The Challenge

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A rapidly expanding private aviation organization aimed to transition to a publicly traded entity. While possessing strong industry knowledge across the organization, they identified a gap in experience and knowledge related to public company operations and a strategic need to focus on upgrading the talent within the finance team. Amid the special purpose acquisition company (SPAC) process, they sought a Chief Financial Officer capable of preparing the organization for public status and successfully concluding the SPAC transaction. They needed a seasoned professional, adept at collaborating and influencing the leadership team across the organization, and capable of implementing the requisite systems and processes to ensure success as a public entity. Pacific has proven functional expertise in this area so the VP of HR, who was previously a client at another company, was excited to retain Pacific to help with the appointment of this critical leader.

The Solution

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Securing C-level placements is inherently complex, demanding not only profound functional expertise and well-established processes that anticipate and mitigate risks at every turn but, most importantly, a foundation of mutual trust between the company’s leaders and the selected executive search partner.

Pacific’s team, seasoned in navigating these challenges, has faced these challenges many times before. Implementing a meticulously crafted go-to-market strategy, the focus was set on engaging with CFOs and senior finance leaders from mid-sized, high-growth organizations with IPO or SPAC experience. This strategic approach led to the identification of nearly 250 candidates and referral contacts.

The Results

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Following an extensive process, Pacific successfully crafted a diverse shortlist, ultimately identifying an exceptionally qualified candidate from the Biotech Sector who seamlessly aligned with the organization’s requirements. The candidate, upon accepting the offer, brought a robust skill set, including recent experience in taking his former organization public through a SPAC. Importantly, he possessed the right personality style to effectively drive and influence the process.

Since joining the organization, he has played a pivotal role in taking the business public, demonstrating significant progress in implementing the necessary processes for it to thrive as a successful public entity.