Hire Your Next
China Leader
—with Certainty.
I will personally conduct your search around the business results you require, rigorously assess each finalist, and remain involved throughout your new executive’s first year.
40 Years in Asia | Retained Search | Personally Conducted
You’re an Effective Leader, but Your China Leadership Hires Don’t Reflect That
!
Your senior China hires have been a disappointment
!
You’re throwing money at recruiters who promise a lot but never quite deliver
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Your China business isn’t growing the way you want—and you’re not sure why
Your China Business Deserves a Leader Who Delivers.
The Results You Require
Your new China leader is selected against the specific business results you need—not a generic job description.
A Leader You Can Trust
You know how each finalist thinks, what they have actually delivered, and where the risks lie before you make the appointment.
Freedom to Focus on Your Wider Business
With a capable China leader in place—and my continued involvement throughout the first year—you can step back without losing visibility or control.
Your China Leadership Search Is Too Important to Delegate
Hi, I'm Michael Whelan
When you appoint a senior China leader, you are trusting that person with far more than a position. You are trusting them with your growth, your reputation, your visibility into the business, and your ability to maintain control from headquarters.
I have spent 40 years in Asia, including 22 years
in Mainland China, and 28 years conducting senior executive searches across 12 Asian markets.
I understand both the expectations of Western headquarters and the realities your executive will face in China. I personally conduct your search from beginning to end; nothing is delegated to junior recruiters.
The Hire Is Not the Outcome. The Business Result Is.
Your China leadership search should be judged by what changes after the appointment: stronger growth, restored control, or a business that wins where it previously could not.
GROWTH
Accelerate Growth
US industrial valve maker
The problem
More than a decade of slow growth
The appointment
Chief Representative / Sales Director
The result
Revenue tripled in 2 years: +92% > +47% > $105M
CONTROL
Recover Control
US-German Tier One Auto Supplier
The problem
Headquarters had lost control of its China JV
The appointment
China Chairman
The result
Year 1: profits up 40%, headcount down, 50%
By Year 4: revenue up 261%, profits up 802%
MARKET RECOVERY
Rebuild the Market
European Airport Baggage Handling Systems Company
The problem
Five years without a single China bid win
The appointment
Managing Director North Asia
The result
From last to first in its China market
By Year 7: €45 million annual revenue stream and growing.
Your China Leadership Search From Beginning to End
1
Define What Must Change
Together, we establish the business results your new leader must deliver, the authority the role requires, and how success will be measured.
2
Identify, Assess and Secure the Right Leader
I identify and engage proven executives, then rigorously assess each finalist against the results you require.
3
Protect First-Year Performance
I remain involved throughout your new executive’s first year, helping keep the appointment and required business results on track.
Trusted By Global CEOs
For Key China & APAC Leadership
A senior China leadership search is not measured by the hire.
It is measured by what happens after the hire.
Global CEOs and leadership teams have trusted Palio with critical leadership roles across China and APAC in advanced manufacturing, industrial technology, semiconductors, photonics, automation, machinery, and automotive supply.
The comments below come from CEOs, presidents, CFOs, business leaders, and HR executives who engaged Palio for critical leadership searches in China and APAC.
Dan Brdar
Former CEO
Ideal Power
"It also changed the way we select recruiters, our perspective on how recruiters should bring value to their clients, and the importance of investing more time upfront in the process."
John Yuncza
Former President
Somero Enterprises
"We really benefited from the quality of screening, Michael's honesty and trustworthiness, and the ongoing market education we received."
"He is now among our trusted China advisors — one of three people we call when issues arise in China or we need perspective."
Ben Xia
Managing Director
North Asia
Vanderlande
"I have taken the company from near-zero to Euro 45 million in annual revenues, and from last to first place in industry rankings in China."
Talk Through Your China Leadership Search
If you are considering a China GM, China MD, APAC leader, or other senior China leadership hire, the first conversation should clarify the business problem behind the role.
What has to change? What must this person achieve? What authority will the role require? What would make the opportunity credible to a strong candidate?
That is where your search should begin.