CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
Location Impact: United States, with a broader influence on the company’s global operations
THE CHALLENGE
Our client, a prominent fintech powerhouse in the Asia Pacific region boasting a valuation of over $1 billion, faced a novel and exciting challenge. Known widely in its home market, the company aimed to replicate its success in the United States, a territory where it had no prior footprint. Our task was to identify and recruit a Chief Operations Officer who could spearhead this ambitious expansion. The ideal candidate needed to possess not only expertise in the U.S. product market but also a global business perspective and the dynamism required for a startup environment. This individual would be instrumental in crafting the U.S. market strategy, assembling a high-performing team, and establishing the brand in a new and competitive landscape.
THE STRATEGY
Our strategy hinged on a comprehensive understanding of the client's existing product portfolio and their vision for the U.S. market. Recognizing the necessity to engage candidates unfamiliar with the client's brand, our approach combined thorough market education with a clear articulation of the unique opportunity at hand. We focused on aligning the client's culture and commitments with a leader capable of navigating the U.S. business milieu. This involved a meticulous process of identifying and engaging candidates who not only grasped the product and market intricacies but also thrived in a startup setting, poised to build from the ground up.
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
A pivotal aspect of our engagement was educating the client on the dynamics of the U.S. market, including potential competitors and the specific requirements and expectations of candidates for such a pivotal role. Our swift and targeted search process was aligned with the client's ethos of rapid and decisive action. From a comprehensive list of potential candidates, the client interviewed a select few, ultimately appointing a highly qualified COO who fulfilled every criterion.
The newly appointed COO soon encountered an unforeseen challenge following the client’s less-than-ideal IPO. Despite these hurdles, he played a crucial role in maintaining the momentum of the U.S. and Canadian market strategies. Six months into his tenure, the client acknowledged his significant contributions in not only navigating the challenging market landscape but also in pivoting the product focus and continuing to build a world-class team. This case underscores our commitment to identifying leaders who can adapt, innovate, and drive success in dynamic and challenging environments.
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