Client Success Story: Finding a Chief Commercialization Officer for an Energy Storage Startup

About the Company

Our client is a high-growth HVAC and thermal energy storage startup developing next-generation, ultra-efficient air conditioning systems that integrate energy storage. Backed by top-tier investors and focused on delivering net-zero solutions for commercial buildings, the company is scaling rapidly to meet market demand for more sustainable cooling technologies.

The Challenge

As the company pivoted from product development to commercial expansion, they needed a Chief Commercialization Officer (CCO) to lead their go-to-market strategy, build strategic partnerships, and drive revenue. This executive-level position required a unique mix of HVAC industry knowledge, commercialization expertise, and startup leadership experience.

Our Approach

We launched a highly targeted search across the Eastern half of the U.S., leveraging our extensive network in clean energy, HVAC, and energy storage. The goal was to identify candidates with a strong track record of scaling commercial strategies, launching disruptive technologies, and leading cross-functional teams in growth-stage environments.

The Outcome

We identified and secured the ideal candidate—someone with the right combination of industry experience, strategic thinking, and cultural alignment faster than the Board thought was possible. 

Why It Worked

• Focused Regional Search: We concentrated our efforts on East Coast candidates to account for location constraints without compromising on talent quality.
  
• Industry-Specific Insight: Our deep knowledge of clean tech and HVAC allowed us to zero in on candidates who understood the technical and market dynamics.
  
• Speed and Precision: The client was growing quickly, and we were able to deliver a short list of top-tier candidates within a matter of weeks.