SUCCESSFULLY PLACING A CFO FOR A LARGE FAMILY OFFICE

Case Study: 
Successfully Placing a CFO for a Large Family Office

In the high-stakes world of private equity, the right leadership can make the difference between a portfolio company’s exponential growth and stagnation. At Hazeltine Executive Search, we specialize in the art and science of executive placements, meticulously curating talent that not only meets the stringent demands of private equity firms but also exceeds them. Our bespoke approach is designed to unearth leaders who are not just equipped to navigate today’s challenges but are also visionary enough to steer towards tomorrow’s opportunities.

Client: Large Family Office

Challenge

The Family Office had spent over 12 months working with multiple search firms to find a Chief Financial Officer (CFO) but had no success. Despite reviewing over 68 candidates, none matched the unique needs and culture of the organization. Frustration and disappointment were mounting, and the office was on the verge of abandoning the search altogether.

Our Approach

Recognizing the critical nature of this placement, we initiated a detailed conversation with the President of the Family Office to fully understand their organizational culture, the specific qualities they were seeking in a CFO, and the unique dynamics that other search firms had missed.

We emphasized the importance of cultural fit alongside the technical qualifications, which had been a key reason for the previous mismatches. With this deep understanding, we launched a targeted search focusing on candidates who not only possessed the necessary financial acumen but also aligned perfectly with the Family Office’s values and long-term vision.

Outcome

In just a few short months, we successfully identified and placed a CFO who was the ideal fit for the Family Office. The candidate possessed not only the technical expertise required for the role but also the cultural alignment and leadership style that the Family Office was seeking.

Post-Placement Success

We conducted multiple follow-ups with both the new CFO and the Family Office to ensure a smooth transition and ongoing satisfaction. The feedback from both parties was overwhelmingly positive, with both expressing their gratitude for what turned out to be an exceptional match.

The President of the Family Office noted the stark contrast between our approach and that of the previous search firms, highlighting our dedication to understanding their needs as the key to this successful placement. This case underscores our commitment to not just filling positions, but finding the right leaders who can drive long-term success for our clients.

Partner with Us

At Hazeltine Executive Search, we are more than just recruiters. We are strategic partners committed to your success. Contact us today to learn how we can help you secure the leadership that will drive your growth and success in the competitive private equity landscape.
Hazeltine Executive Search was founded on the principle of forging genuine partnerships with our clients to achieve the ultimate aim of securing outstanding talent for their teams.​