Case study
Spirax Sarco: transforming a geographically dispersed team into a collaborative matrix
The client
Spirax-Sarco Engineering plc is a global industrial engineering group with operations in over 65 countries. They provide expertise in steam control, electric thermal solutions, and peristaltic pumping technologies. The project focused on the Steam Specialties business unit, within the Americas region.
The brief
Sheldon Banks, Divisional Director Americas, sought to transform a geographically dispersed team of General Managers across the Americas into a unified, collaborative matrix.
This transition was critical to leveraging their collective scale, talent, and geographical reach to support regional growth. The key challenge was moving from a country-specific focus to a divisional matrix structure, with a new strategic forum called the Americas Division.
What we did
Coaching For leadership transition
ig coached General Managers and functional leaders in HR, Finance, Strategy, and Technology across the Americas to prepare them for the leadership changes associated with the new matrix structure.
Workshops on team purpose
ig facilitated workshops in the UK, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic, helping the team define a clear understanding of their new purpose, mandate, and the benefits of collaboration across the region.
Embedded approach to change
By actively participating in team meetings, ig gained a deep understanding of the team’s dynamics, allowing for targeted interventions that helped develop meaningful change in team behavior and meeting performance.
We worked one on one with an internationally experienced senior leadership team. Our approach is to be a part of the change, which meant ig was involved in team meetings. This enabled us to gain perspective, understand and analyse the situation, and go on to work and develop the big themes – and create meaningful changeBest practice sharing is now a strong feature of the Americas Division and, there are a lot of new opportunities coming to light.
Dan Vacassin
Founding Director
ig
The results
The 18-month coaching and development program delivered significant improvements in team cohesion, operational efficiency, and strategic collaboration across the Americas Division.
Enhanced team cohesion
The dispersed, multicultural group of senior managers transformed into a unified, collaborative team capable of working effectively within the new matrix structure.
Improved meeting performance
Division meetings evolved to be more outcome-driven, focusing on execution rather than just discussion. This shift led to more productive engagements and better use of the team’s collective knowledge and expertise.
Effective best practice sharing
The Americas Division now prioritizes the sharing of best practices across different regions, which has opened up new opportunities for growth, innovation, and improved operations.
Stronger alignment and focus
The team developed a clearer understanding of their shared purpose and divisional goals, leading to more strategic alignment across the region.
Increased collaboration and idea exchange
Leaders across multiple countries began importing and exporting ideas, talent, and resources, leading to a more innovative and supportive environment.
Cultural shift in leadership
The program fostered a new leadership culture, where leaders are more open to diverse opinions and willing to challenge one another in a constructive way, leading to better decision-making and stronger team dynamics.
Empowered leadership
Senior managers now operate with greater confidence and accountability in the matrix structure, fostering a stronger sense of ownership and responsibility across the division.
Expanded growth opportunities
The new collaborative approach has unlocked previously untapped opportunities for growth by leveraging the division’s collective strengths and regional presence.
What our client had to say
We cannot underplay how much ig helped this coalition of senior managers find our purpose in working together. ig put the effort in to get to know us, built our trust by being authentic and consistent, and helped us create an environment where we can agree, disagree, and share opinions to make progress. Best practice sharing is now a strong feature of the Americas Division and, there are a lot of new opportunities coming to light.
ig helped us explore the role of leadership in culture change. When you have signed up to change, the role of the leader is essential, and ig helped us with this big subject.
Sheldon Banks
Divisional Director Americas
Spirax Sarco
In summary
ig’s 18-month collaboration with Spirax Sarco successfully transformed a dispersed leadership team into a collaborative matrix, fostering stronger alignment, clearer communication, and a shared focus on regional growth. Through tailored coaching and immersive workshops, ig helped create a cohesive team dynamic that continues to drive operational and strategic success across the Americas Division.
