Accelerating Growth: How Faststream Executive Search Secured a CHRO for a Scaling Business
Business Type: Technology company specialising in advanced energy solutions for the maritime and heavy industry sectors
Location: London, UK
Key Stakeholders: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Executive Search Consultant: Mark Charman, CEO & Founder, Faststream
When a fast-growing technology company in the maritime and heavy industrial sectors needed a strategic HR leader, they turned to Faststream Recruitment. Its CEO was already familiar with Mark Charman, CEO and Founder, through industry events and thought leadership articles shared within the senior executive network.
With an urgent need for an experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to guide their expanding team, they sought Faststream's expertise to find the right leader—quickly and effectively.
Key Need
Our client is on a steep growth track and is growing its headcount rapidly. Whilst they already have an established Human Resources (HR) administration function they needed the strategic input of an experienced Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) to help take the business to the next level.
The Challenge
Our primary challenge was identifying a highly qualified candidate who not only met our client’s complex and specific requirements but could also join the business immediately.
Given the urgency of the need, it was crucial to find someone with the right experience and skill set to seamlessly integrate into the company, understand its unique culture, and contribute to its strategic growth without delay.
Solution
Through a series of meetings, Mark Charman had with our client's CEO, we were able to gain an in-depth understanding of our client's plans and a deep understanding of how a top-flight CHRO could positively impact their business.
Due to the immediacy of the need to recruit, there was no time to run a lengthy search process and Mark was able to recommend a highly suitable candidate who was well known to us and if successful could start straight away.
Following a careful two-stage interview process our client decided that the candidate was well suited to their requirements.
We agreed that the Chief Human Resources Officer would initially be employed on an interim basis which would give both parties the opportunity to make sure they were the right fit for each other.
The interim period has now been successfully completed and our Chief Human Resources Officer has now accepted permanent employment with our client.
Results
The appointed Chief Human Resources Officer is a seasoned professional with a wealth of knowledge and experience gained from working in large multinationals and SMEs globally. Having considerable maritime experience has allowed them to quickly make a difference to our client's business.
Find out more about how we can help you with Executive Search
Call one of our Executive Search teams or complete your details in the form below:
Latest Insights
View All Insights
Singapore Maritime Recruitment Update 2026
Singapore continues to set the pace as one of the world’s most competitive and strategically important maritime talent markets. Hiring is steady, but the tone has shifted: organisations are making ...
Maritime skills-based attraction: Sell problems to solve and skills to build
Most job adverts are written to filter people out.In 2026, the best ones are written to pull the right people in by showing the problems they’ll solve, the skills they’ll build, and the future val...
Closing capability gaps in maritime when permanent headcount isn’t the answer
There’s a familiar pattern in maritime leadership teams. A priority initiative goes live. A key person becomes unavailable. A transformation programme hits the point where specialist depth is no lo...
Your EVP needs to match year one - or people leave fast
If you want a quick reality check on your EVP, ask this: Would a new joiner say your recruitment story matched their first 90 days? Because in 2026, the risk for maritime employers often isn’t tha...
The Maritime Workforce Gaps That Could Jeopardise Your 2026 Plan
If there is one factor that will shape your 2026 plan, it is this: having the right people ready, in the right roles, at the right time. It is an uncomfortable truth in maritime. Demand shifts fast...
What does it mean to be an AI-literate maritime leader in 2026?
AI is becoming part of everyday maritime leadership. In our Senior Maritime Executive Report,AI usage rose from 26% in 2023 to 68% in 2025. The same report shows that only 10% of executives feel ve...
Maritime Workforce Forecast 2026: What It Means for Your People Strategy
What will your maritime workforce look like in 2026, and are you ready for it? That’s the question behind our new Maritime Workforce Forecast 2026: Building a Human-Plus Maritime Workforce in an AI...
What is one skill you want to learn in 2026?
The start of a new year often brings a renewed mindset and fresh aspirations. Many people set resolutions, only to feel the pressure of maintaining big commitments. When goals become overwhelming,...
Employer of Record (EOR) – Myths vs Facts for Maritime Businesses
Employer of Record (EOR) solutions are becoming a key part of maritime workforce strategy, but misconceptions still surround what they actually do. Some see EOR as a quick fix for hiring, while oth...
Why Great Maritime Candidates Go Unnoticed, and How to Change That in 2025
In the competitive maritime sector, even highly qualified candidates can go unnoticed. A well-presented application and strong visibility to recruiters can make a real difference in your job searc...
Regulate Your Hiring Spend with Employer of Record (EOR)
Rising costs, unpredictable project cycles, and global workforce shortages are pushing maritime leaders to rethink how they hire. Balancing financial control with the need for flexibility is no sma...
10 Reasons Maritime Businesses Are Turning to Employer of Record (EOR) Services
From crew mobility to compliance across borders, maritime businesses face unique HR challenges. Managing an international workforce across ship management, crewing, and shore-based operations often...