Securing leadership in remote and complex environments

Authors

Industrial / Production Practice Team

Securing leadership in remote and complex environments
Published
March 31, 2025
Read
5 minutes

Kestria Switzerland initiated the search, while Kestria Australia managed the execution of the recruitment process. The task was to find a GM and CFO for a wood facility in Papua New Guinea, targeting skilled expatriates willing to relocate for a minimum of six years.

About the company

The client specialises in manufacturing composite panels and materials for lightweight “sandwich solutions” across various sectors, including Transport & Industry, Architecture, Industrial applications and Core Materials. These solutions consist of a lightweight core, such as foam or wood, sandwiched between rigid outer layers like aluminum or fiber-reinforced plastic.

With a global presence, the company operates production facilities in countries like Germany, the USA, China and India. Their plantation in Papua New Guinea reflects their commitment to building strong ties with local communities, actively participating in events like PNG National Day, and fostering community development.

Client's situation and requirements 

The client faced several challenges:

  • Their first timber plantations were in other countries, but subsequent acquisitions, particularly operations in Papua New Guinea required elevated leadership in key roles.
  • Previous appointments were often short-lived, with employees often finding the roles unsuitable due to family separation or difficulties adjusting to the local environment and compound living.
  • The position required candidates willing to relocate long-term and navigate a complex local environment, including political and cultural challenges.

Target candidate profile

The ideal candidate was:

  • Culturally aware and sensitive, capable of working effectively in a multicultural environment. 
  • Likely single, without dependents, due to limited schooling and employment opportunities for spouses.
  • Comfortable living and working in a compound with limited external interaction.

The location offers beautiful beaches and recreational activities like island hopping, swimming and beach sports, which appeal to individuals who enjoy an active, outdoor lifestyle.

Challenges

  1. High Taxation: With taxes exceeding 46%, ensuring the salary was competitive after deductions was a challenge. However, compound expenses were covered, leaving only food and entertainment costs.
  2. Commitment Requirements: The company sought candidates willing to complete two three-year contract terms, with age restrictions due to insurance restrictions limiting candidates to their late 50s.
  3. Visa Delays: Obtaining work visas for Papua New Guinea involved lengthy bureaucratic processes.
  4. Health and Safety Risks: PNG’s malaria risk, tribal conflicts and occasional violent crimes were significant concerns.
  5. Unreliable Communication: Frequent internet and telecommunication outages necessitated using alternative platforms like WhatsApp, FaceTime and WeChat to conduct interviews.

Final outcome

The search attracted 151 candidates, with 13 shortlisted and interviewed based on revised criteria. Ultimately, three candidates were recommended for final review. Both positions have been filled.

151
initial list of candidates
13
shortlisted and interviewed based on revised criteria
3
recommended for final review

Strength and effectiveness of Kestria partnerships 

The partnership between Kestria Switzerland and Kestria Australia was a key factor in the project’s success.

1

Global Cooperation: Kestria Switzerland entrusted Kestria Australia with significant responsibility, confident in their ability to manage the search.

2

Effective Communication: Mutual trust and efficient information-sharing enabled smooth collaboration.

3

Client Engagement: The client’s cooperative and reasonable approach further supported the project’s success.

Kestria Australia valued the networks and relationships maintained by Kestria Switzerland, which ensured clarity and productive dialogue between all stakeholders.

The client
Chief Human Resources Officer

‘We have always found recruiting in PNG to be a challenge. In the past we have found people for roles but for a range of reasons they do not stay. Malcolm and his team were able to educate and qualify the candidate base, whilst also dealing with some changes in the makeup of both roles. Philipp, the Swiss Kestria partner made sure that Malcolm and the Australian team had a sound understanding of our company and the way we like to work. The final successful result came from continuous engagement from all of us.’

Philipp Mathieu
Managing Partner, Kestria Switzerland

‘We were engaged by our client to find a General Manager and CFO for a local wood production company in Papua New Guinea. This was an exceptionally challenging search for an expat willing to relocate to a highly exotic location for a minimum of three years. Malcolm took on this project with the understanding that it would not be an easy task. He and his team delivered an outstanding performance. Despite the constantly evolving circumstances - such as exceptionally high taxes and the need to continuously adapt the candidate profile - Malcolm managed to present qualified candidates from around the globe in a very short timeframe and successfully concluded the mandate. Malcolm kept me thoroughly informed throughout the entire process. I can only describe the collaboration across the globe as truly exceptional.’

Malcolm Duncan
Director, Kestria Australia

‘This project was a very satisfying example of complex collaboration with a number of stakeholders in different time-zones and unstable communication channels. Head office is based in Switzerland and Philipp was key in acting as a bridge on any communication challenges. The main challenge of this project was communication. Telephone and Internet connections in Papua New Guinea are erratic, and likewise the countries we were searching in were developing nations with similar plantation operations and equally challenging communication channels. Because of the remote location and infrequent air services, the candidates were required to accept a position without seeing the compound in which they would be living and working. Candidates also had understandable concerns around PNG, including challenges around law and order and personal safety. Working with the client we were able to provide conversations and numerous video examples of the business, compound and surrounding environment, providing comfort to candidates.’

Conclusion

This case study demonstrates the ability of Kestria partners to deliver exceptional results in the most challenging environments. By leveraging their global networks, cultural understanding and collaborative approach, Kestria successfully met the client’s complex needs and secured strong leadership for the client.

We value your privacy

By selecting “Accept all”, you give your consent to our use of cookies. These cookies and data are essential for the smooth functioning of our website. For detailed information about the cookies we use, their purposes, and our partners, please click “Manage cookies”. Here, you can also customize your preferences, and modify or withdraw your consent at any time. Learn more