TurningPoint Exec Search Seeks US President for EKSPLA

May 24, 2022- San-Diego based executive search firm, TurningPoint Executive Search has been retained by the Lithuanian company EKSPLA to lead its search for a new US President. EKSPLA manufacturers of lasers, laser systems, and laser components for R&D and industrial applications. This search is being lead by Melanie Strauss, Partner, Executive Search, and supported by TurningPoint President & Founder, Ken Schmitt.

“EKSPLA has a stellar reputation for producing high-quality, incredibly accurate photon optic laser systems, and we are privileged to be partnering with them, says Ken.“  Collaborating with our Lithuanian partners at Talentor Global has allowed for this cross-border relationship to flourish.”

EKSPLA is looking for a dynamic President to further their operations in the United States. This newly created role of President USA will be charged with expanding market presence and brand recognition, by leveraging his/her knowledge of the industry and its OEM and industrial customers.

According to the job specification, other responsibilities will include reporting directly to the Global CEO of the company in Europe, selling the company’s products in the scientific and industrial markets by building a team over time, and leveraging the company’s highly technical and customizable production team based in Europe.

Ideal candidates will have 5+ years experience of working in top managerial positions in the photonics/laser industry and a proven track record of developing new business partners and customers. EKSPLA is looking for an individual with experience in executing and designing company sales and marketing strategies who has an entrepreneurial spirit and the ability to bring in new ideas to further develop concepts and ideas.

Award-Winning Recruiters

Based in California, TurningPoint Executive Search is the premier executive recruiting resource for Sales, Marketing, Operations, and Executive Leadership professionals across the United States. The firm was first conceived in 2007 in San Diego, a unique business community driven by a diverse industry base and entrepreneurial spirit. The vast majority of these are small, privately-held organizations including numerous start-up companies, a myriad of family-owned and operated businesses, and many public, and Fortune 1000 companies. This unique marketplace served as the catalyst for launching TurningPoint Executive Search, a new type of hybrid executive search firm that effectively supports companies of all sizes and structures.

By combining a local presence with national search capabilities, TurningPoint Executive Search has built a reputation as a world-class executive search firm. Their access to Global Resources uniquely positions them to work with companies of all sizes, industries, and structures. As a TurningPoint Executive Search partner, they help organizations identify, attract, and retain tomorrow’s leaders today.

Melanie Strauss has a unique global experience and experience as the Founder of an online business allows her to quickly understand and consider her clients’ unique culture, communication style, and pace, regardless of industry or location. This ability to balance technical expertise with soft skills drives her success.

With more than 20 years of experience working with upper management within international corporations, spanning CPG, industrial manufacturing, automotive, medical, and technology, Melanie brings deep business acumen to each search she conducts. Born and raised in Germany, she speaks fluent German and holds a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. In 2006, while working for Newell Rubbermaid, Melanie moved to the U.S. to broaden her experience outside of Europe.

She was part of one of the world’s top 10 leading consulting and recruiting firms headquartered in Germany. She quickly rose through the ranks, and most recently, as an executive recruiter, she was charged with placing top talent in the U.S. for these internationally based corporations.

Ken Schmitt has been recruiting for almost 25 years. After spending 9 years working for a local boutique firm, a large regional firm, and one of the world’s largest Executive Search firms, Heidrick & Struggles, he launched TurningPoint Executive Search in 2007 and now employs a team of seasoned professionals in a 100% remote work environment.

In 2016 and 2017, TurningPoint was ranked one of the Top 150 Fastest-Growing Private Companies in San Diego, and in 2018, Ken was acknowledged as one of San Diego’s Most Admired CEOs (SDBJ). The TurningPoint team earned a Top 20 Ranking as a “Best Place for Women to Work” by Databird. In 2021, Ken was interviewed by the Wall Street Journal about his perspective on how the pandemic has affected high-level professionals who consider themselves “extroverts.”

Ken and his team at TurningPoint have placed nearly 400 of the nation’s leading sales, marketing, operations, and C-Suite professionals, partnering with national clients across numerous industries such as tech, software, transportation, manufacturing, distribution, consumer products, professional and financial services, healthcare, Lifesciences, and hospitality. The team at TurningPoint takes a high-touch, concierge-style approach to placing first-class talent in various business structures, including privately held, venture-backed start-ups, private equity-owned early-stage, and mature, family-owned businesses.