Head-hunting hits the headlines…
(As a proud Yorkshireman, this pains me!)
Last week, news broke that #manchesterunited had pulled off the surprising appointment of Omar Berrada from neighbours #manchestercity as their new #CEO.
It can often be forgotten, but when stripped back it’s core, a football club is a business to the extent that it involves investment (in players, stadium, customer service, etc) and a return (from ticket prices, merchandise, sponsorship and broadcast rights).
Much like the business worlds in which we operate, having the right leadership team and infrastructure to drive change and realise success is of paramount importance.
Similarly (though not always), these high performers are fully employed, operating within a similar capacity and seen as a key player within a closely aligned organisation.
So, how was such a significant coup orchestrated?
Whilst the details have naturally remained confidential. We know that the club conducted a search for an executive, operating within industry, offering commercial expertise, with a proven record of successful leadership and a passion to help lead change.
Berrada was reportedly identified, professionally pursued, with his services being secured in a timely and discreet manner.
This type of approach wouldn’t be appropriate for many other roles within the organisation, but in this instance where a business-critical mandate needed to be fulfilled by an industry credible leader – they entered a process and conducted a thorough search.
The end result? They landed their target.
Whilst this strategy doesn’t guarantee that Berrada will be a success, his track-record does mitigate his risk of failure and his appointment is one that has seen energy and optimism injected into an otherwise failing environment.
Why wouldn’t you take a similar approach when strengthening your own team?
#headhunting #searchandselection #retainedsearch #seniorleadership #executivesearch #confidentialsearch #slt #leadership
