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“I have been in the field of human resources for over thirty years, in executive level roles both in-house and in outsourced positions. Michael Bitar is my favorite talent acquisition professional with which I have ever worked. He cares deeply about building a relationship with his clients, learning their business, culture, challenges, and truly understanding the needs of a role requisition. His approach is mirrored by the rest of the Protis team, who are courteous, thorough, and who make you feel like you are their only client. Protis successfully delivered hires for our Chief Commercial Officer role and for three key challenging roles (in both Marketing and Sales). They are simply – the best!”

vitamin_logo-4

Brian Kuz

Chief Sales Officer

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“Protis is unique in their go-to-market strategy in that they not only find the right candidate for the role, but they find the right opportunity and company for the candidate. Protis Global looks for people who are ready to make a change...I will continue to recommend Protis Global as one of the best placement agencies in the World, as I have worked on every continent and have dealt with the big executive placement firms and the boutique ones. Protis shines above all, and as long as I am hiring, I will continue to go to Protis Global first, if not exclusively.”

poppi-testimonial

Chris Hall

CEO, poppi

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Partnering with Protis Global has been a game-changer for poppi. They understood our vision and the unique challenges we faced as a rapidly growing brand. Their expertise in executive search helped us find the right leaders who not only fit our culture but also brought the skills and passion needed to drive accelerated growth. The Protis Global team actively took our feedback and adapted the search so that we could focus on what we do best – creating innovative, healthy beverages that our customers love. They’ve truly become an extension of our team, and we couldn’t imagine achieving our success without the team members they helped us to bring aboard.”

spindrift-logo

Chad Palma

President of Sales, Spindrift

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

“Michael Bitar and the Protis team have been such a pleasure to work with over the years. Not only do they do amazing work with recruiting but we have also developed a partnership between our two companies. Michael and his team provide a crucial role in reviewing my hiring needs at the beginning of each year. Once the review is complete, Michael begins searching for quality candidates that fit the role and culture for Spindrift. He and his team do an outstanding job of finding the right candidates for the position in need. I highly recommend Michael and the Protis team for your hiring needs.”

mark-anthony-brewing-1-1

John Sacksteder

President, Mark Anthony Brewing Inc

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“From the start, the relationship with Protis Global was different than other recruiting firms.  The team had a deeper level of commitment and desire to learn about our business than I had experienced with other firms. Our company was experiencing a time of exponential growth and our staffing needs were complex. We needed very experienced people across every possible function in the Operation and Supply Chain Teams and we needed them in a hurry. The Protis Global Team mobilized quickly and established a methodology to identify strong candidates and work them through the interview process in a professional and timely manner. Their grit, determination, understanding our needs and culture, sense of urgency and drive to exceed our expectations set them apart from the pack.”

ijw-testimonial

Thomas Frisch

Chief People Officer at IJW Whiskey

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

“The team worked quickly and efficiently to find a unique position.”

lallemand-testimonial

Kim Nguyen

VP of Supply Chain at Lallemand

Beer, Wine & Spirits
Beer, Wine & Spirits

Everyone involved was extremely helpful - Gary, Michael, Ben - thank you!! The team didn't only search for candidates based on the job description, but also the qualities that I look for in candidates. 

poppi-testimonial

Shashank Gaur

VP of Product Technology & Innovation

Non-Alcoholic Beverages
Non-Alcoholic Beverages

The interview process was smooth and extremely professional. Ben and team represented me as much as they represented the company. 

arla-testimonial

Jeremy Schulman

Regional Business Manager - Foodservice

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

Consistent communication, updates, and detailed knowledge of the client. The whole experience was top notch!

coppali-testimonail

Blake T. Bermingham

Supply Chain Manager

Beer, Wine, & Spirits
Beer, Wine, & Spirits

Very simplistic process finding the right role for the right candidate...keep up the great work! 

arla-logo

Don Stohrer Jr.

CEO, Arla Foods USA

Food & Snacks
Food & Snacks

“We’ve been a Protis Global client for eight years, and during this time have always appreciated the thoroughness of the recruitment process, as the candidates brought to us have been well-vetted, not only from a competency perspective, but more importantly from a [cultural] fit dynamic. Mike and the team have always been highly engaged to ensure they bring us candidates that match our culture. That’s been critical to the success of the candidates that have landed here by way of our relationship with Protis.”

Need Top CPG Talent?

Whether you're hiring or job-seeking, we've got you covered.