Chief Executive Officer

Our client is a globally leading surface specialist for furniture, flooring, and interior design, serving the woodworking and furniture industries. This European, family-owned company retains a strong international presence with several production facilities and a vast network of distribution partners across the globe.  

Its US subsidiary has been very successful in the North American market and has experienced significant growth over the years. TH Bender has been retained to recruit a new CEO for this subsidiary – a hands-on, experienced and strategic leader who can continue to develop and further improve the company’s overall commercial and operational activities in the United States. This includes providing oversight to the company’s two sales and production locations in the US with over 100 employees.  

Exceptional leadership and people-/relationship management skills are key qualifying factors for this role. The new incumbent must be a highly versatile, well-rounded, down-to-earth executive who can work well with people at all levels and disciplines – from shop floor staff to C-level executives. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Provide cross-functional supervision and lead all aspects of administration and daily company operations.  
• Review, develop and implement plans and strategies to optimize business operations and functions.  
• Set specific and measurable short- and long-term strategic plans, priorities, and goals to consistently meet or exceed overall business objectives. 
• Oversee and guide the operational management (including budget and finance, engineering, service, sales, business management, customer service, production, quality management, etc.).  
• Supervise and guide sales and business development activities and initiatives.  
• Maintain strong understanding of key market participants, competitive landscape, as well as industry and technology trends to identify opportunities and leverage this knowledge to develop action plans and tactics. 
• Serve as an agent for business improvements, new initiatives, policies, and processes.  
• Liaise with the executive management team and peers to ensure that sales and business targets are being defined and met. 
• Provide proactive leadership, professional development and mentoring for the US team.  
• Promote effective communication on all levels of the organization.  
• Manage relationships at multiple levels and disciplines.   
• Perform budget and P&L management responsibilities.   
• Represent the organization in important external business relationships with major clients, joint venture partners, and the public. 
• Represent company in local and global trade fairs, conferences, etc.  

Key Qualifications:  

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Engineering, or any related discipline is required. A graduate degree is desirable. 
• Several years of sales/commercial and general management experience with direct, hands-on leadership experience in a manufacturing management capacity. 
• Proven track record managing a business unit, or company with P&L responsibility, ideally within a medium-sized manufacturing organization.  
• Prior experience within the decor printing and/or home furnishing market segments or related industries.  
• Strong knowledge of the targeted markets (e.g., printing, woodworking products, home furnishing industries, etc.) and deep understanding of specifier sales for diversified applications.  
• A background in marketing and/or selling the product catalogue i.e., printed substrates, decor paper, melamine films, printed finish foils, etc. is highly desirable but not required 
• An existing network of industry contacts in relevant industries would be an advantage.  
• Experience in managing cross-functional teams while prioritizing goals and work execution amongst these teams. 
• Global perspective and awareness, with previous experience working with global teams with foreign headquarters. 
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and the ability to communicate complex business issues clearly and work with various internal and external stakeholders.