Success Story
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Chief Executive Officer Search

Chief Executive Officer Search

KNiON was engaged to find a CEO for a leading tech-enabled environmental services company transitioning from founder-led operations. They conducted in-depth consultations and market mapping to identify a candidate with strong operational leadership and digital transformation expertise. Ultimately, KNiON placed a CEO with extensive energy sector experience, aligned with the company’s goals for growth and a successful exit, and continues to support the leadership team in further executive appointments.

THE CHALLENGE

KNiON was engaged to identify and place a CEO for a leading tech-enabled environmental services company. The business had pioneered an innovative, data-driven platform that revolutionised service delivery in its sector. Having been founder-led since inception, the company was at a pivotal juncture: the founder was ready to transition from day-to-day operations, necessitating a dynamic leader capable of consolidating market share, accelerating digital growth, and strategically preparing the organisation for a successful exit.

Our approach

To ensure alignment with the company’s strategic objectives, KNiON conducted in-depth consultations with key stakeholders, including senior leadership and the outgoing CEO. This process clarified the essential qualities required for the next CEO, which included operational leadership, strategic vision, and a strong understanding of digital transformation, platform scalability, and data-driven decision-making.

We executed a comprehensive market mapping exercise, targeting senior executives with relevant expertise across multiple industries. While environmental services was a primary focus, we also sought leaders from adjacent consumer services sectors such as utilities, facilities management, and B2B technology companies experienced in managing large-scale digital platforms and driving tech-enabled growth.

KNiON curated a shortlist of six high-calibre candidates, each offering distinct yet complementary skill sets. Throughout the search, we provided strategic guidance to the company’s leadership team, ensuring a robust selection process that prioritised digital innovation, operational scalability, and long-term strategic growth planning.

The outcome

Following an intensive interview process, KNiON successfully placed a CEO with extensive experience in leading large-scale operations within the energy sector. The selected candidate brought a strong track record in driving ESG initiatives and leveraging digital platforms and data analytics to optimise operational efficiency and enhance customer engagement—skills that perfectly aligned with the company’s tech-enabled business model.

KNiON continues to support the company’s leadership team, assisting in the appointment of key commercial executives to accelerate digital growth and advance strategic initiatives in preparation for a successful exit.