EXECUTIVE SEARCH

Building Leadership for a Global Manufacturing Business

How 6 Group Delivered a Cohesive Executive Team to Drive Transformation

Client Overview

A publicly listed, globally operating manufacturing organisation supplying advanced materials to industries spanning consumer goods, energy, chemicals, and industrial markets. With a heritage dating back over 170 years, the company is at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and global expansion.

To navigate its ambitious growth strategy, the company required an executive team capable of driving operational excellence, commercial success, and sustainable transformation in an increasingly competitive and regulated landscape.

The Challenge

As the company entered a phase of rapid transformation and investment, the need for strategic, high-calibre leadership across multiple functions became a priority. Over a two-year period, the organisation sought to appoint:

  • Chief Executive Officer (CEO) – A visionary leader to accelerate growth, strengthen the company’s commercial execution, and drive innovation in emerging markets.

  • Chief Financial Officer (CFO) – A highly commercial finance leader to optimise financial performance, enable strategic investments, and ensure fiscal resilience.

  • General Counsel & Company Secretary – A governance and legal expert to support compliance, risk management, and strategic corporate initiatives.

  • Two Divisional Managing Directors – Leaders to spearhead the company’s Industrial and Consumer divisions, enhancing operational performance and market positioning.

The company required a search partner with a deep understanding of the complexities of international manufacturing, the ability to attract top-tier talent, and the capability to assess cultural fit within a business blending heritage with forward-thinking innovation.

Our Approach

6 Group was engaged as a strategic executive search partner to identify and secure these critical leadership positions. Our approach was designed to ensure precision in candidate selection while maintaining a consistent, cohesive leadership profile across the organisation.

1. Comprehensive Market Mapping

Conducted a Europe-wide and UK-wide search across advanced materials, manufacturing, and industrial sectors.

Targeted leaders with experience in global, innovation-driven businesses operating in highly regulated and complex supply chains.

2. Tailored Search & Candidate Engagement

Focused on candidates with strong commercial, operational, and financial acumen, alongside transformational leadership capabilities.

Prioritised diversity and inclusion, ensuring a broad, balanced, and high-calibre shortlist.

3. Competency-Based Assessment & Selection

Conducted in-depth assessments aligned with the company’s strategic goals, operational needs, and cultural values.

Provided clients with detailed insights into candidates’ leadership styles, commercial capabilities, and long-term potential.

4. Seamless Stakeholder Engagement

Worked closely with the Board, Executive Team, and HR leadership to align expectations and ensure smooth candidate integration.

Delivered regular updates, market intelligence, and strategic recommendations throughout each search.

The Outcome

Through a structured and data-driven search process, 6 Group successfully identified and placed highly accomplished leaders in all five roles. The appointments have already contributed to:

Accelerated Business Growth – The new CEO is driving a strategy focused on high-growth markets such as hydrogen, sustainable materials, and advanced manufacturing.

Enhanced Financial Resilience – The CFO is strengthening financial discipline, enabling strategic investments, and driving profitability.

Improved Governance & Risk Management – The General Counsel is ensuring compliance, supporting corporate transactions, and enhancing governance frameworks.

Operational & Commercial Transformation – Both Divisional Managing Directors are delivering improvements in operational efficiency, product innovation, and commercial success.

Client Feedback

“6 Group took the time to truly understand our business, our strategic ambitions, and our culture. Their rigorous search methodology and deep sector expertise enabled us to build a high-performing executive team that is already making a significant impact on our organisation.”

– HR Director

Why 6 Group?

  • Sector Expertise – Deep understanding of manufacturing, industrials, and advanced materials markets.
  • Global Reach – Ability to attract world-class talent across international markets.
  • Data-Driven Insights – Market intelligence and assessment methodology ensuring precise candidate selection.
  • Long-Term Partnership – Trusted advisor in executive search, leadership development, and transformation.

How we can help you...

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