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Case Studies

Hiring a CFO for an African Reinsurer

By Vicki Bedeman
28-01-2025

Addressing the Talent Challenge

 

A leading reinsurer in the African market faced an urgent need to appoint a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). With the imminent departure of the existing CFO, the company required a strategic leader to oversee financial restructuring, cost optimization, and long-term financial stability. However, the specialized nature of the reinsurance sector meant that the talent pool for experienced CFOs with relevant industry expertise was limited. The company needed an external candidate who could bring a fresh perspective and the right skill set to navigate the complexities of the African reinsurance market.

 

A Strategic Search Approach

 

Understanding the urgency and complexity of the role, we partnered closely with the reinsurer to develop a comprehensive hiring strategy. Our approach included:

 

  • Defining the Ideal Candidate: Through extensive discussions with the client, we created a detailed candidate profile outlining the key qualifications, experience, and leadership attributes required for the role.

  • Casting a Wide Net: We conducted a rigorous market scan, identifying a long list of 30 potential candidates with the necessary expertise in financial leadership within the insurance and reinsurance sectors.

  • Rigorous Evaluation and Selection: Each candidate underwent a meticulous assessment process, including multiple interview rounds and in-depth discussions. This process enabled us to narrow the list to five highly qualified prospects, each meeting the reinsurer’s exacting requirements.

 

Overcoming Challenges and Achieving a Timely Placement

 

One of the major challenges in the hiring process was the notice period of the selected candidate. The incoming CFO had a standard three-month notice period, which posed a risk to the company due to the urgent leadership gap. To mitigate this, we facilitated negotiations between both parties, ultimately securing an earlier start date.

 

The newly appointed CFO seamlessly integrated into the company and made an immediate impact, spearheading financial restructuring initiatives and optimizing operational costs. Their strategic contributions have played a pivotal role in enhancing financial stability and positioning the reinsurer for sustainable growth.

 

This successful CFO placement highlights the importance of a well-structured executive search strategy. By combining in-depth market knowledge with a rigorous selection process, we ensured that our client found the right financial leader to navigate the evolving reinsurance landscape in Africa.

 

Need Help Finding the Right Executive Talent? At Antal, we specialize in executive search solutions tailored to your industry needs. Whether you're looking for leadership talent in finance, insurance, or other specialized sectors, our global network and expertise can help you secure the right professionals for long-term success.

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