tml Partners are proud to have partnered with global digital transformation leader HSO in the appointment of their new Chief Marketing Officer

HSO is a global business transformation partner, recognised as one of the world’s leading specialists in utilising Microsoft technology to drive change. With over 2,500 employees operating across 30 countries, HSO supports over 1,200 clients in leveraging the Microsoft Azure Cloud to improve business performance through digital transformation.

The business was backed by global investment firm The Carlyle Group, whose European Technology Partners fund invested in HSO in 2019. Carlyle’s support has been instrumental in accelerating HSO’s global expansion, fuelling a high-growth trajectory and helping the organisation cement its leadership in Microsoft Dynamics 365 solutions and services. Following tml Partners’ successful appointment of HSO’s CMO in 2024, the business was set up for and successfully exited through a sale to Bain capital in 2025. 

The Challenge

The appointment of a Chief Marketing Officer came at a critical point in HSO’s journey. The business required a marketing leader capable of scaling global brand visibility, driving commercial growth and further enhancing strategic alignment with Microsoft – its most vital ecosystem partner.

The successful candidate needed to demonstrate experience in high-growth, international B2B environments – ideally within the Microsoft ecosystem – and possess deep expertise in field marketing, brand development, digital acquisition, and account-based strategies. Equally important was their ability to lead a matrixed global team across geographies, while aligning with local business units and partner co-marketing initiatives. As the first marketing role to sit on HSO’s main board, it was clear that the successful candidate needed to be a proven C-suite leader with significant expertise on a global scale. 

This was not only a senior appointment but a pivotal leadership role within HSO’s executive structure – tasked with driving value creation and brand equity for both the business and its private equity backers.

The Solution

David Price, Partner at tml Partners, led the search in close collaboration with HSO’s senior leadership team and key stakeholders at The Carlyle Group, including Thibault Thevissen, Investment Director at The Carlyle Group.

The search process was meticulously crafted to align with both HSO’s strategic growth ambitions and Carlyle’s expectations for transformative leadership hires. Leveraging tml’s global network of marketing leaders, a shortlist of exceptional candidates was delivered in line with the business’s timelines and priorities. What set tml apart during the pitch process, and was carried through into the search, was David and the team’s ability to mobilise quickly and deliver a highly relevant, accurate shortlist at pace, thanks to their career-long investment in relationships with C-suite marketing leaders across global consulting and professional services firms.

Following a rigorous, multi-stage assessment process, a highly accomplished marketing executive was appointed. The successful candidate brought a rare blend of Microsoft channel experience, international leadership credentials, and proven commercial impact in high-growth environments. Furthermore, the candidate had proven expertise as a P&L owner having both previously worked as a CMO, but also as a senior business leader on the fee earning side of a global consulting firm and direct competitor to HSO.

Testimonials

Thibault Thevissen, Investment Director at The Carlyle Group, commented:

“Working with David and the team at tml Partners was an excellent experience. From the outset, they demonstrated a deep understanding of our needs, the complexities of scaling a global technology consulting business with a defined niche and market segment, and the critical role that marketing leadership plays in driving growth across this ecosystem.

David and the team’s strategic approach, market knowledge, and extensive network enabled us to identify and secure an exceptional CMO. The process was tailored to our objectives and gave us the confidence that we had access to the best talent in the market.

I’d highly recommend tml Partners to any business looking to make high-impact commercial leadership hires.”

David Riley, CMO at HSO commented:

“Having known and worked with David for a few years now, most recently on securing my most recent Chief Marketing Officer role with HSO, I can say with confidence that across B2B markets David is the most trusted name for senior marketing and board level appointments, and would have no hesitation to recommend him and tml Partners to any person or organisation looking to make a strategic investment in marketing leadership talent.”

About tml Partners: Specialist Headhunters for Marketing and Commercial Roles

tml Partners are specialists in Executive Search with access to a global network of commercial, marketing, communications, brand, product and digital leaders. Our team works with businesses ranging from fast-growth challenger brands to blue-chip organisations to develop their in-house teams.

As one of the world’s leading commercial and marketing recruitment agencies, we can support whether you’re seeking interim or permanent solutions. Our team has the expertise to support across various sectors and locations.

To learn how tml Partners can help you, get in touch.