If uncertainty is the new normal – how can the commodities markets and participants adapt? What does that mean for costs, supply chains and people?
In May we held our latest Live Event in London, in partnership with ITFA. The event was hosted by Aon, with additional sponsorship by Atradius, Brown Brothers Harriman, Coface, Natixis Partners, Pole Star Global, The Mercury Group and RESCOM. Our panellists debated themes including the sources of uncertainty, and what it means for markets, prices and participants. What are the impacts of tariffs and geopolitical tensions? What is the state of the talent landscape as a new generation of professionals, and new businesses, confront these challenges? Is a new generation of deep specialists ready?
Joining podcast host, Paul Chapman was Stuart Lawson, Global Head at Aon Credit Solutions; Khushroo Pochkhanawalla, Commodity Risk Director at The Heineken Company; Matthew Chamberlain, CEO at the London Metal Exchange; Marieke Franssen, Managing Director of Natixis Corporate & Investment Banking and William Tully, Head of Business Development at Brown Brothers Harriman Commodities & Logistics.
Key Talent Takeaways
Uncertainty Has Redefined Talent Needs Across the Sector
The shift from volatility to permanent unpredictability—described as a “perma-crisis”—means energy and commodities firms are having to rethink what kind of talent they need. Decision-making speed, geopolitical awareness, and cross-functional agility have become core competencies. As a result, there is growing demand for professionals who can manage complexity, adapt quickly, and lead amid incomplete information.
Talent Shortages Are Being Exacerbated by Demographic Gaps and Automation
A structural gap in mid-career talent is becoming increasingly evident. Post-GFC underinvestment in training and the automation of traditional feeder roles (like operations and risk) have left the industry with a shallow pipeline of experienced professionals. This has created a bottleneck just as demand for senior-level commodity expertise is rising, particularly in trading, logistics, and policy interpretation roles.
Expertise is Gaining a Premium in Risk and Credit Markets
In both insurance and banking, there is now a “flight to experience”. Lenders and insurers are showing a clear preference for counterparties with deep market knowledge and established governance. For job seekers, this means that technical credibility and a proven track record are increasingly non-negotiable. For firms, retaining and attracting this kind of talent is mission-critical to maintaining access to trade finance and risk capacity.
Volatility is Driving Cross-Sector Talent Movement and Strategic Hiring
As financial players and energy companies expand into physical commodities (particularly metals), there’s increased cross-pollination of talent across sectors. This trend is driven by both strategic diversification and opportunity capture. Hiring strategies now increasingly target professionals who understand both the physical and financial dimensions of commodities, as well as those able to navigate ESG and energy transition pressures.
Relationships and Institutional Trust Matter More Than Ever
In an era of “rule by tweet” and rapidly shifting policy environments, firms are leaning heavily on longstanding, trusted partnerships. This is not just true for capital and credit providers but also for hiring. Employers are seeking individuals who not only have technical capabilities but who also bring stability, maturity, and credibility. Recruitment is increasingly about long-term value alignment rather than opportunistic hiring.
HC Group is a global search firm dedicated to the energy and commodities markets.
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