KPMG Talent (P5+) Limited is assisting a client with the recruitment of a Group Chief Executive Officer. Our client is a well-established business group operating across a diversified portfolio of businesses with interests spanning consumer, commercial and industrial sectors. The Group is entering an important phase of evolution, transitioning from a family-led business to a family-owned business managed by professional executives, whether drawn from the family or external talent, whilst preserving the values, culture, and long-term orientation that have underpinned its success.

Role Purpose:

The Group Chief Executive Officer is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for ensuring the long-term growth, sustainability and governance of the Group, whilst strengthening the executive leadership capability, organizational effectiveness and governance structures required to support its future development. The role will work closely with the Board, the Executive Management Team and subsidiary leadership teams to drive alignment across the Group and support its continued evolution as a family-owned and professionally managed business.

The Group CEO will be responsible for the day-to-day executive management of the Group, ensuring the effective implementation of the strategy approved by the Board of Directors and providing regular reporting on progress, performance, risks and opportunities.

Focusing on Group-level leadership, the role will drive portfolio optimisation, development and alignment across the Group's businesses. Whilst maintaining a strong understanding of operations, it will primarily work through subsidiary leadership teams and boards, strengthening leadership capability, talent development and organisational effectiveness across the Group, while only intervening directly where required to address significant issues, risks or strategic priorities. Success in the role will be measured by the Board against a balanced set of financial, strategic, operational, cultural and governance objectives, reflecting the CEO’s ability to provide effective leadership, drive sustained value creation, strengthen organizational capability, uphold the Group’s values and governance standards, and deliver long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Responsibilities of the Group CEO:

Strategic Leadership & Business Partnership

Operate within a framework of delegated authority approved by the Board
Provide the Board with clear analysis, recommendations, implementation plans, risks and opportunities to support decision-making.
Build and maintain strong relationships with the Board, the executive management team and other key stakeholders
Support the continued strengthening of governance structures across the Group
Promote integrity, ethical conduct and compliance with legal and fiduciary obligations

Business Development & Growth

Lead portfolio development and optimisation initiatives across the Group
Identify and evaluate opportunities that support long-term growth and shareholder value creation
Drive sustainable growth through acquisitions, strategic partnerships and new business opportunities
Ensure the Group continues to evolve whilst remaining financially prudent and aligned to its long-term objectives

Portfolio Management & Value Creation

Allocate capital across the Group’s portfolio in accordance with strategic priorities and agreed authority thresholds
Lead major acquisitions, disposals and strategic partnerships.
Monitor performance across the Group’s businesses and support effective alignment between Holdings, subsidiary boards, subsidiary management teams and Group support functions.
Identify underperforming businesses, assets or activities and support decisions on whether to improve, transform or exit them.
Balance growth opportunities, operational performance, risk management and long-term shareholder value.

Leadership, Talent, Culture, & Organisation

Lead and manage the Group's executive leadership team.
Foster alignment and collaboration across businesses, subsidiary leadership teams and Group functions.
Bring together the executive management team, diverse businesses, and key stakeholders behind a common vision.
Champion a high-performing and inclusive culture that attracts, engages and retains talent aligned with the Group’s values and long-term aspirations.
Promote a culture of accountability, transparency, performance and governance discipline.
Support the continued evolution of organisational structures, decision-making frameworks and leadership interfaces.
Drive initiatives that enhance organisational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.
Strengthen executive leadership capability and governance maturity across the Group.
Develop and maintain robust succession plans for key leadership roles across the Group, ensuring appropriate Board visibility, consultation and approval to support the Group’s long-term leadership continuity and success.

Knowledge and skill requirements

Education & Professional Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, Law or a related discipline; a postgraduate qualification (e.g. MBA or equivalent) would be considered an asset.
Professional qualification or membership with a recognised professional body relevant to the role would be considered an asset.

Experience

Demonstrated experience overseeing financial performance, capital allocation, investment decisions and value creation initiatives across a complex business portfolio.
Demonstrated leadership experience within a substantial multi-business organisation.
Experience working with Boards of Directors and complex stakeholder environments.
Strong business development capability, including experience supporting growth, acquisitions, partnerships or new business opportunities.
Track record in developing senior management teams and strengthening organisational capability.
Experience operating within a family-owned or shareholder-controlled environment would be advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Demonstrated ability to operate effectively at both a strategic and executive level across a diversified business group.
Proven capacity to navigate complexity arising from multiple industries, governance requirements, family ownership structures, joint ventures and minority shareholdings.
Commercial acumen and strategic leadership capability, with a track record of identifying opportunities and driving sustainable growth.
Financial and capital allocation expertise, balancing growth ambitions, governance requirements and long-term shareholder value.
Skilled at building alignment across shareholders, subsidiary boards, management teams and other key stakeholders.
Leadership capability with a focus on talent development, succession planning and organisational effectiveness.
Governance-focused mindset, underpinned by integrity, transparency and ethical conduct.
Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
Sound judgement, problem-solving capability and decision-making skills.

Group Chief Executive Officer

Job Description