REASON FOR THE SEARCH

Despite already having a CEO in place, Acorn knew they needed someone with stronger leadership capabilities and so came to us for a completely confidential replacement while the existing CEO was still in position.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

Acorn Growth was established in 2004 and specializes in investing in Aerospace & Defence companies. Their focus is within the lower to middle market and they have offices located in the US and London. Acorn invests in operating companies that strive to enhance global mobility, protect national interests, and develop next-generation intelligence-gathering technology. Acorn works in tandem with management to build its portfolio companies into significant market leaders.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Since 1990, Aerospheres has been providing the commercial airline and maintenance repair and overhaul (MRO) industries with all their material requirements. Over 800 global airlines and maintenance outlets rely on Aerospheres’ logistical infrastructure and its ability to source and supply even the most difficult materials with the same or next-day delivery service.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

Acorn Growth Companies gave us a very detailed brief, the successful candidate had to have experience in all the following areas:

• Someone who worked for a competitor business
• Aerospace and Defence experience
• Managing Director / CEO experience

WHY RAW SELECTION

A key challenge for this search was identifying candidates with the right level of experience who also came from competing businesses. There was a real shortage of this particular type of business in the UK.

This meant we had to complete a very narrow search in order to find the correct profile and also look at profiles that would be open to relocation to the area.

However, Raw Selection is proven in completing difficult searches across North America and Europe, and we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.

THE PROCESS

To secure the candidate, Raw Selection followed their extensive 15-step process to ensure a great match was found for the vacancy.

Due to this being a confidential search, as they had a current incumbent, Acorn Growth Companies reached out to Raw Selection to secure this profile. We had to operate this search under an NDA process and complete confidentiality as this is a very tight sector and everyone knows everyone.

Using our extensive 15-step process, we completed a very narrow and specific search to fit in with the specific requirements and we identified a list of 20+ Managing Directors / CEOs based in the UK who all had the right type of experience and worked for a competing business.

This search was urgent for Acorn, with an immediate need to fill. Because of how narrow and specific our search was, we were able to supply a shortlist of 5 candidates, all fully interviewed and measured for culture fit within 3 weeks of commencing the search.

The profile that was hired was an experienced Aerospace CEO with a proven track record of managing, developing, and growing businesses.

ACORN GROWTH COMPANIES COMPLETES THE EXIT OF AEROSPHERES TO FDH AUDAX PRIVATE EQUITY BACKED COMPANY

Paul has already made some great improvements to the business, growing revenue and customer base. He has even taken Aerospheres through to a successful exit around a year and a half after he started the new role.

He remains on as CEO under the new Private Equity Firm, Audax Private Equity.

Because of how successful this search was, Acorn has since retained our services for three subsequent searches for different job titles and locations.

WHAT OUR CANDIDATE THOUGHT

"Working with Alex was very easy. His approach was very professional and the feedback was excellent. Alex and his team work very hard to ensure a good match between candidate and business. The level of communication was tremendous with regular updates and calls before and after meetings. Alex worked extremely hard to resolve any issues and made the recruitment process as easy as possible. I would happily recommend the Raw Selection service."

Paul Thompson, New Chief Executive Officer, Aerospheres Ltd

THE CLIENT'S THOUGHTS

"Having previously worked with Raw Selection on a successful search, we engaged again for a search for our Aerospace portfolio company. Alex presented us with an excellent final candidate who we subsequently hired and are looking forward to them making a big impact on the business.

I would highly recommend Alex and Raw Selection to any Private Equity firm looking to secure exceptional talent."

Carol Crick, Managing Director, Acorn Growth Companies

OUR THOUGHTS ON THE SEARCH

Acorn Growth Companies needed a CEO to take consumable distribution business Aerospheres to an exit. After the successful introduction of Martin, the CFO into the business, we were asked to complete a strictly confidential replacement of the current CEO. Paul worked for a direct competitor in Ansett Spares and Services and had extensive experience and relationships with major airlines and both customers and target customers of Aerospheres. We know that Paul was instrumental in the successful exit of Aerospheres moving from private equity ownership under Acorn Growth Companies to new private equity owners of Audax, being acquired by their portfolio company FDH.

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GET IN TOUCH

Raw Selection favors a meticulous approach to talent research. Our process for selecting the right talent means we can boast a 100% success rate for all our retained and engaged C-Suite clients, with 100% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.

If you are looking for new talent, please get in contact with Alex today, at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com