Five Reasons Why C-Level Hires Fail in the Printing Industry

Filling key leadership roles is one of the most critical factors for business success. Yet in many companies, the topic of “personnel” is still treated as a side issue not with the professionalism it deserves. A costly mistake: Studies show that a bad hire at the executive level can result in costs amounting to two to three times the annual salary. On average, one in three new hires fails within the first year. In the case of managing directors, this can have serious consequences for strategy and competitiveness.

Why C-Level Appointments Often Miss the Mark

Gut Decisions Over Data
Hiring decisions are often driven by personal chemistry rather than objective criteria. First impressions replace solid analysis, significantly increasing the risk of misjudgment.

Unclear Requirements
Without a clear profile of requirements, it’s uncertain which skills, experience, and personality traits are truly critical for success. Hiring becomes a game of chance.

Lack of Strategic Vision
Too often, the focus lies on short-term wins. Future-critical topics like transformation, innovation, and long-term competitiveness fall by the wayside.

Neglecting Cultural Fit
Professional qualifications alone aren’t enough. If leadership style, values, and communication patterns don’t align with the organization, even top talent will fail. Especially at C-level, cultural alignment is a key success factor.

A Too Narrow Talent Pool
Relying solely on job ads or personal networks means missing out on exceptional talent. The best candidates are rarely actively looking they can only be reached through targeted executive search.

Conclusion: Successful Hiring Requires Industry Expertise and Network Access

Appointing the right executive leadership goes far beyond job postings or gut feeling. What truly matters is a combination of clear role definition, professional search methodology, cultural alignment, and deep industry insight.

This is especially true in the printing and packaging industry: only those who understand the sector and have access to a strong network can identify and engage the right leaders.

With our deep industry expertise and long-standing network, Apenberg & Partner is your trusted partner for precision hiring of C-level executives.