Executive Headhunters
Our client, a specialist manufacturer of electrical distribution equipment based in The Midlands and established in the 1970s, faced a pivotal moment in its history. To address this transition, they engaged in an Owner Manager Executive Search to identify a suitable successor. The long-serving Managing Director, an experienced Electrical Engineer who had been running the business since the original founder’s retirement, was preparing to retire himself.
The business had since passed into the hands of the founder’s family, none of whom worked within the company or had an engineering background. They were proud custodians of their family legacy but uncertain how to move forward — and deeply concerned that the departing Managing Director’s expertise would be impossible to replace. Their initial belief was that selling the business might be the only viable option.
Recognising the need for specialist guidance, the family engaged us to help them navigate this critical succession planning challenge.
Succession within a specialist, owner-managed business poses unique challenges, particularly when the leadership transition involves technical expertise and deep sector knowledge.
The family needed to identify a Managing Director who could:
Understand the technical nature of the business, ensuring operational continuity.
Provide strategic leadership to sustain and grow the company’s market presence.
Build trust with the family and act as a steward of their legacy.
Deliver commercial growth, expanding turnover and bringing new clients into the business.
This required a candidate with both engineering credibility and commercial vision, someone capable of leading a well-established, niche manufacturing operation into its next phase.
We began by working closely with the family to understand the company’s history, market position, and culture. We mapped out what made the business successful and what qualities the new Managing Director would need to maintain continuity while driving growth.
Our leadership advisory consultant also met with the retiring MD to capture key operational insights and identify the leadership attributes essential for success in such a specialist technical environment.
With a deep understanding of the brief, we carried out an industry-wide executive search across the electrical engineering and manufacturing sectors. Our objective was clear, to find a commercially-minded engineering leader who could confidently take over the reins.
Our search identified a superb candidate from a much larger business in the same sector. He not only had the technical expertise to understand the company’s products and processes but also a proven record of driving significant commercial growth. He was confident he could substantially increase turnover, both within the existing client base and by introducing new clients from day one.
To ensure the family could make an informed and confident decision, we provided a leadership advisory consultant to design and manage the interview and assessment process. Working alongside the family, we conducted an in-depth evaluation of shortlisted candidates, ensuring each was assessed rigorously against technical, strategic, and cultural criteria.
This approach gave the family clarity, structure, and confidence throughout the process, ensuring that the appointment was based on evidence, not instinct.
Following the appointment, we provided an experienced Executive Coach to act as an intermediary between the new Managing Director and the family during the first six months. This ensured that:
Clear goals were agreed from the outset.
Communication between the new leader and the owners remained transparent and productive.
The MD could make a strong, positive impact from day one.
This bespoke post-placement support was instrumental in aligning expectations and enabling a seamless leadership transition.
The newly appointed Managing Director quickly made his mark, delivering immediate stability and renewed momentum to the business.
Within his first year, he achieved:
Strong revenue growth, driven by expansion within existing markets and the introduction of several new clients.
Operational continuity, maintaining the company’s technical excellence while implementing new commercial strategies.
Enhanced family confidence, reassuring the owners that their business was in capable hands and that selling was no longer the only option.
What began as a potential exit scenario evolved into a successful succession plan that preserved the family’s legacy and positioned the company for long-term growth.
Succession in Owner-Managed Businesses Requires Sensitivity and Structure: A well-managed process helps families make confident leadership decisions that protect both legacy and value.
Sector Expertise Matters: In technical industries, replacing an expert leader demands a search partner who understands niche markets and can identify rare talent.
Advisory Support Adds Value: Leadership consulting and executive coaching ensure successful transitions beyond the hire itself.
Growth Through Continuity: The right appointment not only safeguards the business but unlocks new commercial potential.
If you’re an owner-managed or family-run business in a specialist engineering or manufacturing sector facing succession or leadership transition, we can help you secure exceptional leadership that protects your legacy and drives future growth.
📞 Call: 0207 160 6996
📧 Email: info@executiveheadhunters.co.uk
🌐 Visit: executiveheadhunters.co.uk
For a Confidential Discussion with one of our Directors, Book a time here
Read our latest blogs and market insights.
0207 160 6996 
