About MKTransition

A career built on solving complex problems, leading diverse teams, and delivering results where it matters most.

René Koné

I am an experienced executive with over 25 years of progressive leadership across general management, engineering, commercial development, and operations. My career spans three continents and industries ranging from aerospace to clean energy, always at the intersection of technology and business performance.

I founded MKTransition to offer organisations the kind of leadership that critical moments demand: decisive, accountable, and focused on measurable outcomes. Whether a business needs to cut costs, accelerate revenue, restructure operations, or navigate a strategic divestment, I bring the hands-on experience to make it happen.

I am bilingual in French and English, based in Paris, and available for engagements across Europe and internationally.

Every engagement starts with a simple question: what is the real problem, and what will it take to fix it? I do not deal in theory. I deal in results.

René Koné, Founder
MBA ESSEC Business School / Mannheim Business School
Engineering EUR ING (FEANI) · MEng Industrial Systems (UTT)
Certifications PMP · PRINCE2 Practitioner · ISO 9000 Lead Auditor

25+ years of progressive leadership

From systems engineering to general management, each role has added a new dimension to the leadership and problem-solving skills I bring to every interim engagement.

2023 — Present

Global Head of Technology

ENGIE Energy Access · Berlin, Germany

Led a technology department of 95+ employees across 10 countries. Oversaw hardware R&D, software development, product management, and data science. Drove the roll-out of a unified software platform and played a key role in the strategic divestment of the business from the ENGIE Group.

2018 — 2022

VP & General Manager, ID Solutions

WCC Group · Utrecht, Netherlands

Full P&L ownership of the business unit. Led commercial development, operations, and a team of senior pre-sales, consultants, and delivery managers. Achieved 24% year-on-year revenue growth across biometric and identity solutions.

2014 — 2018

VP Sales

Morpho SA (SAFRAN Group) · Paris, France

Full commercial responsibility for public and urban security solutions. Grew annual revenue from €39M to €60M. Negotiated a €69M contract in Saudi Arabia. Led a team of senior sales managers across worldwide operations.

2008 — 2014

Director of Programmes / Operations Director

Morpho UK Ltd (now IDEMIA) · Winnersh, UK

Directed full P&Ls of multi-million pound development programmes and service delivery. Managed cross-functional, multi-country teams. Drove consistent year-on-year sales growth and business development across the UK, Ireland, Portugal, and Italy.

2006 — 2008

Programme Manager

UTC / Hamilton Sundstrand · Bristol, UK

Managed aerospace new product development programmes valued at £60–100M lifecycle. Secured the first primary flight controls contract with Eurocopter, earning a special commendation.

2001 — 2006

Deputy Head of Engineering / Systems Engineering Manager

GEL Engineering Ltd · Southampton, UK

Led engineering teams delivering test systems for automotive (McLaren F1) and aerospace (Eurofighter, JSF, A380) clients. Managed full project lifecycle from specification to commissioning.

1999 — 2001

Project Manager / Industrial Software Developer

Stirling Auto Ltd

Delivered industrial automation and manufacturing projects across multiple sectors including railway, automotive, and manufacturing.

How I work

Every engagement follows a disciplined process — but the execution adapts to the reality on the ground.

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Start with the Why

Before any action, I establish a clear understanding of the root cause and the desired outcome. Every decision is anchored in a business rationale that the entire team can align behind.

Act with Urgency

Interim mandates have a finite window. I prioritise high-impact actions early, securing quick wins that build momentum while laying the groundwork for sustainable change.

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Lead from the Front

I do not delegate accountability. I take ownership of P&Ls, sit in the leadership seat, and work alongside the team — not above it. Respect and clarity drive performance.

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Build to Last

The true measure of an interim engagement is what remains after I leave. I invest in knowledge transfer, team development, and governance structures that sustain the results.

Ready to discuss your challenge?

Every situation is unique. Let us talk about what your business needs and how I can help deliver it.

Get in Touch