Strategic Executive Search: Successfully Placing a Vice President of Software Services for a Global Automotive Leader

Client Overview

The client is a global Automotive Tier-1 supplier and recognised leader in advanced mobility technologies. With over $20bn in revenue and approximately 100,000+ employees worldwide, the organisation operates at significant scale, delivering innovative solutions across automotive, ADAS, electrification and digital services.

Client Context

The organisation was undergoing a critical transformation towards software-defined vehicles, connectivity and data-driven services. To support this shift, the business required a Vice President to define and lead the strategy, commercialisation and global development of its software services portfolio.

The role demanded a senior executive capable of operating at board level, bridging engineering and commercial functions, and building a scalable software services businesses within a complex global matrix organisation.

Engagement Scope

We were engaged on a retained basis to deliver a highly strategic, newly created VP-level hire. The search involved a global market mapping exercise across automotive, industrial technology, software platforms and adjacent digital services sectors.

The search focused on identifying candidates with:

-              Executive leadership experience in software-driven or technology-enabled environments

-              Strong strategic capability combined with commercial acumen

-              Proven ability to scale software or digital services businesses

-              Experience operating within global, matrixed organisations

-              Credibility across both engineering and commercial stakeholders

-              Track record of transformation and innovation within complex industries

A comprehensive international talent map was developed, enabling access to high-calibre, passive candidates. The approach combined rigorous assessment with clear positioning of the opportunity as a pivotal leadership role within the organisation’s transformation journey.

Outcome

The engagement resulted in the successful placement of a high-calibre Vice President. The appointed leader brought a strong blend of software, strategy and automotive expertise, with the leadership capability required to drive the organisation’s software services agenda globally.

This appointment marked a key milestone in the company’s evolution towards becoming a software-enabled mobility and technology partner, strengthening its leadership capability in a critical growth area.

Candidate Testimonial

“I really enjoyed working with Lucy throughout the executive search process that led me to my role. She was supportive, transparent, and highly professional from start to finish, and always made the process feel smooth and well managed.Lucy  truly cared about finding the right fit and went above and beyond to support me along the way. I’m very grateful for her help and would happily recommend her as an outstanding executive search partner.”