European Product Manager - Yamazaki Mazak Corporation

The Company

As part of its European growth strategy, Yamazaki Mazak, a global leader in the manufacture of advanced machine tools for the industrial manufacturing sector, partnered with Stone Executive to appoint a European Head of Product. This strategically important hire was tasked with strengthening relationships with key customers across the region, identifying opportunities to expand market share, and shaping the future direction of the company's product portfolio. Working closely with commercial and manufacturing teams, the successful candidate helped ensure product development and production capabilities were aligned with evolving customer demand and the business's long-term growth objectives.

The Challenge

This was an exceptionally challenging assignment. Previous recruitment campaigns led by generalist agencies had failed to identify a suitable candidate, highlighting the specialist nature of the brief. The client required an individual with a strong engineering background to support a highly technical role, together with the ability to work from their Worcester, UK headquarters. The position demanded close collaboration between product development and manufacturing, making both technical credibility and geographic accessibility essential.

This is precisely the type of assignment in which Stone Executive excels. We are regularly retained to deliver successful outcomes where conventional recruitment methods have been unsuccessful, particularly in markets where demand for specialist talent far exceeds supply. By leveraging our sector expertise, extensive network and targeted executive search methodology, we are able to identify and engage high-calibre individuals who are often inaccessible through traditional recruitment channels.

The Outcome

Following extensive market mapping and target research, Stone Executive identified a selection of organisations that closely matched our client's requirements. We then proactively engaged with high-calibre candidates who possessed the specialist technical expertise and product experience required for the role.

Given the pan-European remit of the position, our search extended beyond the UK to ensure comprehensive coverage of the market and to identify the strongest talent available across Europe. This broader approach enabled us to engage with candidates who had the experience, capability, and international outlook needed to succeed.

After presenting a carefully curated shortlist, candidates progressed through a rigorous interview process, including an in-depth technical assessment. This resulted in our client successfully appointing a candidate who demonstrated an exceptional blend of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and client-facing experience, making them an outstanding fit for both the role and the organisation.

After presenting a strong shortlist of suitably qualified candidates, our client was confident in making a job offer, successfully concluding the assignment.

Following the appointment, Tarquin Adams, appointed candidate, commented:

"From our first conversation, David's  considerate communications style and attuned anticipation of requirements made working with him to secure my new role a pleasure. As a candidate, I felt Stone Executive was working for me and his support and guidance was highly valuable. David is proactive, knowledgeable, energetic and helpful - just what you need in an ally."

Get in touch

To discuss your executive headhunting requirements in confidence, please contact our team on 0333 800 1560, or submit a vacancy directly.