CLIENT BACKGROUND
A dynamic and growing private equity-owned, multi-site health services organization needed to identify the successor for a highly regarded, long-term member of the leadership team.
CHALLENGE
Within their shared leadership culture, they needed a true strategic business partner to take a sophisticated approach to building organization leadership. The Chief Human Resources Officer needed to be capable of developing technical expertise in key areas of human resources; advancing HR programs and objectives that maximize the investment in employees; and aligning HR initiatives with the organization’s financial and operational goals. The role required a proven, insightful, collaborative, and empathic human resources leader committed to developing a high-performing and engaged workforce amongst the client’s nearly one thousand employees. The incumbent CHRO had provided a firm retirement date and our work needed to align with that established timeline.
CCI SOLUTION
CCI partnered with the senior leadership team to gain consensus on the targeted candidate profile, which included having either “first-chair” HR experience; or “second-chair” experience if they operated autonomously. While the client would have considered a promising, high-potential candidate, the challenges of the role required a proven leader who could step right in. Through a collaborative approach, it was agreed that the search would not only focus on the healthcare services sector but also on other industry experience we felt was transferrable. We conducted a national search with primarily a local or regional focus. Candidates with a broad range of experience were identified and contacted. Through a comprehensive assessment process, we narrowed the candidate pool to not only the most qualified but also the most likely to thrive and succeed in the role and environment.
RESULTS
A shortlist of candidates was submitted within the anticipated six-week timeline and candidates moved through to final interviews. At the conclusion, there were reservations about candidate style and alignment with the private equity leadership team and additional candidates were desired. We proficiently delivered another full slate of candidates for consideration. Six were interviewed and two finalists emerged, making a tough decision for the client. The selected candidate accepted the offer which we had pre-closed. The start date was more than a month before the retirement date of the incumbent and a smooth transition of HR leadership occurred. The client was very pleased with both the outcome and the collaborative partnership we provided. The hired candidate provided 20 years of experience in varied industries, including the healthcare, hospitality, and services sectors, and had successful experience in entrepreneurial settings, which fit well with the private equity leadership team and organizational direction.
