This major UK airport had embarked on a journey to enhance the customer/passenger experience and forge stronger alliances with airlines and retailers. In pursuit of this, the airport’s CEO and Chair recognised the need for a Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) with digital transformation expertise, an external perspective, and someone to inject fresh and diverse thinking into their operations.
The airport encountered several obstacles in attracting top-tier talent, owing to a combination of its mixed reputation, limitations imposed by budget and ongoing programs, and its geographical location. The conventional approach to hiring had led to internal tensions, requiring a compelling case to adopt a new Search strategy.
Our Search was specifically tailored to identify candidates with a proven track record in digital transformation, but from industries outside of aviation. Our primary objective was to attract individuals capable of challenging existing mindsets and shaping innovative solutions.
Through an extensive and comprehensive cross-industry Search, we carefully curated a Shortlist comprising exceptional candidates from a range of sectors. These sectors included passenger transportation, retail, fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), utilities, and business-to-business-to-consumer (B2B2C). The Shortlist was thoughtfully composed, consisting of three accomplished men and two highly qualified women. Each candidate possessed the requisite qualifications and experience, demonstrating their ability to navigate complex leadership dynamics with confidence and finesse.
Overcoming intricate obstacles, we secured a transformative leader for the airport. The successful candidate emerged from the broader passenger transportation sector, bringing a refreshed outlook, a wealth of expertise, and stronger partnerships to strategically position the airport for future expansion.
Through an exhaustive and meticulous Search approach, we identified and attracted exceptional talent from a range of industries.
