The story behind the search
Executive Integrity offered quality VP candidates, staying responsive, transparent, and communicative.
The process led to on-boarding an experienced, ideal fit for our organization. We plan to use EI in the future for our open positions and I would highly recommend them to other marine organizations seeking to fill niche positions.
The challenge
A senior vacancy in a highly specialised LNG market
Following David Liner’s promotion to Chief Operating Officer, Excelerate Energy needed to fill a senior operations and maintenance leadership position in Houston.
The role required executive-level LNG and marine experience. Internal options did not provide the required fit, and the international talent pool was narrow.
The takeaway: A VP appointment requiring deep LNG operating experience.
The brief
Executive leadership for marine operations
The brief focused on a Vice President of Operations and Maintenance with the experience to lead complex LNG marine operations.
The relationship developed following a meeting at Gastech in Milan. Understanding the company’s operational needs and leadership requirements guided the search.
The takeaway: A senior leader with operational depth and strategic judgement.
The search
A carefully targeted executive search
Executive Integrity mapped relevant executives across the LNG and maritime market. Industry networks and direct approaches generated a curated shortlist.
Screening considered leadership experience, technical knowledge and suitability for the business. Close communication maintained responsiveness throughout the process.
The takeaway: A focused shortlist from an international executive talent pool.
The placement
Sid Kulbhaskar appointed VP of Operations and Maintenance
Sid Kulbhaskar brought more than 20 years of maritime experience and involvement in LNG since 2011. His background at Shell included responsibility connected with more than 50 ships and experience relevant to floating storage and regasification.
His combination of marine operations knowledge and executive capability matched Excelerate Energy’s requirements.
The takeaway: Two decades of maritime experience and substantial LNG expertise.
The result
An experienced leader for a critical function
The appointment filled the senior leadership gap created by the COO transition. Excelerate Energy gained a professional with relevant fleet, LNG and operating experience.
David Liner’s feedback highlighted the quality of VP candidates and the recruitment team’s responsiveness.
The takeaway: Senior operations and maintenance leadership secured.
Why it matters
Sector knowledge at executive level
The assignment depended on understanding both the technical demands of LNG shipping and the expectations of an executive leadership role.
Market mapping, established relationships and a carefully assessed shortlist helped the company make a specialist senior appointment.
The takeaway: A focused process for a scarce executive skill set.
Is a critical hire holding you back?
When the right experience is difficult to find, you need more than a shortlist. Tell us what you’re trying to achieve and we’ll help you find the people with the expertise to make it happen.
