Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs for early stage Energy Company

The Brief: An independent UK energy company specialising in unconventional sources of exploration required a Head of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs. The company’s activities, particularly fracking, had attracted significant negative media coverage and aggressive lobbying from environmental groups and local communities. The newly created role was designed to lead the communication and political strategy, build a robust stakeholder strategy, manage planning and community issues, and oversee agency support. Reporting directly to the CEO, this position was crucial for navigating the complex and contentious landscape. The company had previously engaged another headhunting agency, but after six months, they had not delivered the required calibre of candidates. Under incredible time constraints, we were given one week to develop a shortlist. The client did not require benchmarking; they urgently needed a suitable candidate.

The Challenge: The primary challenges were:

1. Navigating the contentious nature of fracking and the intense public and political scrutiny associated with it.
2. Addressing the urgency of the search, as the client had already experienced delays and was under significant time pressure.

Our Approach: To address these challenges, we employed a strategic and focused approach:

1. Client Engagement: We gained a clear understanding of the role’s requirements, identified why the previous shortlist had not met the standards, and reviewed who had been approached.
2. Targeted Search: Leveraging our specialised knowledge and extensive contacts in the industry, we specifically targeted key individuals. Our market intelligence, built up over 10 years of networking, enabled us to quickly identify and assess suitable candidates.
3. Swift Execution: Knowing who to approach allowed us to gain early commitment from potential candidates, ensuring we could deliver a shortlist within the tight timeframe.

The Solution: Within one week, we delivered three fully screened candidates to the client, all of whom were capable of meeting the demands of the role. The timing of the offer and acceptance was critical, impacting both the potential start date and the overall financial remuneration for the candidate. We managed this process swiftly, ensuring a successful outcome without jeopardising the quality of the hire.

Client Reaction: The client was thoroughly impressed with our ability to deliver high-quality candidates under such tight time constraints. Our expertise in the market, coupled with our strategic approach and strong network, ensured that we could meet the client’s urgent needs and secure a successful hire.