In the Media
Why the CFO mindset can clash with CEO demands
A seasoned search professional, Gilles Gaudefroy brings to the table his past experience of working as a VP for large international manufacturing and retail organizations. He has successfully delivered complex search projects for demanding clients, in many functions, with a special interest in Operations and Finance roles.
Professional Focus
- 15+ years of experience in executive search, with emphasis on senior executives and functional specialists
- Strong experience in recruiting for sizeable manufacturing organizations
- Successful track record of recruitments for MD / CEO, Finance and Operations roles (production, supply chain, procurement, quality, engineering …)
- A special interest in complex and cross-boarder assignments
Business Expertise
- International EVP at a B2B Distributor of industrial supplies
- CEO of an American producer of fertilizers
- VP M&A at a global chemicals company
- Director M&A and Investors Relations at Legrand, a CAC 40 industrial group
Additional Expertise
- Industrial Equipment and Components
- Retail
- Private Equity and Family Office
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Master of Business Administration, ESSEC Paris, France
Case Studies
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Building Leadership Capacity for a High-Growth Defense Services Company
Boyden partners with a second-generation, family-owned defense services company to appoint a Vice President of Human Resources, strengthening leadership infrastructure and supporting the organization's growth toward $200 million in revenue.
A Time-Critical CFO Hire for a Scaling, PE-Backed Manufacturer
Boyden partnered with a private equity-backed leader in automated test systems to execute a Partner-led search with disciplined assessment and rapid momentum, identifying a finalist within two weeks and closing the mandate within 60 days.
From Innovation to Execution: Leadership in Power Semiconductor Development
How Boyden placed a strategic SVP to drive e-mobility growth
Thought Leadership
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Articles & Papers
A Regional CEO Search to Realise U.S. Market Potential for a European Family-Owned Business
A European family-owned business approaching generational transition recognized that its U.S. operation required more than continuity—it required growth. The challenge was to redefine leadership for a critical market while navigating family dynamics and cross-border complexity. Here’s how the right appointment helped unlock the company’s U.S. potential.
Boyden Report Series
What’s Next for Industry? AI, Transformation, and the Talent Imperative
Industrial Trends Report: Analysing markets, studies, and trends on how AI, machine learning, and digitalisation are reshaping the industrial sector, with expert insights on talent and leadership from Boyden’s Global Industrial Practice Members.
Articles & Papers
Recruiting Centralized Leadership for a Diversified Family Conglomerate
As a family conglomerate grew in scale and complexity, its decentralized structure began to limit alignment. A generational transition created the opportunity to rethink leadership at the group level. Here’s how introducing centralized leadership brought clarity, coordination, and stronger governance.
Articles & Papers
The CFO to CEO Pathway: What Boards Look for in Leader
From financial steward to enterprise leader—seen at Signal Energy and measured by what boards value most.
Media
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Startup to Stewardship: How a family business was Built to Matter with Josephine Sukkar
Podcast
Leaders in Focus featuring Neil Davy, Chief Executive Officer, Family Business UK
Video
Athlos Business Summit
Video
From the Top with Chad Hesters: Why AI Metrics Are Misleading Leaders Every Day with Elaine Barsoom
Podcast
News & Events
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Event
Boyden's Kathy Pattillo Joins The Chemical Summit Panel on Leadership and Change
In the Media
Why family business succession planning needs more than a handshake deal
Family business succession requires more than informal agreements. Boyden Canada Managing Partner Jim Harmon explains why formal succession planning, governance, and objective leadership assessments are critical to protecting business value, family wealth, and long-term stability.
Contact Gilles Gaudefroy today and let's get started