Imagine the situation

You are a Private Equity Investment Fund that has recently acquired a controlling stake in a major retail company in the CEE region. The company has strong potential for growth, but to unlock this potential, you need a visionary leader – a CEO who can define a new strategy, drive transformation, and build a high-performing executive team.

This was the exact challenge our client faced. They turned to us to identify and recruit the right CEO to lead the business into its next phase of growth.

The challenge: high stakes, high expectations

Our client’s situation was unique and highly demanding. The stakes were high, and the role of CEO required a rare combination of strategic thinking, operational experience, and market knowledge. The expectations were clear:

  • Leadership in transformation: The CEO had to spearhead a transformation strategy to increase operational efficiency and profitability.
  • Industry knowledge: Retail sector experience in the CEE region was a key requirement.
  • Stakeholder management: The CEO needed to navigate the expectations of multiple stakeholders, including the board of the private equity fund.

Despite the compelling opportunity, finding a suitable candidate was not straightforward. The key obstacles included:

  • Short timeline: The client wanted to fill the role in a matter of weeks to begin the transformation as soon as possible.
  • High competition: Many top executives were already engaged in long-term projects, making it difficult to attract them.

Limited pool of candidates: The demand for experienced CEOs with a track record in retail and transformation in the CEE region was significantly higher than the available supply.

Our solution: executive search tailored to the client’s needs

Having successfully placed senior executives for private equity clients in the past, we were well-positioned to tackle this challenge. We knew that only a targeted and methodical executive search strategy would deliver the right result.

Here’s how we approached it:

  1. Comprehensive market mapping
    • We identified and analyzed over 20 leading retail companies and cross-referenced them with executives who had proven experience leading transformations.
    • We prioritized candidates with direct experience in managing complex change projects in the retail sector.
  2. Direct outreach and engagement
    • We approached 25 potential candidates individually, focusing on senior executives in retail, consumer goods, and related sectors.
    • Our approach was personalized, addressing the candidates’ specific motivations, professional development goals, and readiness to consider a CEO role in a private equity-backed company.
  3. Transparent process and regular updates
    • Every week, we provided the client with a detailed progress report on the candidates contacted, their feedback, and any key developments.
    • We maintained open communication, ensuring the client was informed of any challenges and opportunities in real time.
  4. Selection and evaluation
    • We evaluated each candidate based on technical skills, strategic mindset, cultural fit, and leadership potential.
    • Our shortlist included four highly qualified candidates, each with a proven track record in transformation and growth strategies.

The result: a CEO who exceeded expectations

After two rounds of interviews, two standout finalists emerged. The client ultimately selected a candidate with a strong background in retail leadership and an exceptional track record in transformation and performance improvement.

But there was an unexpected outcome. The candidate’s profile was so impressive that the client adjusted the scope of the role, giving the new CEO additional responsibilities from the very first day. Thanks to the high quality of the hire, the company’s transformation strategy was launched earlier than anticipated.

Key Takeaways

Finding a CEO for a private equity-backed company in the CEE retail sector was no small task. The complexity of the role, the high expectations, and the tight timeline required a tailored, focused approach. Our executive search process enabled us to overcome these challenges and deliver a result that exceeded the client’s expectations.

Are you looking for a visionary leader to transform your company?
With our expertise in executive search for private equity-backed companies, we can help you find the right leaders to drive transformation and deliver results.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your search for top executive talent.

Contact us