Challenge
For several years, we have been working with one of the world’s largest global information services organisations to recruit senior-level executives for information technology and commercial roles. The position was critical, as this executive was charged with leading the transformation of IT operations into a global customer-focused function.
Action
Rather than concentrating on IT skills, the revised candidate specification called for an executive who was not only unafraid of instituting change but who could also lead this change globally. It was assumed that all candidates would be able to manage IT operations effectively. The differentiating factor, however, would be the ability to make and implement major decisions about the future role of operations in the company.
As we identified potential candidates, we looked at companies with large, global operations that had recently undergone major change. We also looked at/targeted financial services, consumer goods, retail and large outsourcing companies.
Aware that the pool of suitably qualified talent was small, our global search produced six candidates: four based in the U.K. and two based in the U.S.
Result
The successful candidate was ready for a move, having spent most of his career in a global financial company. A top-flight executive with broad international experience and excellent management skills, he had what our client needed and accepted the role.