Challenge: A long-established high-tech manufacturing firm, led by a Gen 2 CEO, faced the complex task of merging teams, improving operations, and bridging generational leadership style, all while aiming for ambitious growth.
Action: Acumen conducted a transparent, integrity-driven executive search, placing a President whose expertise and people-first approach empowered both the founding vision of Gen 1 and the goals and different leadership style of Gen 2. The President united teams, optimized operations, and fostered a culture of accountability and customer obsession.
Result: Under the President’s leadership, the company achieved rapid and phenomenal growth, approximately 10% in less than a year in their EMS segment, reaching profitability for both entities. Plant efficiency soared, customer satisfaction hit new highs, and the organization set a bold $100M plus sales goal.
The Challenge
A Gen 2 CEO sought a visionary, transformational leader to bridge generational perspectives, unite diverse teams, and drive operational excellence. The stakes were high: the future depended on finding someone who could inspire trust, accountability, and sustainable growth
The Action
Acumen’s process was thorough and supportive, always prioritizing transparency and integrity. The President, once placed, immediately set about:
- Merging teams for better collaboration
- Maximizing machine use and profitability with four operational shifts
- Designing strategies to improve OTD and product quality
- Developing engineering and materials strategies across all plants
- Training employees on financials to empower every team member
- Meeting with customers and negotiating key contracts
- Instilling a culture of customer obsession and operational excellence
The Result
The impact was extraordinary:
- The CEO (Gen 2) could now deeply focus on his passion for product innovation, confident in the President’s leadership.
- The company grew approximately 10% in less than a year in the EMS segment, stretching beyond original profitability targets and timelines.
- Plant efficiency and labor margins improved dramatically.
- Customer satisfaction soared, and the company set a bold $100M plus sales goal.
- The culture shifted to accountability and operational excellence, with employees feeling empowered and engaged.
On a More Human Note,
Not only did the new President achieve or exceed nearly every metric for success established from an operations and profitability perspective, but his efforts also had substantive cultural impacts as well.
A tribute to the original founder was created within the facility, ensuring that his spirit and vision remain a lasting part of the organization. Additionally, the new President helped to redesign the facility to foster stronger connections and teamwork, featuring inviting areas where employees can relax or engage in meaningful conversations.
Working with Acumen: In Their Own Words
“Acumen was very transparent in answering my questions, never sugar coating the challenges the organization faced and fairly highlighting the strengths.”
“Molly showed integrity through the whole process, especially when trying to balance the needs of her client and the needs of me as a candidate, and I know she extended this integrity to all candidates who were in the process. I give her a 10/10.
She also helped me with thorough preparation and kept me abreast of next steps all along the way. And she made herself available after hours whenever I needed support. She helped me navigate complex logistics; there were multiple urgent work and personal events happening simultaneously that she supported me and the organization through.” ~Mukesh D. High Tech Manufacturing
From the CEO:
“Acumen’s transparent, supportive approach and understanding of our business, our history, and unique needs made all the difference in attracting and onboarding the right leader.”
Ready to transform your leadership team for the long haul? Discover how Acumen builds leadership legacies. #foundersuccession #executivetransition #leadershipsearch #CEOonboarding #leadershipcoaching #president #hightech #manufacturing #succession #strategy #Gen2 #leadership
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