Key objective

A leading specialist in industrial design was embarking upon a critical phase with an exciting growth and consolidation phase ahead. They were seeking a proactive, self-motivated and ambitious CFO who brought currency from within a scaled and complex multinational business.

The Challenge

Challenge 1: The full-time role was based in a relatively remote small town in northern Norway.

Challenge 2: The CEO wanted to see candidates with a commercially aggressive sensibility. Someone skilled in robust negotiation and driving change in difficult circumstances.

Process

We developed a tailored strategy that considered cultural fit, market dynamics and the specific needs of the role. Here are some of the insights we discovered:

• Although the town where the company was headquartered is remote, it’s also home to several high-profile head offices. This urban profile proved to be both an attractor for candidates and provided a rich seam of potential local C-level talent for us to approach.
• There was a correlation between those candidates who were prepared to travel internationally to be interviewed and those who ultimately proved to be shortlist-worthy. Face-to-face meetings are still the route to interview success.

Outcome

After an extensive search across Europe and the USA, we found a candidate who brought significant experience of complex international businesses with the ability to effect change and lead major finance transformation. Our success with this role has seen the client approach Warren Partners for potential further positions soon.