Breaking Silos, Building Systems: A CTO Search at the Intersection of Tech and Business

The Client

A technology leader specializing in innovative system solutions for automotive access control, locking, and security systems. The family-owned company operates globally and is known for its high standards in engineering, quality, and product innovation.

The Challenge

The client was seeking a Chief Technology Officer (CTO) with a unique blend of responsibilities, leading R&D and advanced development, while also overseeing sales and procurement across the entire value chain. This included establishing and continuously improving product methodologies, process frameworks, and quality standards across departments.

The ideal candidate would come from the automotive industry, specifically on the supplier side, with deep expertise in integrated hardware and software system solutions. The role required someone capable of translating complex technologies into clear strategic business value.

The Solution

Boyden developed a highly focused search strategy, targeting Tier 1 automotive suppliers involved in advanced systems development with embedded software components – areas critical to the industry's future.

We targeted candidates with strong R&D expertise who were also market-driven and customer-focused leaders able to shape product strategies around trends and new business models, bridge technology with commercial impact, and break down silos through cross-functional collaboration.

We ultimately found a standout leader known for transformative thinking, who had challenged the status quo in past roles, tackled problems from fresh angles, and shown the courage, resilience, and leadership to drive lasting change with measurable results.

The Result

The candidate was successfully placed and has since become a driving force behind the company’s innovation strategy. He has introduced new standards in product development, cross-functional collaboration, and technology commercialization.

His approach – deeply rooted in both technical expertise and market relevance – is already generating measurable impact across the organization.

The Impact

By combining a strong engineering mindset with strategic business acumen, the new CTO is not only shaping the company’s technology roadmap but also positioning it as a more agile, forward-looking player in the global market.