Executive leadership recruitment for market entry in Russia
Appointing a seasoned local director to spearhead expansion efforts. Successfully launched a new subsidiary with on-the-ground leadership aligned to the company’s global vision
Project:
Recruit and appoint a qualified managing director for the Russian market.
Result:
Top competitor executive recruited in 3 months
What we did :
Conducted a custom executive search
Interviewed 17 competitors to map the market
Client Background
Our client, a European-based industrial equipment manufacturer, was seeking to establish a direct presence in Russia to better serve local clients and gain greater market control. Prior operations in the region had been managed via distributors, which limited growth and visibility.
Objective
To identify and hire a qualified local managing director capable of launching and leading the new Russian subsidiary in alignment with the parent company’s global strategy and compliance requirements.
Challenges Faced
Navigating complex Russian labor and corporate laws
Cultural and linguistic barriers in recruitment
High-risk perception among candidates due to geopolitical tensions
Limited visibility and employer brand recognition in the Russian talent market
Our Approach
Phase 1: Discovery & Audit
Conducted stakeholder interviews to define the ideal candidate profile
Audited the existing market approach and reviewed legal requirements for local company setup
Benchmarked compensation and benefit expectations in Russia
Phase 2: Strategy Development
To maximize recruitment impact, we designed a tailored strategy combining employer branding, precise targeting, and culturally adapted evaluation tools:
Developed a tailored recruitment strategy focused on executive talent with prior multinational leadership experience
Created a compelling employer value proposition adapted for the Russian market
Designed interview frameworks and candidate scorecards aligned with cultural and leadership expectations
Phase 3: Execution & Training
Engaged local executive search partners and managed shortlisting process
Facilitated structured interviews between shortlisted candidates and client executives
Provided onboarding support, including cultural alignment sessions and first-90-days coaching plan
Supported legal incorporation processes and contract negotiations with the selected candidate
Results
Within 3 months, the client saw:
Managing Director appointed within 9 weeks of project kickoff
Full operational setup of the Russian subsidiary completed in 4 months
20% increase in regional customer acquisition within the first six months
Strong internal alignment and high satisfaction with executive performance from global HQ
Client Feedback
“Thanks to Connectis’ structured and pragmatic approach, we were able to find the right leader in a challenging market. Their local insight and hands-on support made all the difference during a critical stage of our international expansion.”
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