Context: A global digital platform company launched a search for a Regional Vice President of Software Engineering - EMEA, an executive-level role central to its next stage of growth. The client had engaged a large retained search firm two months earlier and had already advanced in the process, having shortlisted candidates and paid a significant portion of the agreed fee.
Challenge: Despite progress with the incumbent search provider, the client remained curious about alternative talent pools and search approaches. We were invited to participate, with transparency that a hiring decision was likely to favor the retained firm’s candidates due to timing, process maturity, and financial commitments already made.
Approach: Leveraging our independence and agility, we identified talent from companies that were off-limits to the retained firm, organizations where our competitor could not recruit due to existing client relationships. Our team conducted a highly focused, fast-moving search that combined market insight with deep technical alignment and leadership filtering.
Result: Within days, we presented a candidate who was not only immediately relevant but clearly superior. The client ultimately opted to discontinue the retained search process, despite prior payments, and proceeded with our candidate: the then-VP of Software Engineering at a major European fintech unicorn.
Impact: This engagement reinforced the value of working with a boutique, conflict-free partner capable of outperforming established players through sharper targeting, deeper access to passive talent, and a truly competitive spirit. The client has since appointed us to additional senior mandates across engineering and technology leadership.