As the calendar turned to 2026, one question looms large: how will you ensure your next leadership team and your next leadership hire drives strategy, culture, and growth rather than simply filling a gap? With complexity, transformation, and succession pressures mounting, relying on who happens to be looking to join your team is no longer enough, according to new report from Kincannon & Reed, which exclusively focuses on food, agribusiness, and the related life sciences.

“The most successful organizations are entering the new year with a deliberate, forward-focused approach: connecting with the right candidates, defining what tomorrow’s leadership requires, and recognizing that hiring the next leader requires a comprehensive process,” the report said.

Kincannon & Reed outlined the following key areas highlight how to approach executive hiring with clarity and confidence as you plan for the year ahead.

Drawing from the hundreds of conversations Kincannon & Reed had with clients this year, one theme is clear: expectations for effective leadership continue to evolve across every function. “Regardless of discipline or organizational size, the leaders rising to the top share a consistent set of attributes,” the firm said. The capabilities most frequently prioritized include:

• Adaptive and agile leadership: The ability to pivot quickly, make informed decisions with imperfect information, and steer teams through constant change.
• Emotional intelligence: Strong self-awareness and the capacity to build trust, inspire teams, and lead with empathy in high-pressure environments.
• AI and digital fluency: A working command of emerging technologies and digital tools, enabling leaders to make strategic decisions & improve efficiency.
• Change Leadership: The ability to guide teams through transitions, drive alignment around new initiatives, and foster adoption while minimizing resistance.

Today’s Evolving Talent Market

Addressing global food security through sustainable practices continues to surface critical leadership challenges across the food and agriculture value chain, according to the Kincannon & Reed report.

“In 2026, leaders face a convergence of forces: rapid AI and automation adoption, rising sustainability expectations, tightening talent pipelines, and a more complex risk landscape,” it said. “Expectations around purpose, wellbeing, inclusion, and flexible work are also evolving faster than many organizations can adapt. Technology, capital, and policy are necessary but not sufficient—the true differentiator is leadership: who occupies key roles, how prepared they are, and whether culture and talent practices enable agility and resilience.”

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