The Challenge
The leadership team needed to hire a new president for a group business that was being readied for sale within an 18-month timeframe. This was a critical and highly confidential replacement hire—one that required discretion, precision, and speed.
After exhausting internal channels and sourcing strategies, the few candidates identified were not even close to credible. The process was stalled, and the business risk was growing. The only remaining option was to engage an external confidential executive search partner—but not just any firm. The stakes were too high for a generic approach.
The Solution
Fields and Rudd quickly emerged as the standout choice among the search firms considered. Their sector knowledge, network depth, and highly personalised approach gave us immediate confidence. Unlike larger firms, the people who pitched the work were also the ones who delivered it—sourcing, assessing, and presenting candidates directly.
From the start, Fields and Rudd operated with honesty, discretion, and clarity. They took the time to deeply understand the business, the leadership profile required, and the sensitivities involved. With a structured yet agile process, they moved quickly to build a tailored pipeline of high-quality candidates.
Within weeks, several strong contenders were identified—each thoroughly vetted and aligned to the brief. One candidate stood out as a top-tier performer with an exceptional track record and strong cultural fit.
The Results
The selected candidate made an immediate impact. Under their leadership, the business met and exceeded key performance milestones. Most notably, the original 18-month sale timeline was dramatically accelerated: the deal closed in just 9 months.
This successful placement not only supported the business through a critical transition—it also became the foundation of a long-term partnership. Fields and Rudd is now the first call when a confidential, high-stakes hire is required.
“Fields and Rudd delivered exactly what they said they would—with minimal fuss, complete discretion, and a refreshingly honest approach. Their ability to understand the brief and act quickly made all the difference. We now view them as an extension of our internal team and highly recommend them.”
— Client Executive