Finding an HR VP to smooth a major post-acquisition integration

The challenge

Two days before the COVID-19 Lockdown in March 2020, our client, a multi-billion-dollar NASDAQ-listed logistics business, completed a major acquisition across Europe. This involved adding 25,000 people to the headcount. To make sure the post-integration phase from a people perspective was completed smoothly, they needed to appoint a VP Human Resources, Europe. And fast.

The solution

We partnered exclusively with the SVP Human Resources to find a very specific person. We were looking for a talented VP Human Resources, Europe, who could lead on post-acquisition integration, provide expertise on European Working Councils, and who had extensive international experience within large complex organisations. We quickly identified a shortlist of candidates who met the criteria and successfully placed someone who was not only a great team fit, but also immediately available.

The impact

Even though they had to work remotely, the new VP Human Resources, Europe, swiftly gained a thorough understanding of the strategic direction of the business. As a result, they were quickly able to develop an appropriate Human Resources strategy to support the strategic goals of the new European acquisition, and lead on fostering an employee-orientated high-performance culture.