Consumer Goods and Services (CPG)
Rebuilding Trust at the Helm of a Transforming Organization
Context
In the fast-paced and competitive fitness sector, a mid-sized European organization was undergoing a critical transition in leadership. The departure of the previous General Manager created both a vacuum and a pivotal opportunity to re-establish strategic direction and internal alignment. The organization sought a dynamic and grounded individual to reenergize its executive committee, bring leadership presence to field operations, and reinforce its position in a market experiencing rapid growth and evolving consumer demands.
Challenges
The outgoing General Manager had struggled to identify a successor, contributing to uncertainty and internal friction. Trust, both from senior leaders and the broader workforce, was fragile. The mandate required identifying a candidate capable of driving performance and embodying a leadership style deeply aligned with the company’s culture. Adding to the complexity, the ideal candidate wasn’t listed in the job description: their profile emerged through mutual networks and a process of reconciling expectations between what was written and what was truly needed.
Our approach
Fauve engaged in extensive consultations with the organization’s board and leadership team to surface unspoken needs and identify the true success criteria for the role. We went beyond matching resumes to job specs—emphasizing psychometric evaluations, deep reference checks, and a layered interview process combining internal and external assessments.
Despite not fitting the traditional mold, the candidate came highly recommended through a referral and shared a unique dual connection with both the hiring manager and Fauve. This convergence offered a level of insight and trust rarely achievable in conventional searches. Our team guided the client through reevaluating criteria in real-time, staying agile and human-centered throughout the process.
The impact
The placement had a ripple effect: the new General Manager’s influence was quickly felt not just at the top, but across regional teams. The process also helped the organization redefine what leadership success looks like—a critical insight that will inform future appointments. The alignment achieved through this mandate laid the foundation for long-term organizational health and performance.