Marketing headhunters, tml Partners, are delighted to have partnered with the team at Glanbia Performance Nutrition to source their new CMO for GPN International

Glanbia Performance Nutrition (GPN) is the world’s leading sports nutrition company, operating across more than 100 markets globally and generating annual revenues exceeding $1.8bn. With a portfolio of category-leading brands including Optimum Nutrition, BSN, and ISOPURE, GPN plays a central role in shaping the global performance and lifestyle nutrition market. As part of its international growth strategy, GPN sought to strengthen its senior marketing leadership capability to drive brand and consumer strategy across approximately 20 international markets, spanning the UK and Nordics, Continental Europe, AMEA, and Oceania.

The Challenge

This was a highly specific and strategically critical leadership appointment. GPN required a senior marketing leader with deep international FMCG experience, strong digital and eCommerce capability, and a proven track record in consumer-led innovation. The successful candidate needed the gravitas to operate at an executive level within a complex, matrixed organisation and the ability to lead and influence large in-market teams across diverse geographies.

Equally important was the ability to manage significant marketing investment, drive ROI, and build strong external partnerships to enhance brand visibility and commercial performance. While GPN had already initiated an internal search, the business recognised the niche nature of the brief and the difficulty in accessing candidates with the precise blend of global brand leadership and category insight. They engaged tml Partners in a targeted advisory capacity with a tight, focused brief: to ensure the market had been fully covered and to tap into tml’s established senior marketing network. Speed was critical, with an emphasis on precision over volume.

The Solution

Emma Calder, Head of the Consumer practice at tml Partners, working across FMCG, Food & Beverage, Consumer, Retail and eCommerce sectors, led a two-week sprint search, working in close partnership with GPN’s Talent Acquisition team. The project focused on translating the brief into a clear leadership profile, rapidly mapping tml’s international FMCG and consumer marketing network, and engaging senior leaders already pre-qualified by the firm.

Leveraging tml Partners’ long-standing relationships with global marketing executives, Emma delivered a tightly curated shortlist within the agreed timeframe. The focus remained on quality and relevance, ensuring every candidate was highly aligned with GPN’s strategic ambitions and cultural values.

Anna Hale stood out immediately as an established Chief Marketing Officer who demonstrated an exceptional fit. From the initial meeting, there was a strong mutual connection, with GPN recognising her rare combination of international brand leadership, digital capability, and executive presence. tml Partners supported both GPN and Anna through an accelerated interview and offer process, maintaining momentum across all stakeholders.

Jo Lanigan, Senior Director Talent Acquisition at Glanbia, said:

“Working with Emma and the team at tml Partners was an excellent experience. From the outset, Emma demonstrated a deep understanding of our strategic priorities, the complexity of operating and scaling a global business, and the critical role marketing leadership plays in driving sustainable growth across an international organisation.

The level of engagement throughout the search was excellent. Emma and the team were highly invested in understanding our culture, ambition, and what success truly looked like for Glanbia. Their insight-led, collaborative approach, combined with strong market knowledge and an extensive global network, enabled us to identify and successfully appoint an outstanding Chief Marketing Officer for GPN International.”

Anna Hale, CMO at GPN International, commented:

“My experience with tml Partners was outstanding, both professionally and personally. Emma Calder was a true partner throughout the process, ensuring a strong fit between my career goals and Glanbia’s next phase of growth. Her insight into the business and the leadership brief brought clarity, pace, and confidence to every stage of the journey. Emma was instrumental in shaping a move which positions me to make a real impact on GPN’s exciting international growth and transformation plans.”

About tml Partners: Specialist Headhunters for Marketing Commercial Roles

tml Partners are specialists in Executive Search with access to a global network of commercial, marketing, communications, brand, product and digital leaders. Our team work with businesses ranging from fast-growth challenger brands to blue-chip organisations to develop their in-house teams.

As one of the world’s leading commercial and marketing recruitment agencies, we can support whether you’re seeking interim or permanent solutions. Our team has the expertise to support across various sectors and locations.

To learn how tml Partners can help you, please get in touch.