Conducting an Executive Search for a strategic and commercial thinker to be appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer for this highly active organisation.
The Brief
After a competitive RFQ process, Future Leadership, was called upon by this peak body to serve as search partner in appointing a new Chief Executive Officer. The organisation were seeking to appoint a high-profile CEO who would continue to build on its strategic, operational and membership success. The CEO reports to a Board of senior industry leaders representing their diverse membership base nationally. This organisation has strong credibility as an effective peak body in the marketplace.
The ideal candidate was identified to have a passion for the industry and be a strong advocate, have track record in leading the operations of an Association, Peak Body or similar organisation and knowledge of the sector. The role requires the highest level of corporate governance and provides sound and innovative advice to the Board. Superior advocacy and policy expertise, government relations and stakeholder engagement are key to success along with outstanding communication and media skills.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
The Future Leadership team planned a search strategy and the consultant leading the search and research team, systematically mapped the market and an extensive search was conducted nationally and across New Zealand with a focus on industry associations, membership bodies, rail, transport and infrastructure sectors, government entities, and government relations positions. Over 200 conversations as well as extensive email exchanges were held with prospective candidates and referring sources. In total there was over 50 formal applications. Five candidates were selected to progress through to panel interviews, Future Leadership supported the conduct of panel interviews and completed full 360 degree reference checking prior to confirmation of the successful appointment.
Key steps included:
- Briefing and Strategy Development: A full briefing to understand the role’s strategic priorities and challenges. At the conclusion of the briefing the attributes of the successful appointee had been defined and the specific nuances of the position identified.
- Targeted Candidate Search: The search process included contact with referral partners to gain their recommendations for potential candidates, or their own interest. The search was additionally supported by an online advertising campaign, providing broader exposure for the opportunity.
- Candidate Assessment: Full behavioural interviews were conducted by the Future Leadership team in order to identify a highly qualified shortlist to present to the health service. The shortlist briefing provided an opportunity for each candidate to be discussed in further detail.
- Final Evaluation: Future Leadership supported panel interviews for highly qualified candidates, followed by full reference checking and appointment negotiation with the preferred candidate.
The Outcome
The successful candidate appointed to the position of Chief Executive Officer was an accomplished industry sector leader with more than 15 years’ experience in association management. They had led their prior organisation through a period of significant growth during their nine years at the helm, helping establish the organisation as a leading industry group in the sector. They oversaw development of 160 members providing a range of member services including training and development.
