CASE STUDY
Finding Finance Leadership with a Unique Skillset for BMW Group
BMW Group UK approached ECW Search to support a confidential Executive search for a Senior Finance Leadership role, a pivotal position that required not only strong financial acumen and commercial leadership, but also a deep understanding of the automotive sector, regulatory complexity and matrixed stakeholder environments.
What made this search particularly challenging was the limited pool of candidates in the market with the very specific combination of experience BMW required. The ideal candidate needed to bring together very specific finance expertise, cross-functional leadership and the ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels within a fast-evolving mobility landscape.
Key Search Data & Process Insights
Role Hired
Senior Finance Leader - responsible for commercial finance strategy, governance, and future-focused planning across BMW Group UK operations
Time to Shortlist
12 working days
Time to Hire
107 days from initial briefing to signed offer
Interview Process
Stage 1: Virtual interviews with key senior stakeholders
Stage 2: In-person panel with regional and global finance leads
Candidate Profile Requirements
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Extensive experience in automotive OEM or high-value capital goods industries
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Track record in leading finance teams through transformation, compliance, and strategic forecasting
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Deep understanding of dealership models, indirect taxation, and cost control in complex operating environments
Additional Value Delivered
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Mapped a highly niche candidate market across automotive, premium retail, and manufacturing sectors
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Provided salary benchmarking and competitor analysis to help align internal expectations
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Delivered a diverse shortlist with strong gender balance and varying industry backgrounds
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Managed a highly confidential process with discretion and professionalism
The Results
The successful hire is now playing a critical role in strengthening BMW Group UK's financial leadership and supporting the business through evolving mobility trends and internal transformation. Their expertise is helping to align commercial planning with operational execution, while also contributing to wider European finance strategy discussions.
This assignment showcases ECW Search’s ability to deliver in niche, high-stakes leadership searches, even when faced with a shallow candidate pool. Our strong understanding of both the automotive landscape and the demands of senior finance roles enabled us to identify and secure a rare candidate fit, quickly, credibly and with complete discretion.