McLean were mandated to undertake the CEO search of a government entity concerned with engineering, science, technology and highly innovative applied research (the technology exploitation of a £600M+ per annum research entity). We were required to employ a multi-market executive search process, with a rigorous approach to candidate evaluation and selection. We managed this process from briefing to successful appointment, leading all aspects of project communications and final candidate due-diligence (the position came with developed vetting requirements from a security perspective). Our expertise in global technology and high innovation markets (including relevant government and non-profit sectors) provided us with the ability to attract interest from a genuinely wide section of public and private sector industries. Our deep experience of searching for and attracting business leaders for public sector innovation and R&D positions also prepared us well to respond to the remuneration barriers that we often experience when trying to attract leaders in wider commercial markets.
Outcome: Our skills and methodologies, in particular within diversity targeting, also enabled us to secure a 50/50 gender balanced shortlist from whom the successful candidate was appointed – despite the gender imbalance found within STEM led industries. We have since gone on to help secure several exco and high impact future leaders for the organisation for the placed CEO – which demonstrates the trust we have built with the organisation and our focus on delivering on-going value for this unique enterprise.
