Finance Director (Board Level) - Case Study

Background

As a specialist publishing business with a traditional direct marketing channel model, our client had endured a period of declining sales having been significantly impacted by the emergence of digital products and sales channels. The arrival of a new CEO equipped with a robust turnaround strategy led to significant board level changes, and the requirement to appoint a new commercially orientated Finance Director.

The Challenge

As a result of the declining sales and general low morale, the incoming Finance Director would need to possess exceptional leadership skills coupled with the ability to drive change whilst upskilling the existing team. Clearly the successful candidate would need to possess a track record of delivery in similar leadership roles, however we would additionally need to be sure that driving change and motivating others were key work style preferences.

Solution

Morgan Philips Executive Search recommended the utilisation of psychometric and personality profiling assessments in order to gain the required level of insight. Once the shortlist had been identified, the chosen candidates completed the Pulse assessments which incorporate behavioral preferences, motivational drivers and cognitive assessments.

Prior to the first interview, the CEO and Business Advisor Director were furnished with a selection report for each candidate which incorporated their data a long with tailored suggested questions probing potential de-railers.

The insight provided by the assessments in tandem with our comprehensive screening reports enabled the client to appoint the successful candidate safe in the knowledge that they were up to the difficult challenge ahead.

To facilitate the candidate’s onboarding and integration in to this new challenging role, the client also received a coaching report on the candidate, based on the assessments they completed.

Outcome

“I worked with Morgan Philips Executive Search when recruiting a new Finance Director. This was a key role as we were building a revamped management team and driving the business forward. The Recruiter was great to work with. He took time to understand the business and to explain the process used for recruitment. He kept us in touch with the process at every step – the process also included a Pulse assessment of the candidate’s attributes using a personality questionnaire and ability test. This was extremely helpful as it provided an unbiased approach to the candidate’s qualities which could be taken alongside the Recruiter’s personal view.

The candidate long list was impressive – all interviewees were appointable. Two were taken to second interview. We appointed 3 months ago and our new FD is great – fits in well with the team and is highly capable and dynamic.”