Building Depth, Autonomy and Leadership within Mission Critical – Francesco Cannella
In this edition of our Principal’s for Success Series, Henry Prior, Marketing Manager at Experts Group International (EGI), sits down with Francesco Cannella, Head of Mission Critical.
With over 10 years of experience as a consultant and recruitment leader, Francesco joined Experts Group International (EGI) five months ago to launch and run his own sub-division within EGI CleanTech. His focus: building a specialist desk within mission-critical infrastructure and scaling it with autonomy, intensity, and long-term vision.
Francesco has brought a unique combination of experience and focus to EGI CleanTech. As a proven market specialist, he leverages not only his recruitment expertise but also his personal branding and team management skills to ensure the deliberate, efficient growth of the subdivision.
In this interview, Francesco shares what truly separates a principal consultant from a senior consultant, what genuine specialisation looks like in practice, and why EGI provided the right platform for him to step into a meaningful leadership role.
How long have you specialised in your current vertical, and what originally drew you to this market?
Francesco:
I have specialised in this vertical for two years. I initially entered the sector with limited prior knowledge, but I was quickly drawn in by its complexity and significance. I invested considerable time researching mission-critical infrastructure sectors, the key stakeholders, the intricacies of the build and delivery processes, the scale of capital deployment, the global competitive landscape, and the strategic importance of coverage and resilience. These elements continue to fascinate and motivate me to deepen my expertise.
In your experience, what separates a strong principal consultant from a good senior consultant?
Francesco:
The key differentiators are depth of expertise, comprehensive market knowledge, superior objection handling, and an exceptional work ethic. While strong senior consultants perform very effectively, principal consultants distinguish themselves through their relentless drive to execute at scale, their continuous pursuit of improvement, and their ability to consistently operate at a significantly higher volume and intensity without compromising quality.
What does being a true specialist mean in your vertical — and how do you apply that day-to-day?
Francesco:
Being a true specialist goes far beyond simply presenting opportunities to candidates. It means actively listening, knowing when to pause and absorb information, and continuously building a detailed understanding of the technical, commercial, and operational realities of the roles and projects our clients deliver. This deep, industry-specific insight enables me to provide genuinely valuable, informed advice to both clients and candidates every day.
Was there a moment or realisation that confirmed specialising in this area was the right long-term move for you?
Francesco:
A defining confirmation came from the rapid and sustained growth of my industry network from zero to over 9,000 meaningful connections within two years. Beyond successful placements that deliver immediate and lasting value, I have also supported smaller organisations in securing positions on major supply chains, helping them access larger strategic opportunities. These outcomes have not only produced strong professional results but have also fostered genuine, long-term relationships across multiple levels and disciplines within the sector.
How do you use your experience to develop junior consultants – and what behaviours do you look for in those who progress fastest?
Francesco:
I focus on providing junior consultants with a thorough grounding in the full 360° recruitment lifecycle, delivering clear, structured, and digestible guidance alongside consistent, ongoing support. In return, I expect the same level of dedication and proactive effort. I actively champion progression for individuals who consistently perform above the expectations of their current level, as I remain personally committed to continuous professional growth.
When you joined EGI, what convinced you it was the right environment to step into (or grow within) a leadership role?
Francesco:
EGI offered genuine autonomy to shape and run the desk in the way I know delivers the best outcomes, combined with significant trust in my judgement regarding key processes, workflows, and strategic decisions. The opportunity to be directly involved in building and hiring the team further reinforced that this was the right environment for me to grow into a meaningful leadership position.
What qualities or approach do senior and principal consultants need to truly succeed at EGI?
Francesco:
A high-performance mindset, approachability, unwavering commitment, and a genuine drive for continuous improvement are essential. Consultants who thrive here consistently demonstrate these characteristics.
How would you describe EGI’s culture to an experienced consultant who’s worked in high-performance environments before?
Francesco:
EGI has a bold, energetic, and decisively action-oriented culture. It is a place where high-calibre professionals are trusted and empowered to get things done quickly and effectively.
For other senior or principal consultants considering EGI, what mindset or skillset do you think matters most here?
Francesco:
The most important attributes are strong intrinsic drive and a genuine commitment to proactive, high-volume activity, particularly picking up the phone and making things happen consistently and at pace.
What does EGI allow you to do in your role now that you couldn’t do earlier in your career?
Francesco:
EGI gives me the freedom and authority to design and implement proven processes and workflows that I know deliver strong results. Equally important, support is readily available whenever needed, enabling confident, decisive leadership of the desk.
If you are a client delivering mission-critical infrastructure projects, or a candidate seeking your next opportunity within this sector, Francesco welcomes the opportunity to connect. Whether you are hiring for current projects or exploring future moves across critical infrastructure, he is always open to a confidential conversation.
Considering Your Next Step as a Principal Consultant?
Francesco joined Experts Group International (EGI) just five months ago – but in that time, he has launched and is now leading his own Mission Critical sub-division within EGI CleanTech, operating with autonomy and strategic responsibility.
His experience reflects what we aim to offer experienced recruitment leaders:
- True market ownership
- Autonomy to design and execute proven strategies
- The opportunity to build and hire your own team
- A high-performance, action-oriented culture built on trust
If you are a Senior Consultant ready to step into principal level, or an established Principal Consultant seeking greater autonomy and long-term growth, we would welcome a confidential conversation.
Start the conversation with Ross Fraser today and explore how you could build and lead your own specialism within EGI.
The right platform makes the difference between billing well and building something exceptional.