The U.S. manufacturing subsidiary of a global paper enterprise needed to hire a strategic Mandarin speaking CFO to guide the company’s next growth phase. The organization was seeking a financial leader with industry experience to support its U.S. operations and act as a liaison with its global management team in China. Robert Half’s executive search team identified candidates with the unique skills and experience needed and facilitated the selection process.

Our relationship

The company previously engaged Robert Half’s executive search team to assist in hiring a CEO for its newly acquired U.S. manufacturing facility. The CEO then turned to Robert Half’s executive search team to find a CFO who could provide financial leadership to the management team.

Opportunity

The parent company purchased the paper mill to extend its reach into the U.S. market and recognized the value of revitalizing the 50+ year-old facility to resurrect a proud heritage of high-quality paper manufacturing in the region. The U.S. expansion plan called for a CFO to help guide a $100M investment in the facility and lead the company’s financial growth strategy.

Strategic approach

Robert Half’s team recommended that leadership consider a CFO who could work remotely, due to the facility’s rural location and small pool of qualified local candidates. The search was widened to include the nearest large metropolitan area to increase the likelihood of finding a CFO who could meet the company's unique requirements.

Solutions

The executive search team identified a CPA candidate with industry experience who was familiar with international accounting practices and regulations and fluent in English and Mandarin Chinese.  The candidate was open to working remotely, making the occasional 3-4-hour drive to the paper mill, and accommodating a 13-hour time difference to liaise with the global management team in China. 

Results

With our help, the CEO and global management team now have an experienced partner to provide financial guidance. Under the new CFO’s leadership, the mill is expected to produce approximately 300,000 tons of product per year when fully optimized. Finding the right leadership to drive the business has had positive economic impacts in the region.
Hiring leaders can be a challenging process. With the assistance of an experienced executive recruiting team, organizations that are transparent about their needs, flexible, open-minded and have realistic expectations are more likely to succeed at finding and hiring leaders who meet their search criteria and are a cultural fit. 

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