Driving Global Growth: Finding the Right COO for a Family-Owned Engineering Firm

Discover how Boyden’s strategic search placed a high-impact COO for a global, family-owned engineering firm, optimizing operations, boosting profitability, and expanding international markets.

By Helga Kayser-Dörr

The Client

Boyden’s client is a mid-sized, family-owned company specializing in the design and manufacturing of high-performance compressors and special blowers for complex process engineering applications. With decades of innovation, the company has built a strong reputation for delivering customized, technically advanced solutions to industries such as energy, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and manufacturing.

The Challenge

After many years at the helm, the managing shareholder sought a suitable successor to lead the operational business. The goal was to appoint a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) who could take full ownership of sales, production, R&D, and subsidiary operations, working alongside an external Managing Director to ensure a smooth transition.

Our client sought a leader who could bring fresh perspectives while respecting the company’s values and culture.

Further Development of Global Positioning

A key objective was to strengthen and expand the company’s strong market position through strategic development. This required establishing a forward-looking sales strategy while also optimizing the entire value chain both strategically and operationally.

Securing Sustainable and Profitable Growth

To support the company’s global expansion, the client sought a goal-oriented COO with a long-term perspective, someone who could collaborate with the CFO to align the business for sustained, profitable growth.

The Solution

The search for the right candidate presented a dual challenge: first, identifying a technically and personally exceptional leader with a proven track record in mechanical engineering (specifically in rotating equipment); second, carefully managing the selection process to align with the shareholder’s expectations.

To ensure a seamless process, Boyden’s Managing Partner conducted in-depth briefings to develop a thorough understanding of the client’s needs and concerns. Throughout the search, Boyden provided hands-on guidance, actively facilitating all interviews and introductory meetings.

The Results

The position was successfully filled with an experienced Managing Director from the mechanical engineering industry who had a strong background in establishing new international locations. Within the first two years, key milestones included:

Streamlining operational structures and processes
Achieving double-digit EBITDA growth
Expanding into new markets in Asia
Strengthening collaboration between international subsidiaries

The Impact

Following the successful placement of the new Managing Director of Operations, the company underwent significant strategic and operational improvements in the first year. Increased sales in both existing and new business areas, along with rising EBITDA figures, reflected the success of the company’s realignment.

About the Author

Helga Kayser-Dörr

Managing Partner, Germany
Global Practice Leader, Industrial

Helga Kayser-Dörr is Managing Partner and has advised mid-sized and large family-owned businesses as well as diversified multinational industrial conglomerates on top-level executive and board appointments for over 25 years. She has deep expertise in the manufacturing industry and serves as Global Leader of Boyden’s Industrial Practice. Working closely with owners, boards and senior leadership teams, she advises on complex leadership decisions and supports clients in identifying leaders with the right long-term fit for the role, the organization and its strategic direction, particularly during periods of transformation, growth and succession.