Courland appoints Thiele as Chief Operating Officer

St. Gallen, Switzerland (January 2, 2008) - Courland Automotive Practice, announces today the appointment of Reinhold H. Thiele as Chief Operating Officer.

Thiele’s appointment ensures that Courland Automotive Practice continues to bolster its cadre of executive search professionals who offer unmatched knowledge and experience of the automotive industry to clients across the globe.

“We believe that Courland’s unique position as a global recruiting firm, solely dedicated to the automotive industry in it’s broadest sense, will play a critical role in assisting our clients recruit exceptional talent worldwide,” said Martin Bohling, Courland’s founder and Global Managing Partner.

Thiele has more than 25 years of automotive management consulting and executive search experience, most recently with Spencer Stuart, and previously with Heidrick & Struggles. “We are extremely pleased to welcome Reinhold to Courland in the new role of COO,” said Martin Bohling. “His extensive knowledge of the automotive industry, coupled with his absolute focus on processes and client satisfaction has given him a reputation for excellence beyond compare within the executive search world. As Courland continues to expand and grow, Reinhold will provide clear direction to all our offices worldwide.” Thiele is a graduate of the Haigazian College in Beirut, Lebanon, and the North East London Polytechnic in London, England, where he received a Bachelor of Science honors degree in Mechanical Engineering. He also holds a Master of Business Administration from the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration at the University of Virginia. Reinhold worked briefly as a student engineer with Ford Motor Company in Dagenham, England, before commencing his graduate studies in the US. Upon achieving his MBA in 1981, he joined Arthur D. Little International, Inc. He remained there for five years concentrating mainly on organization and logistics projects for clients in the automotive and other manufacturing industries. He joined Heidrick & Struggles in Frankfurt in 1986, where he held a number of local and international leadership positions. Reinhold joined Spencer Stuart in 2003, concentrating on executive search work within the industrial sector. He has successfully completed numerous high level executive search assignments for international clients.

“I’m thrilled to be joining Courland as the organization grows and continues to establish itself as the only international executive search firm focusing so clearly on the automotive arena. I’m ready to work with everyone here to create the next chapter, and, most importantly, continue to provide existing and future clients with the best executive search services in the world”, said Reinhold Thiele.

Established in 1991, Courland Automotive Practice serves clients from all sectors of the automotive industry: from component manufacturers through OEMs, importers and dealer groups to the aftermarket, vehicle rental and leasing, motorsports, media and communications, and professional services. Courland is best known for its retained executive search capabilities however, the firm also offers middle management resources, interim management and a wide range of consulting services to the automotive sector. Courland has access to an extensive network of contacts and resources through its global offices in Chicago, Detroit, Frankfurt, London, Los Angeles, Shanghai, Sydney, Tokyo, and Zurich.

If you would like more information about this topic or to schedule a meeting with Reinhold Thiele, please contact Anja Hoffman at +49 69 770 756 0 or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .