HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY
Location Impact: North America
THE CHALLENGE
Our client, a tier 1 gold producer with a global presence, faced a unique challenge in their search for a new Regional Head of Sustainability. Operating in a complex, matrixed structure, the company's stakeholders had aligned expectations but differing priorities for the role. The ideal candidate needed to possess a rare combination of expertise and capability leading mining related health & safety, environmental management, community relations, and sustainability functions. Furthermore, the region had a significant focus and initiative to drive improvement in health and safety outcomes.
Adding to the complexity, our client valued hands-on leadership. They sought a leader who could be as effective in the field operations as in strategizing from a corporate office, a trait that is not commonly found.
THE STRATEGY
To address this multifaceted challenge, Silvester & Company embarked on a detailed and strategic exploration of the global competitive landscape. We investigated the structures of large global mining companies, the history of their leadership, and most importantly sought to understood who was excelling and who was falling behind in health & safety and environmental performance.
Our approach involved identifying and networking with global leaders from high-performing companies who had demonstrated expertise across multiple disciplines. We also targeted rising stars and deep experts in the fields of environment and health & safety. This broad and deep networking approach enabled us to continuously provide our client with valuable data and candidate profiles. These insights were crucial in helping the client refine their requirements and reach a consensus on the ideal blend of experience and leadership style for their needs.
INDIVIDUALS CONTACTED ACROSS THE US
STATES CANDIDATES WERE IDENTIFIED
POTENTIAL CANDIDATES EVALUATED BY THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
COUNTRIES WHERE CANDIDATES WERE IDENTIFIED
THE RESULTS
Through our dedicated research, ongoing dialogue, and collaborative approach, we successfully guided the client's team to reach a consensus. Silvester & Company placed a candidate who not only had deep environmental expertise within the industry but also showed a clear ability and passion to lead and drive results in the other critical functional areas. The new Head of Sustainability is a rising executive leader, distinguished by their comprehensive industry knowledge and their balanced approach to hands-on and strategic leadership. This appointment marked a significant step towards achieving the company’s ambitious sustainability goals.
Next Up: Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer