Client overview: Growing with a global vision
Our client, a global family-owned company with 4,000 employees operating in nearly 100 countries, has a mission to promote healthy nutrition through the production of high-quality vegetables. With an unwavering commitment to quality and sustainability, their operations are both vast and complex. When their German subsidiary, with 150 employees, needed a new CFO, they turned to Friedrichs & Partner / Kestria Germany to help find the right leader who could maintain their standard of excellence.
The challenge: Finding the perfect fit for a unique leadership duo
The German subsidiary operates under a dual leadership structure, with both a Chief Financial Officer and a Chief Commercial Officer at the helm. For the CFO role, our client required more than just technical expertise - they needed someone who would seamlessly align with the existing Chief Commercial Officer, share the company’s values, and ensure a smooth and productive collaboration.
This was no small task. The ideal candidate needed to be skilled, dynamic, and aligned with the company’s culture. Additionally, the role required a high degree of on-site presence at the company’s rural German headquarters, a significant consideration for many candidates.
Our approach: Going beyond the CV
Understanding the importance of personal fit as well as professional experience, Friedrichs & Partner / Kestria Germany launched an intensive and highly targeted search. We focused on candidates from mid-sized companies with deep financial expertise and a strong connection to the food industry. We also paid close attention to finding someone who could thrive in the unique setting of the company’s German headquarters, situated outside major metropolitan areas.
Key Search Criteria:
- Experience in mid-sized companies: We targeted candidates with hands-on experience in organizations that mirrored the size and complexity of our client’s subsidiary.
- Food industry background: Familiarity with the food sector ensured that candidates could hit the ground running and adapt quickly.
- Personal alignment: Emphasis on cultural fit, alignment with company values, and the ability to collaborate effectively with the existing leadership.
The outcome: A seamless match for future success
After an exhaustive search, we found a candidate who not only met every technical requirement but also clicked on a personal level with the leadership team. Following a series of in-depth interviews and an extensive assessment process, the candidate was approved and successfully onboarded as the new CFO.
The appointment was celebrated as a success, not just because the candidate had the right qualifications, but because they had the right mindset and attitude to help steer the subsidiary towards future growth.