Finding the Perfect Fit: Successful Search for a Managing Director
21 January, 2025

Introduction:
TalentRise successfully placed an experienced executive as the new Managing Director/President for a U.S. based facility of a global leader in the design and manufacturing of high-quality power generation equipment, specializing in alternators and related products.
The client was seeking a leader to guide their largest business through a transformation to support future U.S. expansion with operational excellence. This was a national, confidential search to replace a non-performing incumbent leader who lacked some of the business and operational skills necessary for this next phase of growth.
The search was led by a TalentRise team, including Carl Kutsmode, SVP and Jennifer Seal, Senior Executive Search Consultant, in partnership with PRAXI’s Manuela Serpelloni and the client’s HR leader, Chief Commercial Officer, and CEO. This case study outlines the process, challenges, and key factors that led to the successful placement
Client Overview:
The client, a global leader in power generation with its headquarters in Italy, required an executive with global, cross-cultural leadership experience, deep industry knowledge, and a proven track record in driving operational excellence and building high-performing cultures. Fluency in both U.S. and European cultures and languages was strongly desired. The selected candidate had over 10 years of experience in power generation manufacturing and a track record of transformational leadership in diverse environments.
Managing the Task:
The search officially began on August 30, 2023. Within the first four weeks, TalentRise presented a slate of prequalified candidates to the client for interview consideration. The initial front runner was moving through a lengthy interview process spanning several months in the fall of 2023, but they ultimately took another job at year-end before their final in-person interview, which had been scheduled for January 2024. A second slate of candidates was quickly presented by the end of January 2024, and the selected candidate was chosen from a competitive pool. Despite a lengthy recruitment process due to confidentiality concerns, scheduling delays, year-end holidays, and time zone challenges, TalentRise maintained strong candidate engagement, resulting in a successful offer being accepted by Spring 2024.
Our Process/Approach:
The search was a highly collaborative effort between TalentRise and the client’s leadership team. Utilizing the TalentRise FlexSearch methodology, the team set the following key priorities:
- Role definition and alignment with client needs
- Define candidate ideal job and culture-related behavioral “fit” criteria needed for success
- Evaluation of target industry competitors in the local and regional markets
- Candidate assessment focused on cultural and operational fit and relevant transformational experience
The recruitment process was organized in four key stages:
- Search Kickoff: The team defined the role’s core competencies, leadership attributes, and the value proposition the client could offer top candidates
- Candidate Presentation: Within four weeks, TalentRise identified 285 potential candidates, of which 91 were contacted. After initial screenings, 21 candidates were prequalified, and six were presented for client interviews.
- Final Interviews and Offer: The extensive interview process concluded with two finalists. The selected candidate, who possessed certifications such as Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and expertise in business transformation, was chosen and accepted the offer.
- Start Date: The selected candidate began in May 2024, bringing an end to the 35-week search process.
Key Success Factors:
- Candidate Experience: The selected candidate’s deep experience in both the U.S. and European markets, combined with certifications in Lean and Six Sigma, made them an ideal fit to lead the company’s transformation efforts.
- Cultural Fit: The candidate’s unique background, born in Italy near the client’s headquarters, fluent in both Italian and English, and having worked in the U.S. for many years, allowed to seamlessly bridge the cultural nuances between the two regions. This cross-cultural fluency was essential for ensuring alignment with the company’s global operations, further demonstrating TalentRise’s ability to identify leaders who are not only operationally and strategically sound but also highly attuned to the cultural dynamics that are vital for success in senior leadership roles.
- Close Collaboration: Regular communication with both the client and candidates ensured smooth progress, despite the need for confidentiality and international scheduling challenges.
- Global Expertise: TalentRise’s ability to navigate different time zones and markets played a critical role in securing the right leader for the client.
Conclusion:
TalentRise’s recruitment approach resulted in the successful placement of an ideal candidate. Despite a complex search engagement with multiple dimensions that narrowed the potential pool of prospective candidates, the team’s diligence and strategic focus ensured the client gained a highly qualified leader capable of driving significant operational growth in the U.S. market.
Furthermore, within just six months of the placed President stepping into the role, the client re-engaged TalentRise for a second critical search — this time for a VP of North American Sales. The search was launched in the fall of 2024, and despite challenges such as year-end holiday scheduling, a successful offer was made within 90 days of the search’s start on January 6th, with the candidate set to start in mid-Q1 2025.
This case highlights TalentRise’s ability to deliver results for global clients in niche industries.