In the Media
Why the CFO mindset can clash with CEO demands
John Gordon Holme has lived and worked across Asia Pacific markets for 30 years including more than 15 years in executive search. Partnering with clients in a range of industries, he has built an extensive network as well as deep expertise in numerous markets. John is also an expert in cross-cultural leadership, making him a valuable asset to clients seeking leaders for expansion in Asia Pacific.
Professional Focus
- Over 15 years’ experience in executive search across Southeast Asia, particularly C-level, director- and country manager-level roles in Thailand, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and Indonesia
- Additional 15 years’ experience in management consulting in Asia Pacific, including extensive multi-country assignments as a project leader; scope included business and digital transformation, organizational redesign, process reengineering, and supply chain management for many of the world largest multinationals
- Broad industry expertise spanning high tech manufacturing, e-commerce, consumer products, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, logistics, automotive, insurance, IT, telecoms, energy, paper and packaging, consumer goods, construction, and engineering
- Specialized human capital expertise in diversity & inclusion, talent development and management, career coaching, strategic corporate hiring, and corporate training, mainly soft skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and communications
- Highly skilled in team leadership, operations management, program strategy and execution, mentoring, thought leadership, entrepreneurship, and networking
- Deep experience and understanding of Asian cultures
Business Expertise
- Managing Director at an international executive search firm; led firm’s growth across Southeast Asia, developing relationships with multinational and Thai corporations in oil & gas, logistics and 3PL, automotive, high-tech manufacturing, e-commerce, fintech and other industries
- Directed consulting program assignments across all major markets in Asia Pacific, including China, Korea, India, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, managing multicultural teams
- Partner at one of the world’s largest global recruitment firms
- General Manager, Southeast Asia at an executive search firm serving a range of sectors in Southeast Asia
- Associate Principal at KPMG Thailand
- Director (contract) at Accenture, based in Thailand; managed strategic procurement project for a global oil & gas corporation, leading a 20-person international team
- Asia Pacific Director of Integration and Transformation at Agility Logistics; based in Shenzhen, China
- Regional Recruitment Consultant at an international executive search firm; based in Bangkok, focused on C-level roles within multinational corporations
- Project Manager & Program Manager at The Hackett Group, a global business and technology consulting firm; managed projects in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Singapore and Sydney
Additional Expertise
- High-Tech Manufacturing
- E-Commerce
- Consumer Products - FMCG
- Pharmaceuticals
- Logistics and 3PL
- Automotive
- Insurance
- Technology - IT
- Telecoms
- Energy
- Paper and Packaging
- Construction
- Engineering
Areas of Expertise
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree (Hons) from Sussex University, UK
Affiliations & Awards
- Member, Institute of Recruitment Professionals (UK)
- Diversity, Equality & Diversity (DEI) Committee Member, British Chamber of Commerce Thailand (BCCT)
Case Studies
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Accelerating Growth: Building Market Leadership in Southeast Asia
Discover how Boyden recruited a top-tier Country General Manager to lead Southeast Asia expansion and strategic M&A for a global food safety solutions provider, driving rapid growth and market leadership in the region.
Strategic Board Renewal for a High-Growth Cybersecurity Leader
Boyden partnered with a publicly traded cybersecurity firm to appoint a transformative director whose reputation and leadership experience amplify the company’s strategic ambitions and market position.
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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Blog
Asia's Workforce Disruption: Navigating the Skills Revolution with Human-Centered Design and Employee Well-being
Discover how Asia's workforce is transforming through disruptive technologies, skills development, and a focus on employee well-being. Learn strategies for navigating change in a digital-first economy.
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
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.
News & Events
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In the Media
The $400,000 Chief of Staff Is the CEO’s Secret Weapon in the AI Age
As CEOs navigate the growing complexity of the AI era, demand for chiefs of staff is surging as organizations seek trusted strategic advisors who can help leaders prioritize, execute, and solve critical business challenges.
In the Media
Activists Are Coming for CEOs, Boards on Succession Planning
Rising shareholder activism is increasing board scrutiny around CEO succession planning. Boyden's Craig Stevens discusses the importance of ongoing succession preparedness, leadership benchmarking, emergency plans, and effective CEO transitions.
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