Identifying these rare leaders is no easy task. The global domestic appliances sector is consolidating fast, dominated by large-scale multinationals and conglomerates. Many prize operational efficiencies and consistency over quality and culture. These baselines matter. But mechanics alone do not create meaning.

In 2024, the UK Managing Director was set to retire after 2 decades of solid growth. Amrop was entrusted to find a successor to build on his legacy. This has been a longstanding partnership, and over 5 years, our global Consumer and Retail Practice had completed numerous Managing Directorassignments worldwide, including in Germany, the UK, Canada, the Netherlands and Belgium. Success was based on the collaboration of Senior Partners who were both globally connected, and locally grounded.

After close consultation, we mapped the entire UK market: large and small players, former and current incumbents, step-up and seasoned candidates. The profile simply didn’t exist – and the data told the story. So, we proposed a more creative search strategy. It respected the client’s core needs, whilst opening minds to adjacent sectors and other regions.

Moving beyond UK borders to the UAE, we identified a high-calibre Commercial Director in another significant family-owned business, operating in an adjacent sector. One who shared the firm’s culture, quality, brand and design values. And, as a first-time MD in his early 40s, his appointment carried some risk. But that was quickly outweighed by his cultural compatibility and track record.

Promise should never replace process

Referencing, psychometrics and in-depth interviews confirmed the candidate’s outstanding leadership skills. Genuine and authentic, his strategic fit was confirmed by meetings with key executives: from the incumbent UK MD, the HR Director and European Commercial Director, to the family Chair and CEO.

A structured check-in system accompanied the new MD’s first 12 months. Today, he is not only on track to achieve 20% growth targets, but has seamlessly integrated into the firm’s culture.

Quickening the pace

In 2025, attention shifted to Canada. Here, too, a new General Manager was sought. The new leader would be tasked with strategic and operational consolidation. It was vital to anchor a blend of trust, collaboration, productivity and accountability, all while driving the brand and business development forward.

The Canadian home appliances market is small and tight knit. Our local team knows it intimately. With the diligence and discretion that executive search always demands – especially for family-owned businesses – three candidates were shortlisted. All were objectively and rigorously evaluated.

But Canada presented another challenge. Like many European family-owned businesses, the firm was thoughtful, consensus- and process-oriented. The North American executive talent market is fast-moving and pulls no punches. Candidates, often active on several career opportunities, can - and will – negotiate offers vigorously.

We acquainted the client with these nuances, encouraging them to adopt a quicker pace and communication flow to keep highly active candidates engaged, exercising integrity, honesty and insight in their care. Again, the key stakeholders – from the Director of International Markets to the CFO and group CEO/President – listened to our counsel, and adapted.

The appointed candidate was the Canadian Managing Director of a highly compatible, family-owned firm. His leadership ethos blends accountability and empathy - a cultural fit combined with a long strategic and commercial track record in retail. And while it is still early days, the indicators are all yielding a positive trajectory. One which flows nicely into our structured check-in system during the first year of tenure.

These are textbook examples of how a forward-looking business, with nearly a century of heritage,  engaged in an ethical and mindful succession process.

They portray a partnership rooted in strategic counsel; challenging assumptions and offering trusted advice. When search complexities are addressed together and unfamiliar avenues explored, even the most difficult leadership hire can be brought to a successful conclusion.