Our client, an AIM-listed investment manager, urgently needed a strategic CFO following the departure of the incumbent CFO. The role required a co-pilot to the CEO, rather than a purely technical finance leader – especially as the organisation already had a competent individual in that space.
An internal talent assessment revealed that an external search was necessary, and the outgoing CFO’s feedback confirmed the need for an external strategic leader. Our client’s preferred criteria included candidates with proven CFO experience in listed companies or alternatively high achieving second in command at a much larger firm, particularly those with a proven track record in leading finance teams through M&A.
Recent changes in the executive team highlighted a lack of diversity, amplifying the need for an inclusive search.
We conducted a comprehensive and rigorous search to identify a CFO who met our client’s broad requirements. We leveraged our market-leading network and conducted thorough research and due diligence to create a longlist of over 100 candidates.
Our iterative long-listing process ensured that we presented a target list that met the core requirement and as many preferred criteria as possible. Using our judgement and extensive sector knowledge, we collaborated closely with the client’s HR team and multiple stakeholders to navigate varying perspectives and preferences.
Through our diligent search process and due to our deep market expertise, we uncovered a number of outstanding candidates, each with a unique blend of experience and potential. After careful assessment, our preferred candidate stood out as the top choice. Although not a CFO of a listed company, this candidate possessed a co-pilot mentality, a robust understanding of investment management, and the agility to meet the varied stakeholder demands. In addition, the preferred candidate was in high demand and being pursued by other companies – this led to us coaching the candidate in the graceful exit from these other processes.
We carried out transparent and balanced referencing, providing the client with a comprehensive assessment of the candidate’s strengths and potential challenges. As a listed entity, the client faced additional regulatory challenges, through which we supported them to ensure compliance and facilitate a seamless onboarding process. Our impact extended beyond filling a position, with our involvement improving the sophistication of their overall recruitment process.
