Case Study: Non-Executive Director for an aerospace company

Introduction

• Hired to appoint a Non Executive Director for an aerospace company.
• Added independent strength in governance, safety and strategy across civil and defence.
• Networks and ads failed. We ran a direct search and delivered a clear shortlist.

The challenge

• Appoint an aerospace NED with board and sector depth.
• Strengthen governance, risk, safety and compliance.
• Guide strategy on growth, rate ramp and profit.
• Advise on programmes, supply chain and operations.
• Oversee quality and airworthiness. AS9100 and SMS.
• Ensure export controls and cyber compliance. ITAR, EAR and Cyber Essentials.
• Engage regulators and customers. CAA, EASA, FAA, MoD and primes.
• Steer ESG. SAF, net zero and Scope 1 to 3.
• Serve on Audit and Risk, RemCo or NomCo.
• Track KPIs. OTD, escapes, COPQ, EBIT, cash, backlog, TRIR and audits.
• Be visible at sites and with stakeholders.

Our approach

• Agreed role, committees and outcomes with the Chair and CEO.
• Mapped talent in primes, Tier 1 and 2, MRO and defence.
• Targeted former CEOs, COOs, CTOs and seasoned NEDs.
• Prioritised diversity and clearances.
• Ran a discreet time bound search.

The result

• Shortlist in five weeks. Offer in seven.
• Hired an ex Tier 1 COO with PLC board experience and defence clearance.
• Early wins. Tighter board cadence. Stronger risk register. Clearer programme gates. Higher customer trust. Better export and cyber posture. Sharper capital allocation. Improved OTD and quality. Stronger ESG reporting.

Why it worked

• Direct search reached passive board talent.
• Clear brief and Chair and CEO alignment.
• Pace and discretion to offer.

Contact us

• If you are hiring a Non Executive Director in aerospace we can help.
• Call 0207 160 6996.
• Email info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk.
• Visit executiveheadhunters.co.uk.
• Book a confidential discussion with a Director to plan your search.