Vice-President, Global R&D
Case Study 1
Title of search
Client
Fortune 500 Specialty Materials/Chemical Company
Assignment Profile
A Fortune 500 leader is undergoing a global R&D functional transformation. They seek a senior level executive, and a possible successor to the CTO, to lead the vision and strategy for research and development activities for a $1B business and take responsibility for critical Centers of Excellence (COEs) located throughout the world.
Search Strategy
- Develop a target list of competitors and other major specialty materials/chemical companies with comparable COEs who are recognized for recruiting and developing top R&D talent.
- Target Directors and VPs of R&D with strong technical knowledge and skills including PhDs in engineering, applied sciences, or material technologies.
- Seek out “next generation” R&D leaders who have the ability to influence non-technical business leaders through their well-rounded business acumen, diplomacy and communication skills.
- Identify candidates with 15+ years experience leading a technology function, including establishing effective emerging market labs (especially in China and India), global R&D organizations and COEs.
- Experience working in matrix reporting structure as this VP will be reporting to corporate CTO and Group President.
- Screen candidates for those who have demonstrated an eye for strong R&D talent and a track record of recruiting and building teams of future industry leaders.
Results
- Assembled comprehensive target list of over 100 R&D professionals, including candidates on ex-pat assignments with large specialty materials and/or chemicals companies in Europe and APAC.
- Evaluated each candidate according to customized criteria.
- Identified and ranked 10 senior executives from large companies who met position requirements and demonstrated exceptional leadership capabilities.