10 remarkable millennials reach the final round for Adecco Group ‘CEO for One Month’ Contenders from all over the world gather in Madrid to aim for the top job alongside CEO Alain Dehaze
September 14, 2015Zurich, Switzerland, 31 August 2015 – Adecco Group, the world’s leading provider of HR solutions, today revealed the six young women and four young men from around the world who have reached the finals to become ‘CEO for One Month’. Only one will gain the unique opportunity to work alongside Group Chief Executive Officer Alain Dehaze.
The 10 youngsters, aged between 20 and 25, hail from countries as far afield as Japan and Australia, as well as Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Greece, Italy, Ireland, the Netherlands and Spain. The candidates are now gathering in Madrid for a concluding round of tests and challenges to choose this year’s Adecco ‘CEO for One Month’. The successful candidate will gain a unique insight into leading a €20 billion Fortune 500 Company with more than 32,000 employees.
Record high unemployment in many regions has hit the prospects of millions of young people around the world. In Europe, youth unemployment still stands at more than 22%, while around the world over 75 million youngsters are today jobless. Data shows a lack work experience is a principal barrier for young people seeking to reach the first rungs of the careers ladder. Adecco, through its Way to WorkTM programme, has taken concrete action to help young people gain valuable exposure to the jobs market, increasing their employability and boosting their career prospects. The programme offers career guidance and work-based training opportunities. This year alone, more than 2,000 internships and apprenticeships – the ‘Adecco Experiences’ – have been offered to young people globally.
In addition to this, ‘CEO for One Month’ offers a selected group of talented youngsters the chance to develop their skills and gain work experience directly alongside members of the Adecco’s top management. In 2015 the initiative has elicited no less than 18,000 applications internationally, with 34 candidates progressing to become Adecco CEO for One Month in their home countries, working alongside their local Adecco country manager.
After a further selection process based on performance, business cases and additional interviews, the top 10 have now reached the final round. In Madrid, they will be assessed by a jury representing different functions and countries.
Launched for the first time in Norway in 2011, ‘CEO for One Month’ has proven its ability to provide meaningful work experience for candidates reaching the final round, enhancing their CVs and career prospects. Last year, 5 of the 10 finalists found a job after participating, 4 are still studying and in internships. Among them was Colombian Paola Ospina, the 2014 Group CEO for One Month, who has since embarked on a career in marketing at Adecco USA.
“A lack of opportunity is hitting the prospects of millions of young people around the world. With our Adecco Way to WorkTM programme we want to make a real contribution to improving youngsters’ employability and help them build their future”, said Alain Dehaze, Adecco Group CEO. “Our 34 ‘CEOs for One Month’ have already been able to gain essential experience and skills working alongside Adecco top management in their home countries. Only one of the 10 finalists will make the final cut, and I’m looking forward to working closely with the 2015 ‘CEO for One Month’.”
The 10 candidates in the running to be chosen as Adecco Group ‘CEO for One Month’ are:
- Dick Boreel – Netherlands
- Michelle Dyrby – Denmark
- Claire Houston – UK & Ireland
- James Kaluschke – Australia
- Ayumi Kunori – Japan
- Ernesto Lamaina – Italy
- Marie Lusková – Czech Republic
- Clémence Lemonnier – France
- Hector Recio – Spain
- Eleni Ziaka – Greece
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