Turnaround in intralogistics

Hohe Wolkenkratzer im zentralen Geschäftsviertel von Peking

How a New CEO Realigned a China Branch to Success

When a branch is operating at a loss and hasn’t secured new projects in years, swift and strategic intervention is required. For us at Steinkellner China Search, the mission was to identify a CEO capable of revitalizing the China operations of an international intralogistics company. This success story illustrates how we reversed stagnation and set the business on a renewed growth path by placing an accomplished executive with a proven track record in sales leadership.

Our client, an internationally operating company in the intralogistics sector, was facing a critical situation in China: The local team had failed to secure any new projects for over two years, resulting in sustained financial losses for the Chinese subsidiary. Immediate action was required to stabilize operations in this strategically important market, redefine the business direction, and return to profitability. The risk of continued decline and the loss of valuable market opportunities was omnipresent.

Our assignment at Steinkellner China Search was both clear and challenging: to identify a seasoned General Manager with strong background in intralogistics. The ideal candidate was required to offer proven expertise in strategic sales management
and a proven track record of success. The mission was to help our client unlock the untapped market potential in China and translate it into tangible revenue and profit.
To tackle this complex challenge, we deployed our proven Steinkellner Method.

Given the urgency and the need for swift yet strategic decision-making, we immediately activated our high-performance recruitment network in China. Our search was focused on candidates that did not just offer industry know-how, but also demonstrated the seniority and crisis management skills required to lead a demanding turnaround situation.

Our focused search process and strong network in China enabled us to respond with speed and accuracy, identifying a leader perfectly aligned with the role. The candidate we identified turned out to be an ideal match: With a solid professional background in the intralogistics sector and many years of sales leadership experience, his extensive leadership background and crisis-handling acumen proved vital in stabilizing the situation.

The positive effects of this recruitment showed tangible results shortly after implementation. Since the appointment of the new CEO for China, our client has repeatedly expressed satisfaction, noting that the executive is advancing progress faster than initially anticipated. This is reflected in a strong upward trend in sales performance, signaling a clear and decisive turnaround from the previous period of decline.

  • Precise Identification of Turnaround managers: Our ability to find executives with the seniority, proven sales success, and hands-on experience required to stabilize and revitalize organizations facing significant challenges.
  • Rapid responsiveness Enabled by a Trusted Network: Our well-established and deeply rooted network in China allows us fast, effective access to a pool of highly qualified candidates within demanding timeframes
  • Commitment to Sustainable performance: The selection of candidates who not only achieve short-term success but who can strategically reposition a business and guide it toward long-term, profitable growth.
  • Expertise in Critical Business Phases: Our extensive experience in supporting companies during restructuring or crisis situations, conducting discreet and highly focused searches for the right leadership solution.

Your success story could be next

These success stories confirm: With the right partner at your side and a proven method in place, even the most complex challenges in China can be managed successfully.
If you are ready to set the course for sustainable success, let’s connect.