Note to reader: this is Part 2 of a sequential assignment to fill CEO and CFO roles. For the first assignment “Chief Executive Officer” please follow this link.
Client Description
A Germany-based, family-owned global leader in printed and finished decorative surfaces, with revenues exceeding €1 billion and over 4,000 employees worldwide. The company holds a significant global market share and operates multiple production facilities in North America. Known for its collaborative and harmonious culture, its U.S. headquarters are located in the Midwest — an atypical location for the industry, whose main hubs are traditionally along the Southeast and Northeast.
The client was so impressed with the quality and breadth of candidates that they considered creating an additional senior role for one of the runner-ups in a major Asian market. Shortly thereafter, the company retained TH Bender again to recruit their new U.S. Head of Finance, underscoring their satisfaction with our work.
Challenge
Already during an ongoing CEO succession search – once the client was convinced of its successful progress – TH Bender was additionally mandated to recruit a new Head of Finance for the U.S. operations. The position carried full responsibility for operational accounting, month-end closing, statutory reporting, as well as accounts receivable and accounts payable, including cash management. Multi-plant experience was essential, as the role also covered a second facility without dedicated finance resources. In addition, solid knowledge of SAP R/3 and the willingness to actively support a future implementation of SAP S/4HANA were required. The position was based at the U.S. headquarters with very limited flexibility for remote work, and close coordination with the German headquarters was a prerequisite.
Solution
As the search unfolded, TH Bender consultants refined the candidate profile in close collaboration with the client and expanded the search across industries and functions, with particular emphasis on European companies operating near the client’s U.S. base. During this process, TH Bender actively identified potential candidates at a major German industrial group that was undergoing restructuring in the region. Because of the uncertain situation, employees were particularly receptive to approaches from trusted recruiters and open to discussing new opportunities. Leveraging this dynamic, TH Bender secured strong interest from highly qualified finance leaders and identified a local candidate who fit the client’s requirements exactly.
Results
The client secured an experienced finance leader who speaks German, which further facilitated close cooperation with the headquarters team. He quickly integrated into the leadership group, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and strong transatlantic coordination. The seamless execution of a second critical placement underscored the trust the client placed in TH Bender and the value of a long-term partnership.
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