Building Commercial Leadership for a New Space Business Unit

The Challenge:

The brief centred on supporting a well-established global defence and space manufacturer as it evolved into a new non-terrestrial network service offering. As this was a newly created role, the organisation lacked internal experience in this technology area and required external guidance to define the scope, seniority, and commercial remit. The search demanded an individual capable of bridging unfamiliar technology with long-term commercial strategy, while navigating complex stakeholder alignment across multiple regions and time zones.

Our Solution:

A highly consultative and research-led search strategy was delivered, working closely with the hiring manager and senior stakeholders to define the role before approaching the market. The process remained transparent throughout, providing comparative insight across geographies and ensuring alignment on expectations for a greenfield appointment.

• Mapped relevant adjacent technology sectors to identify suitable companies and commercial leaders operating in non-terrestrial and emerging network environments.
• Leveraged existing senior-level relationships and cross-team sector expertise to access high-calibre executives across North America and Europe.
• Conducted a global market comparison approach, enabling informed decisions on location, structure, and long-term hiring strategy for the new business unit.

The Outcome:

A senior commercial leader was successfully appointed ahead of the new year, closely aligned with the client’s ambition to build a new non-terrestrial network business unit from the ground up.

Bringing over 20 years of experience across commercial strategy, business development, consultancy, and team leadership, the individual offered immediate credibility in a technology area new to the organisation. Their proven ability to launch and scale commercial functions in startup-style environments, combined with experience operating across international markets, positioned the client to establish a clear roadmap for revenue growth, partnerships, and long-term expansion within this emerging service area.