True North Equities Looking for Chief Executive Officer (Asia Region) at Greater Chicago Area Full Time

Our private equity team is seeking an experienced Chief Executive Officer to join the firm and lead one of its portfolio companies in the electronic components industry in Asia. The manufacturing company was recently purchased and is in need of new leadership, as the existing owner and CEO intends to retire. The prospective candidate will oversee a two-year transition period with the target company’s existing ownership and management team to ensure a smooth hand off. The prospective candidate is expected to manage this transition period and continue to lead the company forward. The manufacturing company is well capitalized, but is in need of new leadership to expand the company’s footprint in new markets.

Job Requirements/Key Goals – What are the main goals that this position needs to accomplish to be considered successful in the near/mid/long-term?

• Increase Total Enterprise Value of the portfolio company by 2-3x over a 7 to 10-year time horizon through a focus on operational improvements and organic growth
• Expand company into new geographies and markets
• Diversify and grow existing supplier and customer bases
• Instill trust and confidence among employees
• Lead hiring efforts to build out a strong management team
• Provide leadership to the company as a whole
• Closely collaborate with the private equity firm partners
• Regularly attend and lead monthly/quarterly board meetings
• Ability to relocate and live full time in Southeast Asia
• Previous experience in leading a company post-acquisition is a plus

Competencies – The underlying skills and experience that help the person reach the Key Goals

• Previous CEO or COO experience in manufacturing. Demonstrated success in General Management, Operations, Business Development and Sales
• Experience in building both in-house sales teams and experience in building sales via distributorships (channel marketing)
• Experience in building customer bases in mature Asian markets such as China and Japan, as well as rapidly growing markets such as Indonesia and Vietnam
• Experience in building and leading cross-cultural teams in Asia
• Experience in building supply chains in Asia
• Crisis Management and Resilience – the ability to persevere and provide steady leadership in driving new initiatives in uncertain times. For example, being able to lead and keep the team together when budgets are tight, customer relationships are new or unstable and cash flows are volatile.
• Previous experience in leading turnarounds of Asian companies is a major plus.
• Other Demonstrated Skills: Strategic Vision, Leadership, Sales & Marketing, Networking, Entrepreneurial Spirit, Operations, Financial acumen

Culture

• Develop and foster a culture at the company that will allow it to succeed on its goals

Manage Key Stakeholders – Relationships that the CEO has to maintain

• Develop a relationship with the existing ownership and management team in leading a smooth transition period of two years as the new CEO and new management takes over
• Close collaboration with the private equity firm and board of directions
• Other leadership team members
• Maintain trust and respect of employees
• Develop and maintain relationships with distributors and customers

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary and benefits commensurate with position
• Stock in portfolio company
• Career progression track to become a stakeholder and partner with the private equity firm

Tools & Resources Available to Candidate

• Substantial expertise and support from the client’s partners and board of directors
• Leeway in decision making – The firm provides flexibility to leadership teams in how they achieve their goals
• Patient capital – Long-term growth is prioritized over meeting short-term results that would jeopardize the long-term success of the company
• Additional equity capital for organic growth opportunities