Business · Companies · 2 hrs ago
Consumer companies increase changes in top management roles
Consumer companies recorded 98 executive committee changes in the past year, fewer than the 118 in the year before.
The changes were more concentrated at the top, with general management roles making up 30% of moves, up from 21%.
The changes reflect companies' efforts to adjust to uncertain markets, inflation and weaker consumption.
Examples include El Corte Inglés, which named Javier Catena CEO, and Pascual, which appointed César Vargas and plans to operate through five independent companies.
Internal candidates filled 65% of the roles, down from 71% the year before, while women accounted for 37% of appointments, compared with 31% in 2025.
Mahou San Miguel has named Peio Arbeloa deputy general manager, and he is due to become general manager next January.
Consumer companies recorded 98 changes in their management committees over the past year, down from 118 the previous year.
The changes were more concentrated in top roles, with general management positions accounting for 30% of moves, up from 21%.
The companies are reviewing leadership structures to adapt to changing market conditions, including weaker consumption and pressure to improve efficiency.
The figures come from an annual study by executive search firm Transearch.
The study found that 65% of appointments were filled internally and 37% of replacements went to women.
- Who
- Consumer companies and their management committees.
- What
- They recorded 98 management changes, with a larger share in general management roles.
- When
- Over the past year, according to a study published on 19 October 2026.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- Companies are adjusting to changing market conditions, including weaker consumption and efforts to improve efficiency.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Pascual appointed César Vargas as CEO and announced it would operate through five independent companies, each led by its own general manager.
Mahou San Miguel appointed Peio Arbeloa deputy general manager, with plans for him to become general manager the following January.
Diageo announced Paulo Guludjian as its new general manager for Iberia.
- Management committee changes
- 98 over the past year
- Previous year's changes
- 118
- General management share
- 30%, up from 21%
- Internal appointments
- 65% of moves
- Women among replacements
- 37%, compared with 31% in 2025
What people are saying
We believe there is a review of current management structures to adjust them better to the market circumstances we are in and those expected.
There is a worsening of the consumption situation and this means companies have to adapt.
When companies adjust their structure, they usually start at the top, and then changes take place further down.