Asahi Kasei selected Listgrove due to our extensive experience working with global businesses, particularly those headquartered in Asia, looking to expand or strengthen their presence in Europe. With over 50 years of industry knowledge, and long-standing networks across every continent, Listgrove was ideally positioned to advise on regional hiring dynamics, candidate behaviours, and market conditions.
We worked closely with both the European leadership and senior HR representatives from Japan to shape each recruitment campaign, clarifying role profiles, advising on salary expectations, and aligning the hiring process with European candidate expectations. Understanding the importance of cultural fit as well as technical capability, we placed strong emphasis on communication, transparency and employer branding throughout.
Through targeted search and deep market engagement, Listgrove delivered a shortlist of high-quality candidates across all roles. Our ability to manage complex recruitment across geographies and time zones ensured a smooth, informed process for all stakeholders, and led to several successful placements critical to Asahi Kasei’s European operations.
The Impact: Building Long-Term Local Capability
Initially, Asahi Kasei Europe’s operations were primarily led by expatriates, supported by a small number of local staff. Over time, the strategic direction of the Engineering Plastics Division evolved, aiming to reduce reliance on expatriate management and instead strengthen a locally rooted workforce. This approach was accelerated by the recruitment of a locally hired General Manager, one of several successful appointments made in partnership with Listgrove, which underscored the company’s commitment to regional empowerment and sustainable talent development.
As a result, Asahi Kasei Europe experienced increased structural stability, reducing the disruption often associated with rotating expatriate assignments. Fixed operational costs were also lowered. Most importantly, the integration of locally based experts in areas such as sales, supply chain management, and technical support helped to build stronger, more consistent partnerships with customers and stakeholders. This shift not only enhanced day-to-day operations but also contributed to a marked improvement in the profitability of the company’s European business.