An innovative plant-based food start-up, based in Vancouver, recently collaborated with Pender & Howe to build a high-performing leadership team to spearhead an ambitious expansion plan.
The company was on the verge of launching a unique, proprietary product line in the US and Canada and required a seasoned, dynamic leadership team to lead this critical growth phase and prepare it for the future.
The challenge was to find high-performing professionals for the CEO, COO, VP of Marketing, and VP of Product Development roles who combined an entrepreneurial spirit with proven success in scaling CPG companies – and who could work well together.
The Pender & Howe Approach
To start, our team at Pender & Howe worked closely with the founder to fully understand their vision and company culture. We then initiated a search for all four positions simultaneously, with the CEO role being the first priority.
Leveraging our vast industry network and cutting-edge digital tools, we quickly identified a pool of qualified candidates with:
- A deep understanding of the plant-based food market and its trends.
- A proven track record of building and leading successful teams in a competitive market.
- Experience translating innovative product lines into compelling brand stories and strategy.
- Expertise in scaling operations and building a strong supply chain.
Through meticulous screening and evaluation, we presented six strong CEO candidates, each aligning with the founder's desired experience, expertise, and personality. Following in-depth assessments, we shortlisted four top performers, with comprehensive insights into each candidate's qualifications and fit. This data-driven approach led to a quick hiring decision, with a new CEO onboarded within three months.
As building a cohesive team was paramount, we prioritized compatibility with the founder and CEO, and then kept the CEO's preferences for team dynamics in mind throughout the remaining search process. We then utilized in-depth candidate assessments and rigorous interview processes to narrow down the pool to highly qualified individuals who could be the best fit.
Bringing together a dynamic, cohesive leadership team – in less than 4 months
Pender & Howe successfully recruited a full, high-performing leadership team for the client, including a CEO, COO, VP of Marketing, and VP of Product Development – within four months.
With this leadership team in place, the company was well-positioned to execute its launch strategy effectively, ensuring a strong market entry. It now has the foundation for long-term success in the competitive plant-based food industry.
If you’re looking to build a leadership team that can drive your company’s growth and success, Pender & Howe is here to help. Our team of experts is ready to partner with you to find the right talent for your organization. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your executive search needs and help you achieve your strategic goals.