From IMC Krems to Latin and North America

A journey rooted in vision

Elmar began his professional path at IMC Krems, where he earned his master degree in Health Management. This laid the foundation for an extraordinary career, ultimately taking him to the forefront of global executive search and consultancy. His passion for health economics and strategic management shaped not only his time as a student but also his early career steps. Initially, Elmar spent several years with leading international medical technology and pharmaceutical companies and consultancy firms in Frankfurt, Cologne, Düsseldorf, Basel, Zurich, and London. In 2013, he joined the ISG Group.

A “rock” in international executive search

Today, Elmar Scheuba serves as General Manager for the Americas region and Global Head of Healthcare Business at ISG Personalmanagement GmbH, one of the world’s leading firms in executive search, HR consulting and recruiting, training and development, and outplacement services. His role encompasses establishing and managing offices in strategically important markets such as the USA, Brazil, and Mexico. As an expert in identifying top talent for senior leadership roles in the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical technology sectors, Elmar thrives in addressing the complexities and challenges of these dynamic fields.

For Elmar, it is a dream job. He finds great satisfaction in helping people align their careers with their intrinsic talents and purpose. His guiding principle is rooted in valuing individuality and authenticity:

“Every person is born with at least one special talent. Our daily mission as a recruiting and executive search company is to identify that inner spark and appreciate everyone’s uniqueness,” he says.

The secret to his success

Elmar combines over 33 years of professional experience with an unwavering focus on quality and humanity. His approach? Discretion, empathy, and a deep understanding of his clients’ needs. By leveraging a global network and state-of-the-art technologies, he has successfully filled even the most challenging international roles. His ability to build bridges across cultures and markets has made him a trusted partner for companies worldwide.

“Companies that focus on innovation by exploring new markets and investing in advanced technical segments, particularly during challenging times, will likely lead the way. For instance, some global automotive manufacturers now produce medical devices. This shift highlights how adaptability and creativity can prevail,” Elmar notes.

He emphasizes the importance of staying actively connected with clients, especially during uncertain economic times: “It’s easy to maintain relationships with clients during economic booms. However, the real challenge—and what truly matters—is supporting them when the market becomes unpredictable,” he explains.

Latin America as a market of the future

Elmar anticipates that Latin America will increasingly benefit from European companies relocating production to the region to cut costs—a shift comparable to earlier trends in Eastern Europe. Although European firms have been hesitant to establish operations in Latin America, this trend is changing, with more companies opening offices in the region.

Elmar describes the current optimism in Latin American markets: “Processes that were previously handled through distributors are now being managed directly by local company teams. This transition from indirect to direct sales structures is accelerating knowledge transfer between Europe and Latin America. In areas such as digitalization, Latin America is already well-positioned,” he adds.

Sector-specific challenges

In times of economic and market transformation, companies require robust leadership structures. Skills like change management expertise and soft skills are increasingly in demand. According to Elmar, the critical question is less about quantity— “How many new hires are planned?”—and more about quality: “What attributes do leaders need in today’s pluralistic societies, and what adaptive abilities must firms develop to navigate global change?”

He also highlights a shift in societal priorities: “In recent years, there has been a move away from purely salary-driven decisions toward a more sustainable work-life balance model,” Elmar notes.

Personal insights

Fluent in Spanish and married to a Peruvian woman, Elmar has fully embraced Latin American culture, where personal relationships are crucial for business dealings. While he acknowledges the challenges, such as traffic and water quality, he admires the positivity and resilience of the people. “There’s a tremendous sense of optimism here - everyone seems to have a smile on their face despite life’s challenges,” he remarks.

Growth with vision

Currently leading ISG’s expansion into the Americas, Elmar is overseeing new offices in the USA, Brazil, Mexico, Uruguay, and Peru, with plans to establish operations in Chile, Argentina, Ecuador, and more. His work transforms not just companies but also careers, building sustainable relationships with clients and candidates alike.

Inspiring the next generation

Elmar’s story is more than a tale of professional success; it’s a testament to the power of vision, determination, and a strong foundation. For graduates and job seekers, his advice is clear: specialize, diversify, and never stop learning.

“The competition for talent will only intensify,” Elmar says. “Candidates who bring unique value to companies will always find opportunities, regardless of external circumstances.”

By combining empathy, cross-cultural understanding, and a willingness to take risks, Elmar exemplifies what it takes to achieve greatness - and inspires others to follow their dreams.

Management von Gesundheitsunternehmen