Targeted Talent Pools:
Developed a target list of competitors and large-scale manufacturers across the specialty materials, chemical, and advanced industrial sectors with operations in key ASEAN markets including Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and Vietnam. Prioritized companies with mature regional finance organizations and track records of internal talent development.

Candidate Profile Focus:
Focused on finance executives in ASEAN with experience leading regional or multi-country business unit finance functions in matrixed, multinational environments. Candidates needed deep operational and commercial finance experience, paired with the agility to support fast-moving, high-growth markets.

Key Competency Areas:

• Business unit financial leadership, including ownership of budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning processes
• Margin management, cost analysis, and performance reporting across regional manufacturing and commercial operations
• Strong business partnering skills to support cross-functional leadership and drive value creation
• Experience with ERP systems (preferably SAP), financial modeling, and business case development
• Familiarity with local financial and regulatory environments across ASEAN markets

Experience Requirements:
12–15+ years of progressive finance experience, with at least 5 years in a senior finance role overseeing multi-country P&Ls. CPA, ACCA, or MBA preferred. Experience within a U.S.-headquartered multinational was considered a strong advantage.

Organizational Fit:
The Director would report directly to the ASEAN Business Unit President, with a matrix reporting line to the Group VP of Finance. Candidates were evaluated for executive presence, cultural dexterity, and ability to operate independently while aligning to global processes and expectations.

• Built a target list of 100+ senior finance professionals across multinational manufacturers operating in ASEAN, including Singapore-based regional headquarters and in-market leaders in Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam.
• Screened over 40 candidates based on strategic mindset, financial rigor, cross-border experience, and commercial acumen. Assessed leadership behaviors in multicultural, matrixed environments and their ability to drive continuous improvement.
• Presented a shortlist of 7 finalists, including talent from global specialty materials leaders, chemical manufacturers, and industrial multinationals with ASEAN portfolios.
• Successfully placed a Singapore-based Director, Finance with prior leadership of a $600M APAC business unit for a global chemicals manufacturer. The candidate brought strong experience in regional FP&A, manufacturing finance, and operational transformation.
• In the first 9 months, the new Director led a successful zero-based budgeting initiative, improved working capital metrics across the region, and partnered with supply chain to execute a $5M cost containment program—positioning the business unit for 10% YoY EBIT growth.