Executive Search for a Chief Executive Officer for an Aviation Services Business

Business Type: Aviation Services

Location: Indonesia

Executive Search Consultant: Samantha Wilson, Associate Director of Executive Search & Aviation Recruitment

Our client, an Aviation Services business, provides services for the Oil & Gas and Medivac industries. The executive search for their new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) was led by a small team including the owners and directors of the business.

Our client was familiar with GOOSE Recruitment due to the work we had completed together for Engineering and Technical roles. Our client was keen to maintain their recruitment requirements in Executive Search with their favoured recruitment partner.

The Challenge

The client sought our expertise in recruiting a highly skilled CEO who not only met the specific experience criteria but also aligned with the unique demands of the role.

The challenge was multifaceted:

Experience in Hardship Locations: Finding candidates who had a proven track record of operating successfully in challenging environments, demonstrating resilience and adaptability.
Operational Management Background: Many Senior Executives lacked a strong foundation in operational management within a rotary organisation and this was essential to navigate the complexities of the business.
Strategic Vision: The role necessitated a clear strategic vision to guide the organisation towards its long-term goals while remaining hands-on in execution.
Experience with SMEs: Familiarity with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) was crucial, as it often requires a different approach compared to larger corporations.
Leadership of Large Teams: The candidate had to be capable of managing a team of around 100 people, ensuring effective leadership and organisational cohesion.

Our Approach

To address the challenges, we developed a strategic, tailored search process:

1. Client Needs Assessment:

We conducted two in-depth meetings with the client to fully understand their requirements, focusing on understanding the requirements of their new Chief Executive Officer. As we were already familiar with the business, we sought further clarity and definition on the future growth and strategic vision and how this would impact the needs of the candidates we sought and presented.

2. Compensation Advice:

We discussed clear compensation guidelines from the outset to align expectations and optimise interest within our client’s budget. Our focus was particularly on discussing the latest trends in Long Term Incentive Plans (LTIPs) and Short Term Incentive Plans (STIPs), which are increasingly prevalent for this type of position.

3. Market Mapping & Candidate Sourcing:

We conducted extensive market research to understand the Aviation Services sector, particularly focusing on rotary aircraft providers, while leveraging our experience in aviation and airline recruitment to identify overlapping talent.

4. Proactive Candidate Engagement:

Leveraging GOOSE Recruitment branding for confidentiality, we proactively reached out to targeted candidates, emphasising the opportunity to lead and drive transformation within the business.

5. Comprehensive Interviews:

We conducted in-depth interviews to thoroughly assess candidates while presenting the client’s compelling value proposition. This process allowed us to evaluate not only the candidates' qualifications and experience but also their cultural fit and alignment with the organisation's vision. By fostering an open dialogue, we gained insights into each candidate's leadership style and strategic thinking, ensuring that we identified individuals who could truly excel in the role and drive the company’s success.

6. Refined Shortlist:

Following several rounds of rigorous interviews, we curated a refined shortlist of highly qualified candidates, showcasing a diverse range of expertise from various regions and international markets. Each candidate was meticulously evaluated not only for their professional qualifications but also for their potential to bring unique perspectives and innovative solutions to the role.

This comprehensive approach ensured that the client had access to a selection of individuals who not only met the technical requirements but also possessed the cultural and strategic fit necessary to propel the organisation forward.

7. Final Selection & Offer Management:

We supported the client through the final interview and offer stages, ensuring a smooth transition during the candidate's notice period and up to their start date.

The Outcome

We successfully placed a candidate who relocated from the UK, previously serving as a Chief Operating Officer (COO) in a large organisation. This individual brought a fresh perspective and a wealth of experience to the role, proving invaluable during a period of restructuring. Their strategic insights have not only facilitated a smoother transition but have also fostered innovation within the team. As a testament to their effectiveness, they remain with the organisation today, driving long-term benefits and contributing to a revitalised business strategy that positions the client for continued success.