At Manning Global, we have always believed that the heart of recruitment isn’t just about filling roles – it’s about building the bridges that connect human potential with global opportunity. Today, we are incredibly proud to share a milestone that validates this mission on the highest international stage.
We are thrilled to announce that our Founder and CEO, Rachael Manning, has been named Global CEO of the Year (Recruitment Industry) in the prestigious 2026 European CEO Awards.
This accolade is more than just a trophy; it is a testament to over a quarter-century of dedication, innovation, and the “people-first” philosophy that defines Manning Global.
A Unanimous Decision from the Judging Panel
The selection process for the European CEO Awards is famously rigorous. With a subscriber base of 35,000 C-suite executives across 28 countries, the nominations come from industry peers who understand the complexities of modern leadership.
In their official statement, the judging panel highlighted why Rachael stood out in a highly competitive year:
“Following an extensive evaluation process, the panel reached a unanimous decision… reflecting the impressive manner in which Rachael Manning has led Manning Global with distinction for over 25 years. Her ability to combine long-term strategic vision with an inspiring, hands-on leadership style has been instrumental in shaping the company’s enduring success.”
The judges noted Rachael’s “forward-thinking mindset” and her ability to navigate the “demands of the global talent landscape,” ensuring Manning Global remains agile in an ever-changing world.
Reflections on a 26-Year Journey: A Q&A with Rachael Manning
To celebrate this win, we sat down with Rachael to discuss the values that drive her and the lessons learned while building a global company!
On Defining Challenges
What has been the most defining challenge of your career so far? “Transitioning and scaling the organisation from a single-country base to an internationally recognised brand. Navigating the constant learning curve of regional laws was a significant hurdle. It taught me that growth without a scalable framework is just friction. Consistency isn’t about control; it’s about a shared vision.”
On Leadership Principles
Which values have had the greatest influence on your style? “Trust, integrity, clarity, and accountability. I strive to remain authentic – the person my team sees is a human who makes decisions and owns mistakes. Staying relatable at every level is key.”
On the Secret to Success
What is the most important asset when running a business? “Vision, passion, and the right people. Our ‘Winning Team’ spirit is our greatest competitive advantage. A business is only as strong as the collective heartbeat of its team!”
Advice to Her Younger Self
What one piece of advice would you give your younger self? “Prepare yourself for the intensity of the highs and lows. Focus on long-term development rather than short-term wins. And remember: the more you disrupt a market, the more of a target you become. Face those challenges head-on; never let them take you down!”
Celebrating Our “Winning Team”
While this award recognises Rachael’s individual leadership, she is the first to credit the global family that makes Manning Global possible.
“This milestone wouldn’t be possible without YOU – our amazing colleagues, consultants, and friends around the world,” Rachael says. “Whether you’ve been part of our journey for years or just joined the Manning family, your passion drives everything we do!”
This recognition comes at an exciting time for us, following our European Best 10 Years Cooperation Award at the Huawei European Partner Convention 2025. It reinforces our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for our consultants and clients alike.
Looking Ahead
26 years of stories, memories, and global connections – and we are just getting started. As we celebrate this incredible honour from European CEO, we look forward to many more years of building extraordinary partnerships and making a difference in the global talent market.
Thank you to our team being part of this award-winning journey!
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