Marketing headhunters, tml Partners, are delighted to have partnered with Global Leader in Infrastructure and the Future of Cities, KONE, to source their new SVP Marketing to join the executive leadership team.
KONE Corporation, established in 1910 and headquartered in Helsinki, Finland, stands as a global leader in the Infrastructure and Built Environment industry, focusing on shaping the future of cities through smart and sustainable “people flow” solutions. Operating in over 60 countries and employing approximately 60,000 individuals worldwide, turning over $12bn in revenue in 2024, KONE is dedicated to enhancing the flow of urban life by making buildings more accessible, efficient, and sustainable. Their solutions contribute to the safe, convenient, and delay-free movement of people within cities, ultimately fostering better-functioning urban environments. KONE’s mission is to improve the flow of urban life, ensuring seamless experiences through and within urban spaces.
The Challenge
KONE, sought an experienced Senior Vice President of Marketing during a crucial period of transformation. Following the appointment of the firms new CEO Philippe Delorme, the marketing function had sustained a significant period without leadership, and under new direction and strategy, Marketing was to play a critical role in shaping the firm’s brand identity and story, shifting to a solutions led and holistic approach when communicating to both the firm’s existing clients and broader market.
The brief necessitated sourcing a marketing leader who could be instrumental in driving KONE’s ambitious “Rise to Lead” strategy for 2025-2030, a strategy built upon four pillars: digital transformation, sustainability, innovation, and growth. The successful candidate would lead KONE’s global marketing efforts as the company accelerated its journey toward achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, further digitalising its services, and expanding its footprint in international markets.
This role required full accountability for shaping and executing a cohesive marketing strategy that not only supports commercial objectives but also enhances KONE’s position as a leader in sustainability and innovation, ensuring the brand resonates across diverse markets while maintaining a unified global presence.
The Solution
tml Partners were delighted to be selected to work on this search project after successfully completing a competitive pitch process, with deep specialist knowledge in marketing and commercial leadership appointments and ability to move at pace (shortlisting in 4 weeks) with a proven marketing leadership network across the sector being the decisive factor in the selection process when compared to SHREK firms and other headhunters.
The team worked closely with KONE’s leadership team to develop a deep understanding of their business, their “Rise to Lead” strategy, and the critical requirements for this pivotal marketing role. Utilising an extensive global network of board level marketing professionals, tml Partners presented a shortlist of highly qualified candidates who possessed the requisite experience in B2B marketing, digital transformation, sustainability, and global team leadership. Critically all shortlisted candidates understood the complexities of a global, matrixed organisation and the role marketing would play in changing the firm’s narrative to match their vision, becoming a trusted advisory partner to multinational corporations, enhancing the firm’s capability to sell solutions in addition to products.
The rigorous selection process culminated in the placement of a visionary marketing leader who demonstrated a proven track record of driving transformational growth in B2B marketing within large, multinational organisations, had worked across multiple continents and above all had extensive and critical marketing, customer and technology led transformation experience across the built environment at a C-Suite level.
The successful candidate brought strong leadership skills, deep expertise in digital, and a passion for innovation and sustainability.
Their experience in leading large global teams and navigating a matrixed organisation, coupled with their ability to influence stakeholders at the highest levels, made them the ideal fit for this strategically impactful role at KONE.
Client Testimonial
“In my role as Global Executive Search Lead at KONE, I partnered with tml on this global marketing leadership search. The lead consultant was outstanding, bringing sharp functional expertise, a solid network, and real creativity in navigating a complex brief. Communication was smooth throughout, and other team members jumped in when needed, each adding valuable perspective. We made a high-calibre hire, and the process was both efficient and collaborative.”
Global Executive Search Lead, KONE
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.
