Objective: NextGen Global Executive Search was retained to fill a VP Product Management for a client who was a leader in supplying Metro Carriers the Optical Networking Ethernet systems they needed to deliver Ethernet Based high speed, profitable services and transport. The individual being sought to bring a high level of Business/Technical leadership to this company who had a seasoned management team and funding from top Silicon Valley venture capital firms.  This person would need a minimum of ten (10) plus years of classical product or business management experience within the telecommunications/optical networking industry, focusing on the evolution of the capital equipment marketplace.  This client, who had used us before, came to NextGen GES because of our reputation in the market for similar searches, as well as the client’s confidence in our ability to deliver the right candidates quickly and based on our previous track record with them.

Search Strategy: This search was particularly interesting in that the client was not interested in relocation requirements that included 3rd party home purchases or large sign-on bonus payments to compensate for extreme cost of living adjustments…this opportunity was geared toward candidates who understood the Bay Area start-up risk/reward continuum.  NextGen GES conducted a thorough search for candidates in the geographical area of the Greater Silicon Valley Area which included key competitors and parallel industries.  Our focus was on candidates that were currently employed making significant contributions to their companies.  Having interviewed more than 40 candidates in an industry/area known to have an extraordinary amount of talent at the executive level, NextGen GES was able to profile 3 outstanding candidates which were presented in a “short list”, all of who met the location and cultural requirements.

Results: The search resulted in NextGen GES finding a candidate from one of the client’s direct competitors who were performing similar responsibilities and ready for a new challenge.  Feedback from the client showed that the candidate had not only met but exceeded their own expectation.  The client was particularly pleased with our search methods and exhaustive research and immediately moved to make an offer of employment.  In addition, they were quite satisfied with how our team kept them informed throughout the process, the speed in which we executed, and the quality of the selected candidates. The placed individual went on to lead this company to a significant acquisition which proved very profitable for all concerned.  This client continued to use us for many additional high level searches through acquisition.

Client: Optical Networking Manufacturer

Position: VP Product Management

Case study of retained search by Craig Hufford, Practice Lead for Enterprise Telecom and Mobility in recruiting a VP Product Management for an optical networking vendor in Silicon Valley.