Chief Executive Officer

Description:

Our client is a privately-owned, internationally recognised specialist in its sector. With a proud history of manufacturing (in China & Vietnam), importing, and distributing high-quality products to Australia’s leading retailers, the business has recently expanded its presence across the Americas and Europe. Their dedication to delivering premium products has cemented them as a market leader.

Now at a critical stage in their growth journey, they are appointing their first non-family Chief Executive Officer to lead the company into its next chapter. This new CEO will play a pivotal role in transitioning the business to professional leadership while preserving its family values and heritage. As a trusted partner to the Owners, the CEO will be responsible for setting the overall direction and strategy of the company, ensuring alignment with the vision and goals of the business.

A core focus will be on developing an organisational structure that promotes sustainable growth, enhances operational efficiency, and establishes a strong foundation for future expansion. Success in this role will require balancing operational excellence with respect for the company’s history and culture. In addition, you’ll lead the charge in strengthening relationships with customers and suppliers to identify new trends and growth opportunities.

Your ability to inspire and engage a geographically dispersed team, while optimising systems and processes to drive scalability, will be essential. We are seeking a results-oriented and respectful leader with experience in private or family-owned businesses; working with and transitioning Founder/Family led companies. You will need a strong track record of leading teams, improving processes, and scaling businesses in complex manufacturing, trading, or distribution environments.

Building trust and fostering transparent, collaborative relationships—both internally and externally—will be crucial to your success in this role. Given this pivotal leadership transition, cultural fit is paramount. The ideal candidate will bring high emotional intelligence and strong communication skills to build relationships and foster alignment across global teams and stakeholders.

You should be strategic yet hands-on, with an authentic leadership style that resonates with family-owned businesses and demonstrates a deep understanding of their unique dynamics. This is an extraordinary opportunity to guide a high-growth Australian-owned international company through an exciting new phase while staying true to its family-led roots. If you’re looking for a leadership role where you can make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Seniority level