Built from Scratch. Powered by Belief.

In 1995, Protis Global was born in a modest office with a single hire, self-assembled furniture, and a relentless belief in what was possible.

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Before the First Placement

Fresh off a successful corporate career at Revlon, Bert Miller and his wife Laura Gonzalez Miller took a leap of faith — trading in financial security for the dream of building something that could outlast them. No clients. No calls. Just grit, vision, and the realization that no one was going to walk through the door unless they made it happen.

Thirty years later, that leap has built one of the most respected executive search firms in the CPG industry — helping launch household names, scaling startups into powerhouses, and shaping leadership across food, beverage, wine and spirits, and more.

The road hasn't been without its challenges, but each chapter of our story has been a testament to our resilience, adaptability, and unwavering commitment to our clients and team members.

 

Milestones That Built a Legacy

Explore our journey of building companies and changing lives—one pivotal moment at a time.

Year 1
1996
1997
1998
2001
2008
2010
2020
2025
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A Leap of Faith

It all started in 1995—with no clients, no investors, and a vision to disrupt an outdated industry. Just belief, grit, and a telephone.

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Our First Placement

The moment gave us credibility, momentum, and proof that we could play at the highest level in the CPG space.

 

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Michael Bitar Joins Protis Global

In 1997, Michael Bitar said yes—and changed everything. His relationship-first approach helped make Protis Global a top 5 office worldwide and built $25M+ in lasting client partnerships.

 

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The Transition to Retained – From Transactions to Trust

In 1998, we bet on trust over transactions. We shifted to a retained model—prioritizing long-term partnerships, quality, and strategic growth. That decision transformed everything.

 

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Resilience Through the 9/11 Crisis

Business slowed. Uncertainty soared. Trust and empathy became non-negotiable. We leaned in—focusing on purpose, connection, and leaders who could steady the storm.

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Grit Meets Strategy

As the financial crisis froze hiring, we didn’t panic—we pivoted. Our team model and long-term partnerships kept us steady, focused, and ready for the rebound.

 

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Reinvention in a Digital World

As tech transformed the talent game, we evolved—leveraging social media, mobile tools, and cloud platforms to move faster, go deeper, and connect smarter.

 

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Resilience Through Reinvention

Remote work, digital transformation, and client shifts became our new normal. Instead of slowing down, we leaned in—and came out stronger, more agile, and future-ready.

 

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Setting the Stage for Future Success

With a full suite of talent solutions, we’re strategically positioned to help businesses thrive by building high-performing teams for the future.

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.

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9,395

First Round Interviews

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3,000+

Total Placements

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48%

Diversity Placements

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$727M

Economic Impact

Recruiting Then vs. Now

From cold calls to cloud platforms, here’s how 30 years of change in tech, culture, and expectations have reshaped the way we recruit.

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In 1995...

In 1995, recruiting was personal and relationship-driven, relying on phone, fax, and in-person meetings. Globalization pushed recruiters to source talent across borders, especially in the growing CPG industry, where brand loyalty was high and industry consolidation created demand for versatile leaders. Executive searches focused on generalists who could manage global operations, with early signs of digital change just beginning as email entered the scene.

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In 2000...

In the 2000s, email was the new normal, speeding up communication between recruiters, candidates, and clients. Job boards like Monster and CareerBuilder reshaped the talent landscape, giving job seekers unprecedented access to open roles, and recruiters a wider but less curated pool to sift through. Cell phones and texting became more common, adding flexibility to candidate outreach. The CPG industry demanded leaders who could navigate rapid globalization, digital experimentation, and shifting consumer expectations.

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In 2005...

In 2005, LinkedIn was transforming recruiting, giving direct access to passive talent and replacing Rolodexes and cold calls for outreach. Web-based ATS platforms improved speed and pipeline visibility, while early adopters used Skype for remote interviews. In the CPG world, consumers shifted toward private-label and value brands, pushing companies to cut costs and rethink strategy. Digital advertising expanded reach, while retail giants like Walmart demanded leaner, more efficient operations. Recruiters were tasked with finding agile leaders who could adapt quickly, streamline teams, and protect margins in a rapidly evolving market.


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In 2010...

In 2010, LinkedIn Recruiter introduced advanced search and InMail, while smartphones made real-time communication via email, text, and apps the norm. In the CPG space, e-commerce surged, challenger brands disrupted shelves, and consumers demanded healthier, more sustainable products. Recruiters were tasked with finding digital-savvy, innovative leaders who could help legacy brands stay competitive and drive growth. Diversity and inclusion also gained traction, shifting sourcing strategies to reflect the values of a more socially conscious consumer base.


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In 2015...

In 2015, recruiting went mobile. Smartphones became the primary device for job seekers and recruiters alike, driving faster responses via text, email, and messaging apps. LinkedIn continued to dominate sourcing, while Facebook and Twitter expanded employer branding efforts. Video interviews gained traction beyond early adopters, streamlining first-round screenings. In the CPG space, brands faced mounting pressure from health-conscious consumers and startup challengers offering cleaner, niche alternatives. E-commerce gained momentum, forcing legacy companies to sharpen their DTC and digital strategies. Recruiters sought agile leaders with omnichannel experience and the ability to drive transformation while maintaining operational excellence.


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In 2020...

In 2020, the pandemic redefined recruiting overnight. Video interviews via Zoom and Microsoft Teams became standard, while onboarding and client meetings shifted fully remote. Recruiters relied heavily on tools like Slack and Teams to stay connected. Social recruiting ramped up, with video resumes entering the mix. In the CPG world, supply chain disruptions, retail closures, and DTC surges pushed companies to adapt fast. Consumers stockpiled essentials and demanded sustainable products, accelerating innovation. Recruiters were tasked with finding resilient, crisis-tested leaders who could stabilize operations, lead remote teams, and drive digital transformation. Local talent became critical as global hiring slowed, and employer brand reputations were judged by how companies treated their people in a crisis.


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In 2025...

Now, in 2025, recruiting communication blends high-tech with high-touch. Hybrid models—mixing in-person, virtual, and asynchronous methods—are now the norm. Recruiting now blends high-tech tools with personalized touches. Messaging apps like WhatsApp and LinkedIn, along with voice notes, enable fast, authentic communication. AI predicts candidate engagement, while some firms explore VR for immersive interviews. Candidates now expect discussions around flexibility, wellness, and DEI. In CPG, sustainability is non-negotiable. Consumers demand ethical brands and omnichannel options, forcing companies to innovate across supply chains, retail, and digital. As a result, recruiters target executives who can lead through complexity, integrate DTC and retail, drive sustainability, and lead hybrid teams with agility.

 

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In the future...

Recruiting in the future will be deeply personalized and AI-driven, blending immersive technologies like virtual reality with continuous talent ecosystems that proactively match skills to opportunities. Automation will handle routine tasks, freeing recruiters to focus on strategic relationship-building, culture shaping, and ethical talent decisions. Human creativity, empathy, and adaptability will become the most valued traits, ensuring that while technology transforms recruiting, the human element remains essential.

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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. ”

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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.”

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Hilal Tabsh

Chief Revenue Officer, Glass House Brands

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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.”

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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.”

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Soley Van Lokeren

SVP, People

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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!”

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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.”

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Chris Hall

CEO, poppi

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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.”

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Chad Palma

President of Sales, Spindrift

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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.”

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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.”

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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.”

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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. 

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Shashank Gaur

VP of Product Technology & Innovation

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

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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!

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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! 

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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.”

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does a global executive search firm do? expand-icon collapse-icon

A global executive search firm is a professional services company that specializes in identifying and recruiting senior executives and other highly skilled professionals for multinational organizations. With over 30 years of dedicated experience within the consumer brands industry, we specialize in identifying and recruiting top-tier senior executives and highly skilled professionals for multinational organizations. 

How do I connect with executive recruiters? expand-icon collapse-icon

To connect with executive recruiters, start by researching executive recruitment firms in your industry. If you are a company within the CPG industry, look no further than Protis Global, the leading executive recruitment company for identifying and attracting top talent in the space.

How do executive search firms find candidates? expand-icon collapse-icon

Executive search firms typically use a combination of strategies to identify and attract candidates for high-level executive positions. Some of the most common methods include networking, direct outreach, talent mapping, and advertising. Additionally, companies like Protis Global have their own exclusive database of top talent and use qualitative tools that help find the right candidates for your company’s culture.