Success story · May 2026
Senior management and transformational leadership at a leading natural cosmetics firm.
An 11-month strategic project to ensure business continuity, lead the executive transition and accelerate digitalisation in the Spanish market.
Client and Sector: Our client, a leading international company in the natural cosmetics sector with a strong presence in the Spanish market and headquartered in Catalonia, was going through a critical period of transition following the unexpected departure of its former chief executive. In a high-growth market — which exceeded €10,000 M in 2023 — the organisation needed strong leadership to ensure it did not lose its commercial momentum.
The Situation / Need (The Problem): The organisation faced a twofold challenge: the need to professionalise its management structure and the urgent need to fill a leadership vacuum immediately. The cosmetics sector in Spain demands a nimble response to trends such as dermopharmacy, sustainability and the rise of e-commerce. Without a CEO at the helm, the stability of operations and the execution of the omnichannel strategy were at risk.
The EPUNTO Approach and Solution (The Methodology):
EPUNTO brought in, in record time, a high-level interim manager to take on the role of CEO for Spain. For 11 months, the executive worked with full authority to stabilise the company and lay the groundwork for the future.
Under the supervision and mentoring of Patricio Gil Olmedo, a Partner at EPUNTO, the project focused on:
Ensuring continuity: Any leadership vacuum was avoided, maintaining the confidence of internal teams and external stakeholders.
Operational optimisation: The sales, marketing, finance and logistics departments were overseen, ensuring that the supply chain could meet the growing demand for natural products.
Digital acceleration: The e-commerce and influencer marketing strategies were driven forward, key to connecting with the new, conscious consumer.
Inclusive leadership: Efforts were made to motivate a team that had undergone major transformations, fostering a high-performance and collaborative environment.
Frequently asked questions
What was the main challenge in this project?
The challenge was to lead the transition following the departure of the previous head at a leading company. A ‘plug-and-play’ executive was needed to ensure operational continuity and maintain double-digit growth in Spain’s competitive natural cosmetics sector.
Why was an interim manager chosen rather than a traditional recruitment process?
Speed was of the essence. A traditional CEO selection process can take between 6 and 9 months. The client needed an experienced leader who could take the reins in less than two weeks to ensure measurable results during the 11-month transition period, thereby avoiding the opportunity cost of leaving the position vacant.
What was the most significant impact during the first 90 days?
In the first quarter, our Interim Manager succeeded in stabilising the management committee and aligning the local strategy with international guidelines. The implementation of the product launch plan was ensured, and supply chain processes were optimised to prevent stock-outs in key channels such as pharmacies and specialist retailers.
How did EPUNTO ensure the transfer of knowledge at the end of the mission?
Our methodology includes a structured exit plan. Over the past few months, the Interim Manager prepared a comprehensive status report, documented the new efficiency processes that had been implemented and facilitated a smooth transition to the new permanent leadership, ensuring that the strategic knowledge gained was not lost.
What unique feature did EPUNTO bring to this solution?
The precision in selecting the right candidate and the support provided by our Partner, Patricio Gil Olmedo. We did not merely provide an executive with over 20 years’ technical experience, but a leader capable of managing the organisational culture within an international environment, ensuring that the company would not only survive the transition but emerge stronger as a result.
