Case study

Multi-hire Leadership Project- Global Automotive

Europe
3D illustration of an electric vehicle’s power system showing illuminated wiring and battery connections within a transparent car body.

THE CHALLENGE

Clarios, a $10 billion global leader in automotive energy solutions backed by a leading private equity firm, was establishing a new business unit to develop and commercialize an innovative battery technology. With the BU’s headquarters in Europe, Clarios faced a critical imperative: to rapidly build a world-class leadership team across key functions—including Advanced Engineering, Programme Management, Supplier Development, and Vehicle Architecture. Success required not only technical excellence, but also the strategic capability to scale operations and drive transformation in a high-growth environment.

THE SOLUTION

We partnered directly with Clarios’ executive leadership and private equity sponsor to design and execute an intensive global executive search strategy. Our team mapped and engaged top-tier talent across Europe, North America, and Asia — targeting individuals with proven track records in automotive systems engineering, battery innovation, and complex programme delivery. Over 1,000 senior executives were engaged through the process, with rigorous assessment applied to evaluate both functional expertise and cultural fit. We worked in close alignment with internal talent and strategy leaders to ensure each appointment supported the long-term objectives of the new business unit.

THE RESULT

  • 1,000+ senior executives engaged across global markets  

Two pivotal C-level leaders appointed in the U.S.:  

  • Chief Technology Officer – responsible for the end-to-end technology strategy, innovation roadmap, and systems integration  
  • Chief Strategy Officer – accountable for shaping and executing the long-term commercial and organizational growth plan  

Five additional functional leadership roles appointed within 3 months:  

  • Director of Advanced Engineering (x2)  
  • Director of Programme Management  
  • Director of Supplier Development  
  • Director of Vehicle Architecture  
  • 10 further senior searches completed successfully across engineering, commercial, product, and sales functions  

The impact

Within six months, Clarios successfully launched its new global business unit — equipped with a complete, high-performing leadership team spanning technology, strategy, and execution. The appointments accelerated the company’s entry into next-generation battery innovation and positioned the business to scale at pace.

  • Rapid mobilisation: Seven critical leadership hires completed in under 12 weeks, enabling operational readiness ahead of schedule.
  • Global reach, precision delivery: Over 1,000 senior executives engaged across three continents, ensuring best-in-class leadership selection.
  • Strategic transformation: Newly appointed CTO and CSO defined the innovation and commercial strategies now driving the business unit’s growth trajectory.

Sustained impact: Ten further senior hires strengthened engineering, product, and commercial capability — embedding a long-term leadership pipeline.