Non-Executive search case study:

Chairperson search for a fast growth, technology specialist manufacturer.

Our objective:

With an exceptional track record, outperforming equivalent AIM based peer group and other industry based competitors, the current Board and Chairman conducted a review of succession-planning, (NED-refresh) and the planned retirement of the Non-Executive Chairman.

A new Board (and Chairperson) would be facing a fresh set of challenges and opportunities in the next 5 years and would ideally come armed with experience relating to this – specifically growing from £100m to £250m+.

Client:

A fast growth technology based specialist manufacturer – harnessing technology and precious expertise to manufacture world leading products and sub-systems.
A unique public company (PLC) business, with 10+ globally based manufacturing sites and a track record of doubling in size every 5 years in the last decade.
An evolving organisational structure, and clear focus on both acquisition and organic based growth.

Role:

Experienced Chairperson with proven track record if implementing growth strategy
Relevant Exec experience within the technology industry
Strong financial acumen
Sensitive leadership skills with ability to harness and augment board capabilities
Excellent reputational standing both in exec and Non-Exec roles
Meet investor relation expectations both short and long term

Search plan:

An interesting objective profile, covering international technology manufacturing (ideally higher margin) experience, public company and turnover range of c.£200m to around £2Bn+.

With some inherent flexibility around profile but the imperative need to get a successful personality/cultural fit (only enhancing a current highly successful Board) a wider search was conducted, involving:

79 individuals identified
17 interviewed
7 shortlisted
3 second interviews

Outcome:

3 exceptional individuals interviewed at final stage of which 2 had CVs exceeding specification requirements and were considered market/industry leaders with excellent city based reputations/approvals.
Chosen candidate had not only the relevant background but also a sensitive and culturally flexible approach, winning over the whole Board as the preferred candidate and subsequently appointment as Chairman.