We helped a global business identify and hire the best-fit leader for a newly created regional GM role, ensuring strong regional expertise and high-impact performance from day one.
Client profile
Global water business with $120M revenue
Challenge
The company needed to select the best candidate for a newly created Asia Pacific Regional GM role. The position was critical for driving market strategy and new business development across Korea, China, and Southeast Asia in a high-growth segment.
Two external candidates were under consideration from an external recruiting firm —one from Asia and one originally from Europe—both capable, but the client needed an objective evaluation to determine the stronger fit.
Insight
Through our assessment of each candidate, we discovered:
One candidate was still learning the nuances of the region
The other candidate demonstrated stronger operational problem-solving skills, had a longer and proven track record of building relationships and navigating multi-country complexities in the region
Solution
As an independent evaluator, we provided rapid, evidence-based guidance:
Collaborated with HR and the hiring manager to profile role requirements
Conducted psychometric assessments to test intellect, personality, and derailment tendencies
Performed in-depth structured interviews with each candidate
Delivered verbal debriefs within 24 hours of candidate interviews to maintain hiring momentum
Delivered a comprehensive report and recommendation for each candidate within two weeks
Impact
Objective assessment ensured the right leader was chosen for a critical high-growth region, accelerating business development and positioning the company for long-term success:
ExecLead recommended the candidate who was the superior fit
The candidate was hired and, 12 months post-hire, is performing above expectations
Leadership sees the candidate as capable of taking on expanded responsibilities in the future