The story behind the search
The challenge
A new division needed the right commercial leader
Windward, a Maritime AI™ company, was expanding its Supply Chain division. The business needed a Commercial Director who could combine SaaS sales expertise with global supply chain knowledge and build credibility with freight forwarders, importers and exporters.
After reviewing more than 150 CVs and conducting over 12 interviews, Windward had not found the right fit. The assignment called for a specialist search into an international talent market.
The takeaway: More than 150 CVs and 12 interviews had not produced the right fit.
The brief
Commercial expertise, sector knowledge and cultural fit
Working with Joe Peak, Head of Supply Chain, the brief focused on a leader who could shape strategy, open senior relationships and establish a scalable sales approach. The hire also needed to fit the culture of a relatively new business unit.
Windward’s platform combines data, AI and domain expertise to help shipping, energy, trading and supply chain organisations manage risk, improve transparency and optimise operations. The new leader needed to communicate that value to the market.
The takeaway: A Commercial Director able to turn sector insight into growth.
The search
An international search with transparent progress
Executive Integrity acted as an extension of Windward’s team. Targeted headhunting reached professionals in SaaS and supply chain networks, supported by maritime sector knowledge.
Weekly live updates, transparent shortlists and market insights kept the search aligned. Assessment considered commercial experience alongside cultural fit and the ability to support long-term growth.
The takeaway: Targeted headhunting across SaaS and supply chain networks.
The placement
A Commercial Director for the Supply Chain division
Executive Integrity secured a Commercial Director with the senior credibility and market access Windward needed. The appointment brought established relationships with freight forwarders, importers and exporters, alongside proven SaaS sales experience.
The leader’s remit included a focused go-to-market plan, a repeatable enterprise sales approach, and mentorship and structure for the commercial team.
The takeaway: Senior commercial experience matched to a new business unit.
The result
Clearer positioning and a stronger pipeline
The hire activated market relationships, sharpened positioning and established a repeatable enterprise sales approach. The division gained a stronger qualified pipeline and leadership to support ARR growth across its target European markets.
The appointment also strengthened collaboration and execution within the team, linking the division’s go-to-market activity with Windward’s broader growth strategy.
The takeaway: Market access, sales structure and leadership for expansion.
Why it matters
Embedded support for a specialist commercial search
The search combined access to global SaaS and supply chain talent with a transparent process and tailored assessment. This helped Windward find a leader with the required combination of commercial capability, sector understanding and cultural alignment.
The partnership focused on the needs of the new division while keeping long-term organisational goals in view.
The takeaway: Sector expertise connected the brief with the right talent.
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