PHILADELPHIA, PA – October 6, 2026 – True, the premier global executive talent platform powered by data, AI, and deep sector expertise, today announced that Tracy Zhang has joined the firm as Partner across its HardTech, DeepTech & Physical AI and Energy Transition & Industrial Practices, based in London. The appointment comes as True’s search mandates across semiconductors, robotics, AR/VR and advanced manufacturing in EMEA have more than doubled over the past three years, reflecting growing demand for executives capable of leading through complex international expansion.
For companies expanding across markets, finding an executive with the right technical credentials is only part of the challenge. Leaders moving between markets must understand local customers, talent markets, regulatory environments and business cultures while translating the priorities of a global organization. Tracy brings more than 20 years of executive search experience across APAC and EMEA, with a focus on technology leadership and international searches.
“The harder question in a cross-border search is whether an executive’s judgment will hold up when the operating environment changes,” said Sam McGrath, Global GM, True Search. “A leader may have the right technical background and a strong record in one market, yet still struggle to build trust or make decisions effectively in another. Assessing that adaptability requires a different level of diligence than matching a sector resume to a role.”
At True, Tracy will advise public companies, founders and owners of high-growth businesses across semiconductors, electronics, robotics, EV/AV, AR/VR and advanced manufacturing. Her work will focus on helping clients reduce hiring risk and make faster leadership decisions when entering new markets, scaling operations or building teams across regions.
Tracy joins True after serving as Partner and Co-founder of T-DRIVE Partnership, where she specialized in technology executive search. Her work across Asia’s major technology markets and Europe has given her experience evaluating executives against different ownership structures, governance expectations and operating environments. That perspective is particularly relevant to clients assessing executives for roles that span APAC and EMEA, where success depends on adapting leadership style and operating judgment to the market.
“A cross-border search fails when geography becomes the brief,” said Tracy Zhang. “The real test is whether a leader can make the business work in a different market. I’ve seen technically exceptional executives struggle because assumptions about customers, teams or decision-making do not travel with them. The strongest leaders know what to preserve, what to change and how to build credibility quickly.”
ABOUT TRUE
True is the most trusted executive talent management platform powered by unmatched data, technology, and global expertise. Products and services include True Search for executive recruiting with TrueBridge for fractional and interim placements; and True Talent Labs to strengthen leadership teams through coaching and assessment. Thrive, a modern Talent CRM, while SearchEssentials brings tech-enabled precision to hiring.
Jillian Ruggieri / Senior Director, Communications
jillian.ruggieri@trueplatform.com