Business Unit Managing Director, Germany

Due to changing market conditions for industrial companies that serve the process industry, caused by increased competition from Asia and fuelled by the start of the Covid pandemic in early 2020, the executive board of our client decided to rethink and redevelop their business model. Known for the production of high-quality engineered products in various local production sites, a shift towards a robust sales organization with the help of an increased service solutions portfolio should ensure long term competitiveness. Against this backdrop and considering a forthcoming retirement of the previous MD for the German business and manufacturing sites, Pacific was asked to deliver on the leadership succession.

Working closely with the Global VP HR and the European president we fully understood the desired change that should be initiated by this leadership succession hire. While Pacific performed targeted headhunting in the industry, we also initiated conversations with our existing MD-network in the region to allow for a pool of passive candidates. After specific request of the VP HR to only present the best talent for the final interview stage, given the limited available time during the height of the pandemic, we presented a qualified and diverse shortlist of 4 fully assessed candidates.

Three individuals were selected to the meet the group leadership team and the mandate was completed with the chosen leader having the right understanding of driving change within a complex matrix organization, the right character traits and technical background. The new Managing Director is now progressing the business strategy and growth plan.