Case Study: Building a Clean-Energy Autos Capability with a Strategic VP Hire

The Challenge

A leading global independent investment bank engaged us on a retained basis to appoint a Senior Vice President (VP2–VP3) to strengthen its European Autos practice, with a particular emphasis on clean-energy transition and next-generation mobility.

The mandate required an individual who could combine Industrials execution expertise with the leadership capability to run deal teams and the commercial potential to progress rapidly to Director and Managing Director. Part of their interview process would include questions around their potential to be a successful revenue generator in future. Only candidates from top-tier global investment banks or elite advisory boutiques were to be considered, making this a highly selective and competitive search.

Our Mandate

• Retained to identify and secure a VP2–VP3 for a fast-growing Autos team with a clean-energy focus.
• Required:
  • Strong M&A execution experience within Industrials.
  • Demonstrated leadership of workstreams and junior teams.
  • Clear commercial trajectory toward senior origination roles.
• Candidate universe restricted to professionals trained in leading bulge-bracket or elite-boutique environments.

Our Approach

1. Stakeholder Alignment Through Structured Assessment
We designed a bespoke evaluation matrix to ensure consistent calibration across senior stakeholders, aligning expectations on technical expertise, cultural fit, and long-term leadership potential.

2. Dual-Track Talent Mapping
We targeted two complementary talent pools to maximise both execution strength and sector insight:

• Client-Side Transitions: Former M&A bankers who had moved into OEMs, EV disruptors, or mobility innovators and were open to returning to advisory.
• Active Bankers: High-performing VPs operating within leading banks and elite boutiques across the UK, France, Germany, and the United States.

3. Quality Control
All candidates without a minimum of seven years’ formal M&A training were excluded to preserve the technical standard required for immediate impact.

Execution

• Delivered a proprietary market map of 15 fully qualified candidates within two weeks.
• Secured positive engagement from nine priority individuals, reflecting the attractiveness of the firm and the clarity of the opportunity.
• Conducted rigorous screening against execution capability, sector relevance, and leadership potential.
• Presented a shortlist of three candidates demonstrating exceptional technical strength, sector knowledge and strong cultural alignment.

Outcome

The client recruited one of the shortlisted candidates—a VP3 with a clean-energy specialism, engineering background, and experience gained at a leading global bank.

We managed the full process end-to-end, including candidate development, stakeholder coordination, and complex compensation negotiations, ensuring a smooth close and successful onboarding.

Impact

• Strengthened the Autos team’s capability in energy transition and advanced mobility.
• Added immediate execution depth alongside long-term origination potential.
• Demonstrated the value of a tightly defined, research-led search strategy in a highly competitive hiring market.

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