• Future Leaders Programme

    In-person and online
    March-June 2027

Preparing the next generation of C-suite leaders

The Future Leaders Programme builds the connections, capabilities and perspectives senior executives need to steer a fast-changing consumer goods and retail industry. It combines industry expertise from Bain & Company, leadership insights from Egon Zehnder and first-hand experience from CEOs at the forefront of change. Alongside the sessions, participants build lasting relationships with peers from across the industry. The programme opens in Mexico City, continues online and closes in San Francisco. Here is what happens at each stage and how to participate:

  • 8 to 10 March 2027

    In Mexico City, participants will:

    • Visit Grupo Bimbo headquarters

    • Meet the management team

    • Join a store tour

    • Take part in workshops led by Bain & Company and Egon Zehnder

    • Enjoy networking throughout

  • March to May 2027

    In virtual sessions, participants will:

    • Hear CEOs reflect on what makes good leadership and how their own careers have developed

    • Explore a CEO’s SWOT analysis of their organisation or the wider industry, told through a business story that broadens their perspective

  • 7 to 8 June 2027

    In San Francisco, participants will:

    • Take part in workshops led by Bain & Company and Egon Zehnder

    • Experience the future of retail first-hand on a full-day store tour in the Bay Area

    • Optional: join the CGF's flagship event, the Global Summit, 9–11 June 2027, at a preferential rate.

  • Nominations for 2027 are open

    Send your nominee’s CV end of November 2026 to:

    • a.malbrancq@theconsumergoodsforum.com

Who the programme is for

Participants form a carefully selected group of around 50 high-potential executives from retailers and consumer goods manufacturers:

• All from CGF member companies

• Senior talent, typically three levels below CEO, with around 15 years of professional experience

• A diverse mix of functional backgrounds and expertise

• International representation across Europe, North America, Latin America, Asia and other markets

• Drawn from established global companies and leading regional players

Who the programme is for

Nominations close end of November 2026

CEOs who shaped the programme

Past participants learned from and connected directly with leaders such as these, a reflection of the calibre of CEOs involved each year.

Anke Ehlers / Managing Director, Corporate Responsibility International, Aldi South Group

I thoroughly enjoyed taking this course. What I liked most was the combination of consumer insights and leadership skills. The fireside chats with CEOs were inspiring and practical.

Anke Ehlers

Managing Director, Corporate Responsibility International, Aldi South Group

Sheila Muniz Ebanks / Head of Large Store, North America Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company

This programme’s focus on the rapid pace of technology and shifting consumer behaviour helped me reimagine my role.

Sheila Muniz Ebanks

Head of Large Store, North America Operating Unit, The Coca-Cola Company

Lynne Van Gessel / CEO Etos, Ahold Delhaize

I especially valued the outside-in perspective, connecting market trends with what they mean for us as leaders and organisations. The mix of inspiration, reflection and a community of like-minded peers made it both energising and meaningful.

Lynne Van Gessel

CEO Etos, Ahold Delhaize