Executive Hiring in FMCG & Fresh Produce: 30 Years of Insight with John Elliott

In this episode of Behind the Fruit, Lucy Robinson speaks with John Elliott, Founder of ELR Executive in Sydney, Australia.With nearly 30 years in executive search across FMCG, fresh produce and food & beverage manufacturing, John shares:🍏 How executive hiring has evolved over three decades 📦 Why supply chain leadership is now mission-critical in fresh 📊 The commercial shift in founder-led produce businesses 🤝 What separates strong leaders from struggling ones 🧠 Why hiring people better than you is a leadership strength 🤖 How AI is reshaping executive search — and where it won’t replace human judgmentJohn also reflects on moving from executive search into an $80m FMCG CEO role — and what that experience taught him about leadership, performance, and team building.This episode is especially relevant for founder-led businesses, commercial leaders in fresh produce, and anyone navigating executive hiring in 2026.To connect with John: LinkedIn: John Elliott (ELR Executive) Website: www.elrexecutive.com.auAbout LCR InternationalLCR International supports senior hiring across the global fresh produce sector.We work with businesses where roles require a mix of technical, commercial, and leadership experience, often across regions.Typical support includes: • Retained executive search • Talent mapping and competitor insight • Org structure and succession planningIf you're hiring and want a clearer view of the market before you start, you can get in touch here:👉 https://www.lcrint.com/