Interim CEO & Corporate Turnaround Leader | Heavy Industry, Defence, Manufacturing & Private Equity
This executive combines deep operational expertise with a strong strategic skillset, having led transformations in both entrepreneurial and corporate environments. Their ability to understand complex operational systems, identify hidden value within struggling businesses, and craft actionable strategies has made them a sought-after interim leader for organisations requiring urgent redirection. They have repeatedly demonstrated success in restructuring manufacturing operations, implementing lean methodologies, executing difficult organisational changes and creating scalable business models that drive sustainable performance.
They have significant exposure to private equity environments, including leadership roles within PE-backed manufacturing, defence and automotive organisations. This includes guiding portfolio companies through liquidity crises, supporting mergers and acquisitions, leading integrations, delivering operational improvements, and working closely with PE sponsors and turnaround panels to protect and enhance enterprise value. Their experience also spans advising investors, supporting buy-and-build strategies, and preparing businesses for exit.
With a career that blends hands-on operational leadership, strategic transformation, M&A execution and innovation, this executive is well suited to assignments requiring stabilisation, turnaround, restructuring or rapid value creation. Their breadth of sector experience—from industrials to technology to consumer goods—enables them to adapt quickly and lead organisations through complex, high-stakes transitions with clarity, confidence and measurable results.
Led the turnaround of a multinational defence manufacturer facing severe liquidity challenges—restoring covenant compliance, delivering record profitability, rebranding the business and repositioning it for substantial year-on-year growth.
Executed a complex transformation of a mining technology business, moving it from an R&D-led entity into a commercially scalable operation, securing international market opportunities and government partnerships.
Built and exited a leadership development company that delivered experiential executive programmes in partnership with elite military units, establishing an accredited model adopted by a major business school.
Scaled an industrial manufacturing group from $11m to $100m revenue through targeted acquisitions, operational improvements, and major wins with global OEMs, earning industry recognition for turnaround excellence.
About the Candidate
This executive is a seasoned turnaround specialist with more than 30 years of experience leading complex corporate transformations across heavy engineering, defence, automotive, mining technology, manufacturing, and consumer sectors. Known for rapidly diagnosing core business issues, designing bold yet pragmatic turnaround strategies, and leading organisations through critical periods of change, they excel in high-pressure environments where decisive leadership is required. Their career spans interim CEO roles, corporate transformation mandates, M&A-driven restructuring, operational scale-up, and post-acquisition integration.
They are adept at situations involving liquidity crises, failing divisions, cross-border operational challenges, cultural or organisational misalignment, investor pressure, and structural underperformance. Their track record includes working alongside global CEOs, government stakeholders, unions and private equity boards, managing complex stakeholder landscapes while restoring profitability, strengthening governance, and delivering sustainable growth trajectories. Their leadership approach blends strategic clarity, operational rigour, strong relationship management and hands-on execution.