Founded in 1982, AKW Holdings, is a leading designer, manufacturer, and supplier of adaptive products to the assisted living market in the UK, France, and US with ~350 employees globally. AKW sells over 4,000 highly specialized care products designed to enable the elderly and disabled to live independently.
Reason and Purpose:
This was a critical succession planning hire for AKW with their longstanding and successful CEO retiring, against a backdrop of the current investor owners approaching a proposed exit. The incoming CEO needed to display previous private equity healthcare manufacturing and distribution experience with AKW wishing to bring in someone with proven exit experience.
Why Compass Carter Osborne?
CCO were appointed following a highly competitive pitch process. Factors behind the awarding of the project included; understanding the brief; sector & specific nuances of the search; industry track record; engagement & passion demonstrated; and our commitment to diversity.
Search Process / Methodology:
Compass Carter Osborne undertook a thorough search process. In addition to our established network (specifically focussing on healthcare businesses with a distribution network), we also worked to identify PE backed manufacturing & distribution companies.
Target mapping for the CEO role included the following sectors: Diagnostics, Medical Device manufacturers, Integrated Care Equipment and Technology Enabled Care Services providers, Commercial Kitchen & Bathroom suppliers, and PE Backed manufacturing companies.
Outcome:
As this was a succession planning role it was essential that a long-term and consultative approach was taken to appoint a high profile, and at this stage confidential, CEO. A first-time hire was completed.
Meet the consultants
Sam Leighton-Smith BA Hons
T: 0208 036 3530
E: [email protected]