A confidential search for a new Finance Director
A Derbyshire-based manufacturer, operating for over 250 years, engaged us in an executive search for a new Finance Director to steer the business through a turnaround process.
The Challenge
The client was in the middle of a turnaround process, and had just appointed a new MD.
The business needed a strong #1 finance leader to help steady the ship; someone who could manage a demotivated team while driving change through what can be a difficult process.
The owners had initially considered advertising and managing the search themselves. However, their People Director was keen to use a recruiter, due to the wider reach and process steering an established recruiter can bring to an executive search.
We were engaged on a confidential, exclusive basis to recruit an experienced CFO.
Our Approach
We didn't run this as a standard 'advertised search'. Given the confidential nature of the role and the seniority required, our first port of call was the Exec Search team's network - the finance leaders who aren't actively job hunting, but are open to the right conversation. We've built that network over years of placements and relationship management — it's the kind of resource that you don't get from job board searches and advertising; it only comes from having placed someone before and having stayed in touch since."
One name stood out immediately: this was a candidate we'd placed previously, who'd been promoted through the ranks and had first-hand experience steering a business through its own turnaround. This candidate had proven experience in stepping into an unmotivated team to lead them through big changes, and come out positively on the other side.
They were approached directly via phone call and briefed on the role; their familiarity with the Sewell Wallis team meant it could be an open, candid conversation about what the business actually needed.
From there, the process moved quickly. Because the introduction came through an existing relationship rather than a cold application, there was no lengthy screening phase to work through — just a fast and focused conversation between the right people at the right time.
The Outcome
Our candidate was appointed as the business's new CFO following a 3-stage interview process. His people management skills turned out to be as important as his finance expertise, helping to steady a team that had been running on uncertainty.
For our client, this appointment meant more than filling a vacancy. It gave the business a finance leader who was able to work alongside the new MD to drive change, and bring a calm and experienced hand to drive the finance team to move forward. The hire both fit the job description, as well as the exact moment the business was in.
This search was a reminder that our strongest placements often aren't found via advertising or cold LinkedIn messages — they're already known to us.
People Director
When it comes to finding a recruitment partner, I genuinely couldn't recommend Sewell Wallis and their team highly enough.
From the very beginning, they invested the time to truly understand our business, not just the roles we needed to fill, but our culture, ambitions, values, and the direction we were heading as an organisation. Rather than taking a transactional approach, they aligned their search strategy with our long-term objectives, ensuring every candidate they introduced was a strong fit both professionally and culturally.
Over the course of our partnership, Sewell Wallis has successfully supported us with recruitment across a range of roles, from junior appointments through to the recent appointment of our Chief Financial Officer. Their ability to consistently identify high-calibre candidates at every level is a testament to the strength of their market knowledge, network, and recruitment expertise.
One of the things that sets Sewell Wallis apart is the quality-over-quantity approach they take. We haven't had to spend countless hours reviewing hundreds of CVs or interviewing unsuitable candidates because they take the time to get it right. By developing a genuine understanding of our business from day one, they consistently present candidates who closely match our requirements, saving us significant time while giving us complete confidence in every recommendation they make.
Equally important is the experience they create for candidates. Throughout our partnership, we've consistently received outstanding feedback from candidates on the professionalism, communication, and care shown by the Sewell Wallis team throughout the recruitment process. They represent our business exceptionally well, ensuring every candidate feels informed, respected, and valued, regardless of the outcome. That level of care not only enhances the candidate experience but also strengthens our employer brand in the market.
Sewell Wallis has become far more than a recruitment agency or supplier to us; they are a trusted extension of our business and a true strategic recruitment partner. Their professionalism, integrity, responsiveness, and commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes have made them an invaluable part of our growth journey.
I have no hesitation in recommending Sewell Wallis to any organisation looking for a recruitment partner that genuinely cares about your success. We look forward to continuing what has become a long-term and highly valued partnership for many years to come.
