Financial Services Case Study

The Client

Our client is a major global financial services provider engaged in retail and commercial banking, credit cards, investment banking, wealth management and investment management services, with an extensive international presence in Europe, the Americas, Africa and Asia .

The Challenge

The procurement function had been unstable for a number of years and approximately 3.5 years ago, the then CPO was asked to leave.  His successor, though good, with an excellent track record and who delivered against some important targets, left after just two years and the position was once again left vacant for a number of months.  A ‘Caretaker Manager’ was appointed but he did not have a procurement background and the function continued to suffer.

GPA Role & Solution

GPA was invited into the organisation and was asked to supply a number of high level Interims who could perform at the CPO level and just below.  We carried out a formal search and identified a number of individuals who were interested in working with the organisation in an interim capacity.  One of the candidates targeted was also prepared to consider an ‘Interim to Permanent’ role.  He was interviewed, assessed by GPA and submitted to the organisation.  After a detailed assessment process by Barclays, they ultimately offered him the permanent CPO role which he accepted.

The Result

At the same time, a separate search had been undertaken to help the organisation fill a number of senior level roles within the function.  Several candidates were identified and once again, all targeted candidates were interviewed and assessed by GPA. Six candidates were subsequently appointed to senior level roles within the organisation.  We continue to work in support of the organisation and continue to place candidates through contingency based search.