Client
Brief

It was essential that the successful candidate could undertake the responsibilities as CEO of a private equity backed portfolio business.

They required a proven and demonstrable understanding of UK foodservice, wholesale, and retail distribution channels, within both chilled and frozen food.

As a member of the European portfolio board, they were also required to be a French linguist.

Our
Process

Utilising our international executive network of candidates we built a shortlist of experienced CEO’s, targeting the UK market and Western Europe, also advertising on localised job boards in France.

As specialists we were able to accurately target French private equity backed Food businesses of a similar or larger scale.

Interviews were conducted among roughly 40 longlisted candidates to assess suitability, potential for domestic or international relocation, language skills, and record of operating on a French private equity board.

The
Candidate

The successful candidate was a proven Chief Executive, with direct experience within a high-growth PE backed businesses.

They had previously bought, scaled, and sold their own food manufacturing operations in France.

Furthermore, they understood the culture of the investment fund, as well as the day-to-day operations of running a UK manufacturing business.

The
Result

The candidate joined the organisation shortly following its recent acquisition from private ownership.

As CEO, they were able to implement significant standards, processes and procedures to professionalise the operation in both short and long-term..

They also set a clear strategic growth plan, targeting the development of new products that were more appropriately aligned with their customers and key accounts, refocussing their attention onto brand development and extension.

As a result, they successfully entered new categories and opened new channels of distribution.

Following our partnership, the business successfully steered through covid and has undergone a strong period of growth from 2022 onwards.