Situation:
Global Leadership sought to invest and build presence in one of the most strategically important growth markets, China, and in particular to build out an automotive and manufacturing industries team from scratch specifically targeting local Senior Partner lateral hires from competitor firms. The client wished to identify a search firm that had both the network, the reach, the methodology and the “find a way” culture to break into what is a highly complex and idiosyncratic local Chinese marketplace. At the same time they needed a search partner that could help market their brand in such a way that it could appeal to even the most successful Leadership Candidates currently employed by direct MBB competitors.
Actions:
River were mandated to assist and flew a team into Shanghai to lead the project. The River team conducted a large-scale regional research process and identified and mapped more than 160 predominantly Chinese national leaders in Strategy Consulting in China, Taiwan and Hong Kong. The team helped to qualify and ascertain the talent pools key client relations, pricing strategies, sales and innovative assets and consulting IP.
Outcome:
In less than 9 months The River team has completed 3 successful Senior Partner hires all from direct competitor business covering Digital, Insurance and AMI sectors. The search continues and we expect to close a further 3 Senior Partner Hires that will likely include two female partners.