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Appointing a CEO to Lead Energy Transition and Accelerate Growth
Following new private equity investment, a leading DACH fuel retailer partnered with Miramar to identify a CEO capable of driving immediate EBITDA growth while steering the business toward an evolving energy landscape.
THE CHALLENGE
Following a majority investment by new stakeholders, one of the largest fuel retailers in Germany and Austria, operating ~970 service stations and serving over 700,000 customers daily, entered a critical phase of transformation. The business required a CEO who could drive immediate value creation while positioning the company for the future of energy.
Key priorities included:
· Delivering EBITDA growth across a complex retail network
· Leading operational and cultural transformation
· Navigating private equity governance
· Advancing EV and alternative energy initiatives
THE SOLUTION
Miramar conducted a targeted search across fuel retail leaders in DACH and broader Europe, focusing on executives with both deep operational expertise and meaningful exposure to energy transition strategies.
We identified 8 shortlisted candidates, 6 were interviewed, and advanced one to offer, while maintaining a strong backup candidate.
Candidates were assessed on:
· Proven P&L leadership and EBITDA delivery
· Deep sector expertise in fuel retail and energy
· Strong stakeholder and people leadership
· Demonstrated success in transformation environments
THE RESULT
We placed a high-impact CEO within 12 weeks, bringing extensive fuel retail experience and a proven track record of leading transformation in complex, private equity–backed businesses. The appointment aligned with the new ownership’s accelerated timeline and immediate strategic priorities.
The impact
Since joining, the new CEO has moved quickly to establish strategic momentum. Early focus areas have included:
· Improving site-level profitability and operational performance
· Expanding EV charging and alternative energy infrastructure across the network
· Building a high-performance, entrepreneurial culture aligned with the new ownership’s vision
This appointment enabled a rapid transition from change in ownership to active execution of a long-term growth strategy.
“I am very pleased about the opportunity to help shape the development of this successful brand and take it to the next level together with the team and our local partners. I am confident that the business offers the ideal conditions for continued growth and will further strengthen its position as a leading and trusted provider in the petrol station and convenience market.”
– Volker Friedmann, CEO
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