CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Location Impact: Nashville, Wichita, South CarolinaÂ
THE CHALLENGE
Our client, an established aerospace and defense manufacturer, backed by private equity, had built a commendable legacy under their current CEO—a visionary leader with profound organizational roots. As the CEO's retirement approached at year's end, the challenge was clear: find a successor who could not only uphold the company's storied past but also steer it towards a prosperous future.
While the company had shown remarkable resilience, rebounding from the disruptions of the COVID-19 pandemic, looming concerns persisted. With potential retirements of key team members and escalating competition in the market, the task was multi-faceted. The Board and the incumbent CEO desired a transformative leader—someone who could inspire confidence, rally the long-standing team, attract new talent, and chart the path for the next growth chapter.
THE STRATEGY
To ensure a precise fit for this significant role, we conducted a thorough examination of the organization. We spent time with each member of the leadership team and Board of Directors, and conducted on-site visits to both manufacturing facilities to develop a deep understanding and insight to solidify our vision of the skills, experience, and style that the ideal leader would need to be successful. With this clarity, we sought our existing network and identified new candidates. Our outreach was conducted personally by our Senior Partners with deep expertise in the industry, ensuring discretion and precision.
Regular updates were provided to the company's leadership and Board, ensuring alignment throughout the process. The selection was rigorous: internal and external candidates underwent interviews with our team before being presented on a long list to the CEO and Board. Our team designed the client’s interview process which included video and in-person interviews with Board members and the leadership team, followed by a final presentation round for the top three prospects.
INDIVIDUALS CONTACTED ACROSS THE US
STATES CANDIDATES WERE IDENTIFIED
POTENTIAL CANDIDATES EVALUATED BY THE SEARCH COMMITTEE
OF PRESENTED CANDIDATES RECEIVED A CLIENT INTERVIEW
THE RESULTS
Silvester & Company guided the decision team to a top three and then organized a final, in-person presentation to the Board. After spending time in-person at each site and with the leadership team and Board, candidates were well prepared to present their own SWOT analysis and strategy to taking on leadership of the company. While all were excellent candidates, the team was unanimous in their selection after the final presentations. Through a thoughtful and diligent process with a highly engaged team, all stakeholders felt strongly we had found the truly unique leader who could usher in the next chapter of success for the organization.
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