Amrop Expands to Capture Baltic Region's Surging Talent Demand

BRUSSELS, BELGIUM – January 19, 2026 – Global leadership advisory and executive search partnership Amrop has announced a significant expansion in the Baltic states, establishing a new operational structure in Lithuania to complete its regional footprint. The move creates a unified pan-Baltic team across Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, signaling a major strategic investment in a region rapidly emerging as a European hub for technology, defense, and international business.

This consolidation provides Amrop with on-the-ground advisory teams in all three nations, a move designed to leverage deep local market knowledge while offering clients seamless access to its global network. The expansion comes as the Baltic economies demonstrate remarkable resilience and growth, attracting substantial foreign investment and creating intense demand for high-caliber executive talent.

Riding the Baltic Economic Wave

Amrop's strategic consolidation is anchored in the robust economic forecast for the Baltic region, which is increasingly viewed by foreign investors as a single, dynamic market. After a period of varied performance, all three economies are projected to see growth strengthen through 2026, often outpacing the European Union average.

Lithuania's economy has shown particular strength, with GDP growth projected to hit around 3% in both 2025 and 2026, fueled by strong private consumption and a surge in high-value exports. The country has become a regional leader in attracting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), with inflows increasing 8.6% year-over-year to reach EUR 37.6 billion by late 2024. Latvia is also on an upward trajectory, with its central bank projecting GDP growth of over 3% for 2026, driven by a rebound in investment and strong performance in its industrial sector. Meanwhile, Estonia's economy is set to return to growth after a period of stagnation, with its world-renowned digital innovation and startup ecosystem poised to lead the recovery.

This economic vitality has not gone unnoticed. In 2025 alone, Latvia attracted over €1 billion in FDI, a record for the country. This influx of capital across the region underscores the confidence international organizations have in the Baltics' stability and future potential, creating a fertile ground for businesses to expand and, consequently, a critical need for sophisticated leadership.

Targeting High-Growth Sectors and Leadership Gaps

The expansion is sharply focused on serving the region's burgeoning high-growth industries, particularly technology and defense, where a significant 'leadership gap' is emerging. As these sectors scale at an unprecedented pace, the demand for experienced executives capable of navigating complex global challenges often outstrips the local supply.

The Baltic states have firmly established themselves as dynamic European tech hubs. Lithuania is a frontrunner in fintech and biotechnology, while Estonia continues to be a global leader in digital governance and cybersecurity. This innovation pipeline has attracted a surge in venture capital, creating a high-stakes environment where transformative leadership is paramount.

Even more profound is the transformation of the region's defense industry. Spurred by the geopolitical climate, all three Baltic nations have committed to increasing defense spending to 3% of their GDP or more. This has triggered a massive wave of investment in military modernization and the development of a domestic defense industrial base. Major projects, such as the establishment of a new Rheinmetall ammunition factory in Lithuania, are creating thousands of jobs and an urgent need for executives with expertise in advanced manufacturing, international partnerships, and defense technology.

Amrop is positioning its specialized teams to serve these sectors, alongside key industries like Consumer & Retail and Industrial, where localized expertise is crucial for navigating market-specific nuances.

A Unified Strategy for a Diverse Region

Leading the newly integrated pan-Baltic business are Managing Partners Viesturs Liegis and Aiga Ārste-Avotiņa, who together bring more than three decades of combined executive search and leadership advisory experience in the region. Their appointment underscores the firm's commitment to deep-seated local expertise.

"Our new pan-Baltic set-up brings together our experienced local teams, sector knowledge, and seamless access to Amrop's global resources," the new management team commented in a statement. "This allows us to support organizations in making leadership and governance decisions that drive sustainable growth and transformation, wherever they operate."

This unified model is a direct response to the needs of multinational corporations that require consistent, high-quality advisory services across the entire region, while still benefiting from teams that understand the unique cultural and business landscapes of Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia. The firm also plans to further strengthen its Lithuanian presence with an expanded local advisory team expected to be announced in the second quarter of 2026.

A Long-Term Bet on Eastern Europe's Future

This move is more than an operational adjustment; it represents Amrop's long-term commitment to the Baltics and the broader Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. By establishing a complete and integrated presence, the firm is positioning itself at the heart of one of Europe's most dynamic economic stories.

Annika Farin, Global Chair of Amrop, highlighted the strategic importance of the region. "The Baltic states represent an increasingly important region for international business, innovation, and leadership development," she stated. Farin noted that the firm's coordinated regional team has already proven its effectiveness, delivering on over 40% of assignments in Latvia, Estonia, and even Ukraine.

The completion of its Baltic footprint enables Amrop to deliver on its global mission: advising the world's most dynamic organizations on identifying and positioning 'Leaders For What's Next.' In a region defined by rapid growth, technological disruption, and geopolitical complexity, the need for such leadership has never been greater.