The story behind the search
The challenge
Six months of searching without the right shortlist
The Renewables Consulting Group was expanding in Asia Pacific through a Japanese entity. It needed two director-level appointments with offshore wind expertise to meet local demand.
After six months working with two local agencies, the candidates presented had not met the brief. The specialist talent pool was limited, and the assignment involved cultural and geographical challenges.
The takeaway: Two director appointments remained unfilled after six months.
The brief
Experienced leaders for the Tokyo office
The brief required directors who could bring relevant power sector and engineering experience to RCG’s Japanese operations.
Working with Gareth Lewis, Managing Director for APAC, Executive Integrity explored the local employment market, target companies and the experience needed to support offshore wind development.
The takeaway: Senior expertise aligned with RCG’s Japanese growth plans.
The search
Local networks and a practical international process
The offshore wind team mapped relevant employers and used local industry relationships, exhibitions, consultant networks, its candidate database and LinkedIn to identify experienced professionals.
Communication was adapted to the time difference, including interviews during local evening hours. Close collaboration with RCG kept the search aligned with the requirements of the Tokyo team.
The takeaway: Local market knowledge supported a search delivered across time zones.
The placement
Masato Bannai and Yoshinori Okahara appointed
Masato Bannai joined as an Offshore Wind Director. He brought more than 25 years of experience across gas, conventional power, hydro, onshore and offshore wind, and solar, from both EPC contractor and project owner perspectives.
Yoshinori Okahara joined as an Offshore Wind Director with more than 30 years in civil engineering construction. His background included project and construction management, design, scheduling, risk management and troubleshooting on Japanese and international projects.
The takeaway: Two experienced directors for RCG’s Tokyo office.
The result
The two director roles filled within two weeks
Executive Integrity presented a specialist shortlist that led to the appointment of Masato and Yoshinori within two weeks.
Their combined power sector and civil engineering experience strengthened RCG’s local team and supported its renewable energy presence in Japan.
The takeaway: Two director appointments in two weeks.
Why it matters
Specialist knowledge across markets
The assignment combined offshore wind expertise with an understanding of Japanese employment practices and practical scheduling across time zones.
An established local network and direct collaboration with the client helped connect an international search team with the right senior talent.
The takeaway: Sector expertise and local relationships supported a difficult search.
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.
