ABOUT DEPARTER - THE KNOW-WHO PEOPLE

Departer is a leading German Executive Search firm with over 20 years of experience in global leadership recruitment. We specialize in placing executives in medium-sized enterprises and private equity portfolio firms across DACH, MEAI, ASIA, and ANZ regions. With a deep understanding of the DACH economy, we facilitate successful placements within global management teams across corporate headquarters and entities abroad.

Our client is an innovative leader in the global probiotics and nutraceutical sector, specializing in scientifically backed health solutions for diverse conditions. Known for its rigorous research standards and its commitment to advancing healthcare, our client also excels in marketing directly to consumers as well as healthcare professionals, employing a strong, cross-channel approach that has made them one of the fastest-growing companies in the non-prescription pharmaceutical industry. With a solid presence in numerous international markets, they are now focusing on expanding strategically in Asia. We are seeking an accomplished and visionary Head of Asia (m/f/d) to lead this critical expansion effort and drive the company’s impact across key Asian markets.

Your duties and responsibilities will include:

• Collaborate closely with the global leadership team to establish and expand the company’s presence in Asia, prioritizing markets such as China, Hong Kong, and Singapore
• Develop and execute a comprehensive market entry strategy, including detailed market analysis, identification of customer segments, and discovery of growth opportunities within the Asian business landscape
• Identify optimal locations for establishing headquarters in Asia and oversee the recruitment and development of high-performing, on-the-ground teams to support local market operations
• Build and strengthen a robust network of partners and suppliers, managing contract negotiations and fostering key business relationships that align with the company’s growth objectives
• Oversee the development and optimization of online marketing and e-commerce strategies, adapting product offerings, online stores, and marketing campaigns to fit local market conditions and consumer preferences
• Lead strategic and operational management of the company’s activities in Asia, ensuring alignment with global standards and consistently achieving growth targets
• Drive localization efforts to ensure that products, marketing materials, and customer service approaches align with cultural and regulatory standards in each target country
• Establish and manage relationships with key opinion leaders, regulatory bodies, and industry influencers in the Asian markets to enhance brand credibility and recognition
• Continuously monitor and analyze competitive landscape and consumer trends to adapt and innovate strategies that increase market share
• Lead initiatives to optimize supply chain efficiency across the region, ensuring timely product availability and operational alignment with headquarters
• Provide strategic insights to the global team on evolving market dynamics, consumer behaviors, and regulatory changes that impact the Asian markets

To be successful in this role you should have the following skills and experiences:

• Degree in Business Administration, Life Sciences, Engineering, or a comparable field, with a demonstrated track record of leadership in high-growth, dynamic environments
• At least 7 years of professional experience, ideally gained in top-tier strategy consulting, private equity, or high-growth consumer goods or D2C business
• Proven expertise in e-commerce, online marketing, or consumer goods, with experience managing D2C operations in Asian markets
• In-depth understanding of the unique challenges and characteristics of central Asian markets, particularly China, Hong Kong, and Singapore
• Clear and structured communicator, capable of leading multi-functional teams and maintaining strong stakeholder relationships across cultural and regional lines
• Entrepreneurial and results-driven mindset, with strong analytical abilities, attention to detail, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving
• Business fluency in English with additional language skills in German, Chinese, or other regional languages is considered a strong advantage
• Demonstrated experience in scaling operations within a new international region, including establishing local infrastructure, teams, and supply chains
• Proven track record of success in launching and managing innovative marketing and sales campaigns within multicultural and multilingual contexts
• Strong expertise in regulatory compliance and quality assurance within the healthcare, nutraceutical, or related industries, particularly in Asia
• Exceptional financial acumen, with a track record of achieving ambitious growth targets and effectively managing budgets in a high-growth environment
• High adaptability and problem-solving skills, with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial setting and to make decisions with limited guidance