PERSONNEL CONSULTING
Aerospace & Defense
Defense spending is increasing worldwide. In Germany, too, the relevant industrial fields are already recording enormous growth. In global competition, the digital transformation in particular is leading to ever new defense technology applications and products.
Numerous companies are active in this important sector of the future as producers or suppliers and offer interesting fields of work for industrial engineers, commercial specialists and cyber security experts. Just like in the neighboring aerospace technology sector, which is pursuing sustainable civil flight and the further development of space with great optimism, there is only room for the best. Without an above-average willingness to perform, coupled with relevant expert knowledge, it is not possible here either. But far more than in other industries, safety-related discretion, loyalty and integrity are indispensable prerequisites.
When searching for and selecting executives and specialists in these industry sectors, our customers not only have a competent and experienced business partner at their side with the HAGER Aerospace & Defense business unit. Thanks to our experience, we are closely networked with all markets and know the short, medium and long-term strategic goals of each client. In this sensitive sector, we support both medium-sized companies and global system manufacturers of aerospace and defense technology.
In the “race” for the best few, we are among the winners. We not only present highly specialized specialists and managers who are able to strategically open up new global markets and deliver innovative products, but also promote our customers as attractive employers.
Executive Search Aerospace and Defense
The aerospace and defense industry is one of the most demanding and innovative sectors of our time. It’s where groundbreaking technologies meet the highest security requirements.
The standards set in this field often extend far beyond conventional industrial benchmarks. Companies in this space are at the forefront of technological progress, developing solutions that shape not only the present, but also define the future. Whether it’s about advancing sustainable propulsion systems, safeguarding global defense infrastructures, or opening up new frontiers in space exploration. The challenges are as complex as they are inspiring.
Professionals and leaders in the aerospace and defense sector need far more than just technical expertise. They must think strategically, act with agility, and perform under the most rigorous conditions. At the same time, working in this highly sensitive environment calls for an extraordinary mix of responsibility, reliability, and trust
There is no room for compromise. What’s needed are top-tier individuals. Those with the courage and capability to set new standards and drive the industry forward.
Acquisitions in the defence industry: leadership for the integration
Acquisitions in the defence industry succeed when the leadership for the integration is in place before the transaction closes. When a defence supplier changes hands, for example to a buyer from the United States, foreign trade approvals, security requirements, the production ramp-up and the merging of two corporate cultures are closely intertwined. Anyone who treats the integration as a pure project task after closing usually realises too late that these issues depend on one another.
What is needed, therefore, are executives who know the export control rules on both sides of the Atlantic, work with authorities and defence customers on a basis of trust and lead a workforce safely through the change of ownership.
At HAGER Executive Consulting, our Aerospace & Defense practice supports buyers, sellers and portfolio companies in filling integration management, managing director and key commercial roles early and discreetly, before closing if required. To do so, we work with our Financial Sponsor Coverage PE/VC practice and our Management Assessment. As a partner of Horton International since 2015, we also reach candidates internationally.
Frequently asked questions about acquisitions in the defence industry
Which executives does an acquisition in the defence industry need?
An acquisition in the defence industry needs above all an experienced integration lead and a managing director who can think export control, security requirements and production planning together. Often a commercial head is added who builds reporting lines to the new owner, for example in line with US standards in the case of US buyers. These people must also win the trust of the workforce, authorities and customers, because contracts in security-relevant companies often depend on personal reliability.
When should the integration lead be appointed after an acquisition?
Ideally, the integration lead should be in place before closing so that they can prepare the first 100 days. In the defence industry, several months often pass between announcement and completion because of regulatory approvals, and this time can be used for a discreet search. As a transaction can still fail until completion, we handle approaches and conversations in this phase in strict confidence.
What do executives in the defence industry need to know about export control?
Executives in the defence industry should know which of their company’s products and technologies require a licence and which additional rules apply when the owner is based in another country. These include the export controls of the EU and the home country and, with US owners or US components, frequently US regulations as well.
Talk to our team of experts!
30-minute market assessment: talk to Thomas Wetzel, Partner Aerospace & Defense, about the leadership for your next transaction.
THOMAS WETZEL
Partner HAGER Academy
Partner Aerospace & Defense