We delivered a top-tier strategist to support C-Suite and drive post-pandemic growth initiatives across the US medical market.
“Freshminds were fantastic, we could have offered everyone who made it to the final round.”
Success Story
PE-Owned Global Exhibitions Company Needs Support Exploring the US Medical Market
Search – Offer – Start: 6 weeks
Our Client
Our client creates world-class B2B exhibitions and trade shows. Bought by a mid-market PE firm in 2019, in early 2021, they were outlining a strategy for rapid post-pandemic growth in the US. The plan was to build on a strong track record of healthcare conference production and develop new routes to market across the US medical landscape.
“We needed a top-tier strategist to flesh out and execute the growth plans – someone with the right blend of functional growth experience, knowledge of the US healthcare, pharma and medical markets and – ideally – a grounding in B2B events & exhibitions. And we needed them fast!” Client Feedback.
Key Challenges
Multiple stakeholders: this would be a key strategic role with a dotted line to multiple C-Suite members, all of whom would be involved in the hiring process along with our client’s PE backers. Robust, well-planned communication throughout would be essential.
Niche requirements: the ideal candidate would combine functional expertise with two layers of specific industry knowledge.
Our Approach
As a partner of choice for many mid-market PE firms and their portfolio companies, Freshminds has a deep knowledge of talent acquisition in post-investment contexts.
After an initial C-Suite briefing, we ran a series of deep-dive scoping conversations to make sure all parties were aligned on the purpose and profile of the role. Regular stage calls ensured that this alignment was retained.
Having established that functional experience in CDD and M&A was of primary importance, we focussed first on consultants from tier 1 & 2 strategy houses before honing our shortlist to those with relevant industry knowledge.
“6 months in and he’s working really well across the team - doing a great job of driving our business plans forward.” Client Feedback
Outcomes
Week 3: client & PE fund presented with a shortlist of 6 top-tier candidates
Week 3-4: R1 interviews
Week 5: final round interviews
Week 6: offer and acceptance - start date confirmed
The US medical market is complex and competitive, even more so against the backdrop of the pandemic. For our client, hiring a senior strategist with the right blend of functional and industry experience was essential in order to move at pace, build trust and cement their authority in the space. By applying our deep knowledge of talent acquisition, and decades of experience in post-investment expansion and change, we were able to deliver a smooth, thorough process and provide a rapid solution to support our client’s drive for growth.
“We’re keen to engage you with other companies in our portfolio.” Partner, PE Fund