INTERNATIONAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH

"To put it simple Philippe Riboton is the best headhunter I’ve met in my 26-year career. I’ve worked with some really good ones as providers and consultants. What makes the difference with Philippe is that he embraces that a candidate may be the next client. (So many of his colleagues ten to forget that). Hence, he acts with the same top-notch level of professionalism, accuracy, care and commitment for you, no matter on which side of the table you are".

A senior executive from the consumer sector Mr Homola started his career with Procter & Gamble, growing to assume responsibility of General Manager for cosmetics giant Coty for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, and finally, for Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Back in the Czech Republic, Mr Homola took on the CEO role with the leading food producer Vitana, a daughter company of Rieber & Son. Since May 2017 Mr Homola provides support as interim manager and is linked with Expandist.com, specialists for geographical and e-commerce expansion.

"In your life you have family and friends. Family helps you to grow and friends are there when you need them. Cooperation with Philippe Riboton and HR Partners is like having good friends. You may rely on them, trust them and give your "lives" into their hands. If you hire, HR Partners brings you the ones you can trust. If you want to be hired, HR Partners opens for you the door to the business world."

A graduate from ESM Barcelona Mrs Nunvarová also holds an MBA degree from the Joseph M. Katz School of Business.  She started her career with the company Brenntag assuming various roles in its financial organization. In 2004 she joined SCA Packaging as a Director of Finance for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2007 she was recruited by Schering Plough Pharmaceuticals as a Director of Finance. In 2010 she founded the company Gallantax, an advisory company in corporate and financial restructuring across Europe and the US.

"Philippe contacted me in 2006, a few years after I had completed my first high rise development, the Intercontinental Hotel in Warsaw. After having discussed my professional background, my qualifications and my career plans at length, Philippe was fast to come up with a short list of challenging options. In his professional, diplomatic and experienced way he continued his support and kind advice throughout the period of contract negotiations with my new employer. Our relationship did not end with his successful intervention to make me Project Director on an international landmark investment in Poland. Over the years, Philippe has become an admittedly rarely seen but nevertheless dear friend, who keeps in contact over all this time, and who's style, yes humor, experience, knowledge of the markets and at times even fatherly advice, have become and remain irreplaceable throughout my career".

A graduate from the Technical University in Vienna and an architecture engineer, Mr Fruh started his career with various architects and structural engineers in Vienna before joining the general contractor company Porr with the project management responsibility of the University Library in Warsaw. In 2000 he became Project Manager and Executive Architect (still with the company PORR) of the Intercontinental tower in Warsaw. In 2004 he became Country Manager of the real estate development company UBM in Poland and in 2007 joined Orco Property Group as a Project Director with the responsibility over the project management of Zlota 44 turn key residential tower in Warsaw. Once this project completed Ulrich participated to numerous development projects among them the DC Towers in Vienna and the University of Economics in Vienna (WU Campus). Since February 2019 Ulrich Fruh is Project Director with SWZT Chartered Consultants in Vienna in Austria.

"My cooperation with Philippe Riboton was something I would describe as the best practice of HR outsourcing and an experience worth sharing and recommending. Philippe’s involvement went beyond recruitment and headhunting as he was deeply involved in organizational re-design and supported the top management in organizational restructuring. Philippe’s capacity to execute shareholders’ view resulted into building a proper human resources capability which participated to ensure a stable base for further business development. Philippe is among those professionals who can help you both identify what kind/type of professionals you need and then perfectly match skillful professionals who can fulfil those requirements."

Marija Hrebac offers more than twenty years of experience in financial, operational and general management through various industries and sectors, both on national and regional (CEE and MEA) levels. Besides being CEO of DAB (Deposit Insurance and Bank Resolution Agency) in Zagreb (Croatia), Marija Hrebac is also Executive Council Member of IADI, a member of the National Committee for Financial Stability and a member of the Board of Directors of EFDI.

"Philippe Riboton approached me a few years ago with the prospect of becoming head of e-commerce with a real estate development and hospitality group in Central Europe and lead the digitalization of their operations across Poland, Germany, Czech Republic, Hungary and Croatia among others. Thanks to his strong involvement with this group and its CEO I was selected for the role. Among the expected skills for the job and the complexity of the organization, Philippe helped me to understand the mindset of the governance which was a key point of the process. Philippe did not try to hire me in a common way but he assessed my personality regarding the digital expertise required and the necessary business approach of the position. At the end the experience was in line with what I had expected thanks to Philippe’s honesty and transparency."

A master graduate in mergers and acquisitions with the University Paris Sud Mr Villeneuve started his career as a member of the internet group advisory of Arthur Andersen before joining Deloitte corporate finance as a director in the internet and media division. He then joined the SFA - Nouvel Observateur group as a head of e-commerce and business unit manager where he stayed some six years in charge of e-business and B2C market management. He joined Orco Property Group in 2010 with the responsibility to initiate and implement the web marketing strategy of the company across seven different European countries. In December 2016 Julien joined the real estate brokerage chain ORPI as Head of Marketing and Digital, based in Paris. Since January 2022 Julien is Deputy General Manager of La Boite Immo in Paris in charge of strategy, development and marketing.

"My personal experience with Philippe Riboton has been outstanding. He contacted me for the position of Director of Finance and Administration in Sunčani Hvar, a Croatian hospitality company which was passing through a deep phase of reorganization and financial restructuring. Through the entire process of my recruitment he has always provided a very responsive, efficient and helpful service. His ability to match the company's business requirements and candidate profile  has been priceless.  Consequently, just a couple of months after my hiring, I became President of the Management Board. I would not have any hesitation recommending him to any other employer or candidate."

With more than 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Mrs. Tomičić held the role of President of the Management Board of Istraturist and initiated a dynamic cycle of restructuring, investments and implementation of strategic projects which led to the transformation of the company into one of the most successful tourism companies in Croatia. Mrs. Tomičić joined Sunčani Hvar Hotels in July 2011 as Director of Finance and Administration. In December 2012 she was elected Company’s President and since then has successfully led the Company through pre-bankruptcy settlement proceedings and finalized the operational, organizational and financial restructuring of the organization.

“Philippe Riboton is the most valuable headhunter I have ever worked with. Our collaboration started a few years ago when I was at a cross-roads in my career. Since then he has given me the best advice in the key turning points not only of my career but also in my life. I have especially admired two very important things with Philippe. First of all his professional expertise and network: I have always relied on his expert advice and have largely benefited from it making right career choices based on his recommendation. The second point is that Philippe is one of the rare headhunters who is truly willing to understand me as an individual, to listen to my needs and plans and demonstrate a very personal and caring approach. He understands that work is important but can also assess that life and family driven choices are equally important. Even though Philippe didn’t have a direct benefit from our relationship he was always there to help me and was always a person I could rely on. In today’s world where quantity rules over quality and personal interest is king, it is rare to find the kind of approach Philippe has.”

A graduate from the Budapest University of Economics and Public Administration, Atila Frankl started his career as a Assistant Brand Manager with Procter & Gamble in Budapest before being promoted as a Brand Manager for Lenor and Ariel Professionnel for the cluster made of Hungary, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Croatia and Slovenia. He was later on expatriated to Geneva by Procter & Gamble International as a Regional Brand Manager for Wella Retail Shampoos, P&G Colorants and P&G Styling portfolfio with a responsibility across all of Central and Eastern Europe, Central Asia and Africa. In 2013 he was recruited by JTI (Japan Tobacco International) in Geneva in order to become Global Brand Manager for the British Heritage portfolio. From April 2017 to August 2019 Atila held the position of International Marketing Manager for Excellence with Lindt & Sprungli, based in Zurich. Since September 2019 Atila is based in Basel as Global Marketing Excellence Manager with Bayer Consumer Care.

“Philippe Riboton and my personal experience? We met a few years ago through a common friend and discussed a potential collaboration. From the very beginning, his extended network, wide experience, impressed me, but even more important for myself was his empathy, ethics, behavior and the goal to build a long-term partnership. When approaching me with an offer Philippe did not “sell” me the position but the company culture, the company values and the vision. I really much appreciated his approach to his mission and I am staying grateful for his human being.”

Julius Hrasko is Slovak and is a graduate of economics from the University of Banska Bystrica. He also holds a master’s degree from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Arts et Métiers de Cluny in France. Having started his career as a relationship manager in banking in France he then joined the French car company Citroën as a controller in its subsidiary in the Czech Republic. He later evolved to international controlling positions in Paris headquarters, before being named CFO of the Swiss subsidiary and then CFO of the Nordics hub (Denmark, Norway, Sweden) of Citroën and DS. In 2014 he was promoted to the role of Brand Manager for the brands Citroën and DS for Norway, based in Oslo. In 2015 he was recruited by L'Oréal to become Chief Financial Officer of the L'Oréal cluster in Prague overseeing the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Hungary. In 2018 he was appointed Chief Financial Officer of L'Oréal for Russia and the CIS region, based in Moscow. Since October 2021 Julius is Deputy Internal Audit Director at the seat of L’Oréal in Paris, France.

“Philippe Riboton reached out to me back in 2008 while assisting L'Oréal in the Baltics in the recruitment of a newly created category management function. His attention to the candidates’ profile and desire to find the perfect match with the employer was impressive. Philippe’s assistance helped me to fill the Category Manager’s position with L'Oréal Baltics and at that stage of my career this was a perfect decision. Switching from brand marketing to category management has not only allowed me to grow professionally but it has added another dimension in my professional development. Since then I always approach Philippe for career advice as I am sure he will be open and able to provide me a professional and thoughtful opinion."

Natalja Sidorova holds a Master’s of Mathematical Economics from the University of Latvia as well as an MBA from the IE Business School in Spain. She started her career as Assistant Product Manager (and then Product Manager) with Colgate Palmolive in the Baltics, working in the home/personal care division. In 2008 she was recruited by L'Oréal as the Head of Category Management for the L'Oréal Baltic hub in Riga. After three and a half years with L'Oréal, she was recruited by Food Union as a Brand Manager for the dairy category. In 2018 she joined the beauty division of the cosmetics giant Henkel for the Baltics as a Marketing Director, then moved to Henkel’s headquarters in Düsseldorf as an International Marketing Manager. She’s now Head of Marketing for Europe with a focus on skin and oral care brands, based in Germany.

“Philippe approached me several years ago for a role based in the Czech Republic, and overlooking the Central European market from a training and business coaching perspective. It was a role I would have never thought of before in a different industry to the one that I was in at that time. Due to Philippe’s deep understanding of the luxury goods business as well as the typology of people who can succeed in this industry he managed to guide me into this change and was a crucial part of my career in luxury retail. Philippe has always been honest and transparent about every aspect of the role, which resulted in a very smooth and enjoyable transition. Our communication has been ongoing since: Philippe always kept in touch with a true interest in my path and supported me on my journey. And despite me progressing into different roles and moving to other regions we still manage to see each other when we are in the same place. Philippe formed my career path not only through opening and showing me opportunities in the market but mainly through believing in my skills and mentoring me on the way.”

Karolína holds an engineer degree in international relations from the Prague University of Economics. She started her career in the hospitality sector in Prague becoming Restaurant Manager for the Sovereign Hotel in Prague, before working for the German hotel chain Pentahotels in Germany. In 2014 she joined the luxury retail chain Louis Vuitton, becoming Field Coach Trainer for the brand across Central Europe, overlooking training activities in the Czech Republic, Hungary and Romania, before being promoted in London with the same responsibilities, and later becoming the Learning Manager for UK, Ireland and South Africa. Since 2019 Karolina is Global Head of Training with the YOOX Net-A-Porter Group, based in London.

“Philippe Riboton and my personal experience? We met with Philippe about 15 years ago when he was involved in recruiting senior executives for the Carrefour retail chain in the Czech Republic and Slovakia. Then I continued my professional path through various experiences but we always stayed in touch because we share the same values. Human first, company culture as the ground for our daily management and a lot of positive energy to make things happen ! When time came for me to give a new direction to my career, Philippe understood the vision I had for my career and found the right match with my Notino, a European online beauty retailer.”

Jérôme holds a DESS from Paris Dauphine University with a specialization in retail, marketing and supply chain. He also holds a master 2 from ESSEC business school in general management. Jérôme started his career with Carrefour retail chain where he grew to the position of Marketing and Communication Manager for the Czech Republic and Slovakia. In 2005 he became General Manager for the Czech Republic of the optical retail chain Grand Optical, overseeing the expansion of a retail network of 41 stores. In 2008 he became General Manager of the fashion retail chain Celio for Central and Eastern Europe overlooking Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Russia before becoming General Manager of Celio Italy, based in Milano, with the responsibility of 75 stores and 450 employees. In December 2018 Jérôme became Retail and International Director with the leading European e-commerce company Notino. After three years with Notino Jérôme joined the furniture and home decoration online retailer Bonami as CCO (Chief Commercial Officer), a position he held for two years. Since October 2023 Jérôme is International Retail Director with the brand Maisons du Monde.

“As a sales guy, it is by default a tough task for other people to sell things to me. This is an even greater challenge when talking about a career move. An opportunity that turns into a sign-off is a life-changing experience and the human touch and the support you get is so very important in that process! I appreciate Philippe beyond words for being able to blend in a brilliant manner two things: an excellent approach professionally and a very empathic attitude, being centered on the candidate. Feeling cared after and having your priorities at the top of the list is definitely something you wish you would get as a candidate. I never felt as being part of a ‘transaction’, but rather having been helped to find a better life path for myself. With Philippe, I have gained not only a great contact with a fantastic expertise and valuable network, but also a friend who is there to support me when I am in doubt with my career and I truly thank him for that!”

Mihai is a graduate from the University of Politechnica of Bucharest and holds a bachelor in international business administration from the University of Southern Denmark. Mihai started his professional career as a Customer Care Representative in Orange Romania. He successively held key account management roles with LG Electronics and Sony Ericsson before joining HTC with country sales and marketing responsibilities over Romania, Hungary and Moldova, before becoming Global Account Director for Orange. In February 2020 Mihai became OEM Business Development Manager with Danfoss, based in Copenhagen, Denmark. Since November 2023 Mihai is Senior Development Manager Global e-Commerce with Lego Group in Billund, Denmark.

“During the recruitment process Philippe expertly connected my professional skills, abilities and long-term career aspirations with his client’s short as well as long term business objectives. The result was a mutually beneficial cooperation where I could grow my career and evolve as a professional while driving commercial success of my new employer. It was a truly win-win situation and that’s what I value the most about his approach to recruitment; that he helps both parties grow.”

Jan Skroud holds a masteJan Skroud holds a master’s degree from the University of New York in Prague. He started his career as a concierge at the Four Seasons hotel in Prague before embarking on a sales career with the Prague Boscolo hotel first, then with the Prague Intercontinental Hotel and the Yard resort in the Czech Republic. In 2013 he joined the group Compagnie des Alpes as Commercial Director of the newly Grévin operation in Prague. In January 2018 he moved to London as Director of Sales and Marketing at Bateaux London, a division of Sodexo Sports & Leisure. In October 2019 Jan became Regional Director of Sales for Europe with the airport services company Plaza Premium Group in London. Since 2021 Jan is the Founder and the Principal Consultant of the training and learning company Inomee, based in London.

“I first met Philippe in 2014 as he reached out to me about a luxury retail position with the luxury group Louis Vuitton in Prague, who was preparing the opening of a flagship store. This turned out to be the right role for me for the next five years – not to mention on two continents since I was offered to relocate for Louis Vuitton in Las Vegas. Through honest and stimulating discussions, Philippe always guided my career path to success and when in doubt he was always there. Philippe is a full package: he understands people and markets on a very high level and he has a great network. There’s not more one could ask for. He opened a door for me that shaped my life journey and I will always be grateful for that.”

Veronika Zupkova holds a bachelor in international relations from the Masaryk University in Brno with a focus on European studies. She started her career in retail as Assistant Boutique Manager in San Francisco, California, before coming back to the Czech Republic as Boutique Manager for the jewelry retailer Swarovski, a role she held for more than three years. In 2014 she joined the iconic luxury brand Louis Vuitton as Team Manager in preparation of the opening of their new flagship store in Prague. Early 2018 she was offered to relocate to Las Vegas, Nevada as Team Manager of the Louis Vuitton Wynn’s men’s store and then to Frankfurt, Germany. Since November 2021 Veronika is Project Manager with the company Stefan Dabruck Management in Frankfurt, Germany.

"Philippe contacted me in 2006, a few years after I had completed my first high rise development, the Intercontinental Hotel in Warsaw. After having discussed my professional background, my qualifications and my career plans at length, Philippe was fast to come up with a short list of challenging options. In his professional, diplomatic and experienced way he continued his support and kind advice throughout the period of contract negotiations with my new employer. Our relationship did not end with his successful intervention to make me Project Director on an international landmark investment in Poland. Over the years, Philippe has become an admittedly rarely seen but nevertheless dear friend, who keeps in contact over all this time, and who's style, yes humor, experience, knowledge of the markets and at times even fatherly advice, have become and remain irreplaceable throughout my career".

A graduate from the Technical University in Vienna and an architecture engineer, Mr Fruh started his career with various architects and structural engineers in Vienna before joining the general contractor company Porr with the project management responsibility of the University Library in Warsaw. In 2000 he became Project Manager and Executive Architect (still with the company PORR) of the Intercontinental tower in Warsaw. In 2004 he became Country Manager of the real estate development company UBM in Poland and in 2007 joined Orco Property Group as a Project Director with the responsibility over the project management of Zlota 44 turn key residential tower in Warsaw. Once this project completed Ulrich participated to numerous development projects among them the DC Towers in Vienna and the University of Economics in Vienna (WU Campus). Since February 2019 Ulrich Fruh is Project Director with SWZT Chartered Consultants in Vienna in Austria.

"My personal experience with Philippe Riboton has been outstanding. He contacted me for the position of Director of Finance and Administration in Sunčani Hvar, a Croatian hospitality company which was passing through a deep phase of reorganization and financial restructuring. Through the entire process of my recruitment he has always provided a very responsive, efficient and helpful service. His ability to match the company's business requirements and candidate profile  has been priceless.  Consequently, just a couple of months after my hiring, I became President of the Management Board. I would not have any hesitation recommending him to any other employer or candidate."

With more than 30 years of expertise in the hospitality industry, Mrs. Tomičić held the role of President of the Management Board of Istraturist and initiated a dynamic cycle of restructuring, investments and implementation of strategic projects which led to the transformation of the company into one of the most successful tourism companies in Croatia. Mrs. Tomičić joined Sunčani Hvar Hotels in July 2011 as Director of Finance and Administration. In December 2012 she was elected Company’s President and since then has successfully led the Company through pre-bankruptcy settlement proceedings and finalized the operational, organizational and financial restructuring of the organization.

“I met Philippe at the beginning of 2014 in Prague (Czech Republic). Philippe immediately struck me for his deep professionalism. He was always there for me online, whether I contacted him during the day or at midnight: he was always available. He took his time to know me deeply as a person, not only as a candidate. He didn’t limit himself to asking me standard “professional questions” but he really tried hard to understand my personality and my capabilities. I have been living in two additional countries since I left Prague and the Czech Republic - and I have met with a lot of other HR professionals - but none of them can be compared to Philippe.”

Katerina Pankova is Ukrainian and she holds a bachelor in economics from the Donetsk National University as well as a master’s degree in languages. She started her career in Ukraine before moving to the Czech Republic by entering the world of fashion retail and becoming Visual Merchandiser and Sales Consultant. In 2012 she joined the Italian brand Dolce Gabbana in Prague becoming the Deputy Store Manager. After two and a half years in the role she was recruited by Louis Vuitton in Prague as a Client Advisor in the ready-to-wear department. She then moved to Sofia, Bulgaria, where she was in charge of instore merchandising of two luxury fashion boutiques. Since November 2019 she moved to Milano, Italy, where she was working for the iconic brand Versace in their Montenapoleone flagship store as a Sales Associate Ready-to-Wear. Since May 2020 Katerina is back in Prague where she works as a Luxury Personal Shopper, a Stylist and a Concierge.

“As HR professional I clearly recognized in our first meeting what Philippe‘s differentiating value is. I not only wanted to continue the dialogue with him but I truly looked forward to each and every interaction. Philippe is a great listener genuinely interested in you as a person, your story and what it is that you want to change in your life and career. He is also honest and open to share his views about you and your plan or where you fit best no matter how challenging that can be. With Philippe’s charm and curious eye contact I immediately found myself in a trustworthy environment so crucial in the vulnerable process of career change. In the long term process we have been in together, his value to me often was his patience and a strongly dedicated approach to make it all work for both sides no matter what level of detail needed attention. Along the whole journey Philippe acted as a bridge, sensitive to both sides interests, knowing when to pull or push to make sure all important aspects are clear and in place. His fast responsiveness, reliability and in addition the so rare fun factor made it a great experience for me I will always treasure.”

Jitka Schmiedova worked across multiple sectors in her career, among them the heavy industry, the automotive industry, health insurance, telecommunications and banking. Among other companies she worked for about ten years for the company Norsk Hydro (a world leader in aluminum production) as well as for four years with the company Mitsubishi Electric Automotive with the assignment of setting up an entire new automotive plant from scratch. However the strongest industry represented in her experience is financial services since she served as the number one HR head for the Czech bank Ceska Sporitelna, later on Austrian Erste Bank (the mother company of Ceska Sporitelna) and more recently NN Investment Partners, a daughter company of Dutch insurance giant Nationale Nederlanden, based in Amsterdam. Upon returning to the Czech Republic in March 2020 year she became HR Director for a zone of 14 countries in Central and Eastern Europe with the environmental services company Veolia. Since December 2021 she is General Manager (GA) of Mitsubishi Electric Automotive Czech.

“Philippe Riboton is probably the only headhunter I have met in Europe with such a professional and long-term approach to cooperating with senior executives, providing regular feedback during the recruitment process, monitoring the satisfaction after the recruitment is over and the executive gets in the role. Throughout the whole process he showed a very professional approach, demonstrating strong respect of the candidate’s objectives and sharing the vision for the future evolution with the new employer. I am happy to recommend Philippe as a partner in senior recruitment and executive search”.

Anna Wolska holds a master’s degree in marketing from the Warsaw School of Economics as well as an MBA from the School of Finance and Management in Warsaw. She did a significant part of her career with the work solutions company Lyreco in Poland holding commercial management responsibilities as National Sales Manager and Corporate Accounts Director (staying a total of 15 years with the company). In 2013 she joined the company EasyPack as Global Commercial Director, managing international subsidiary sales across the UK, Russia, Italy, Slovakia and the Czech Republic. Later on she became Business Partner of the company FGBS, focusing on business process design, implementation and improvement for various international companies in Poland before joining the payment cards solutions company Edenred. In 2018 she joined the top management team of Polish food companies Green Factory, Green Holding and Primavega. She is currently working as Central Eastern Europe Procurement Director for Green Factory Group a.s.

“I know Philippe for almost 20 years and I am very grateful to him for boosting my career. It was in 2008 when Philippe helped me to switch from senior manager roles to C-level role. It was not only that he believed in a perfect match with my former employer, where I have spent great ten years! It’s the know-how and the experience. And if would ever want to change my current job, he would be my first choice: always!”

Emil Kovac is Czech and he’s an MBA graduate from the City University of Seattle. Emil started his career as a Business Development Manager with alternative telecommunications operator Aliatel before joining Telefonica 02 (formerly Czech Telecom) as International Carrier Manager, and then IDT, one of the largest wholesale telecommunication carriers in the world, becoming Managing Director for IDT Global, managing all CEE operations. In 2007 he joined Vodafone Czech Republic as Senior Manager for Mobile Advertising, developing mobile advertising solutions on the Czech market. In 2008 he joined the retail advertising company POS Media Group as Country Manager for the Czech Republic, later on becoming Group COO. Since February 2021 Emil is the Chief Executive Officer of Apelby Communications, a European ICT service provider.