Executive Search Lead consultant David Ziebart, put his global experience to practice in partnering with Private Equity firm Castlerock and Brooklands Pet Products on their most recent search. Working alongside Castlerock Investment Directors Andrew Paterson and Jono Steele, Andrew has this to say about the experience:
"We hadn’t worked with Tribe Leadership prior to this engagement but made initial contact based on a recommendation from another PE firm. As this was a regional NZ hire, we considered appointing a national full-service firm like Tribe Leadership as well as a local firm based in the specific region. Tribe Leadership’s candidate reach, and experience in PE hires, were the deciding factors.
We had a very positive experience. We were regularly kept up to date and knew that the process was in highly capable hands. The quality of the candidate shortlist, and the written pack we were provided, were excellent.
The results speak for themselves – Tribe Leadership delivered us a diverse, high quality and well vetted shortlist, which helped ensure a smooth selection process."
Overview
Brooklands Pet Products are one of New Zealand’s largest wholesale pet accessory distributors, selling circa 4000 pet related products to New Zealand’s pet retailers, groomers and veterinary clinics. They are a family business that were recently acquired by private equity firm Castlerock Partners LP in March 2023, and Tribe Leadership supported the recruitment of a strategic and hands-on CEO to guide the business through its next stage of growth and success.
Methodology:
This was a hybrid search, focusing on local outreach to the New Plymouth market, mapping and identifying relevant CEOs and General Managers working in products and distribution related businesses of circa 100 employees and below. In addition to research, headhunting and LinkedIn optimisation, we also supported the search with a targeted digital content campaign, attracting talent from across New Zealand and Australia, who had the circumstances to work in New Plymouth full time. We have also utilised our offshore Kiwi networks.
Thorough competency-based interviewing has allowed us to prioritise candidates that possess not only the technical prerequisites, but also likely to be the best cultural fit for both the family and the investors.
Result:
Tribe Leadership presented an A and B shortlist of 10 profiles, of which Castlerock took our recommendations to interview 5. The interview feedback was extremely positive, with two proceedable candidates they would have been happy to offer. The preferred candidate has happily accepted the role and starts their role in December 2023.
If you are seeking your next executive or board appointment reach out to the Executive Search team at Tribe Leadership for a confidential chat, execsearch@tribegroup.com
