April 10, 2025
Case Study 2: From Talent Scarcity to Strategic Leadership – Closing a Critical CFO Role for a Pre-IPO Jewellery Brand
Setting the Scene
A leading jewelry brand from Surat was preparing for an Initial Public Offering (IPO). To guide this transformation, they needed a Chief Financial Officer with:
● Proven IPO experience
● Strong leadership in finance & compliance
● Long-term vision and stability
But Surat, a Tier-2 city, posed a geographical challenge for finding top-tier CFOs.
The Challenge
● Limited Candidates : There were plenty of CFOs in the Market but very few <5% were having IPO experience.
● Location disadvantage: Few candidates with IPO credentials were willing to relocate.
● High standards: The company wanted integrity, cultural alignment, and long-term commitment.
● In-house HR limitations: Despite having internal resources, they needed our expertise in strategic hiring.
Our Strategic Approach
1. Nationwide Talent Mapping
- Reviewed over 1,000+ senior finance professionals from metro cities
- Narrowed down to 25 candidates with direct IPO execution experience
2. Deep-Dive Interviews
- Conducted comprehensive interviews with shortlisted candidates
- Evaluated cultural fit, leadership ability, and long-term alignment
3. Client Review
- Submitted 15 refined profiles to the client
- 3 candidates selected for on-site interviews in Surat
4. Beyond Resumes – Background Vetting
- Direct conversations with ex-employers
- Physical address and employment verification
- Delivered a detailed risk report before offer finalization
The Game-Changer
The selected candidate, based in Faridabad, visited Surat on weekends even before joining—showing unmatched commitment.
The Result
● CFO onboarded in under 60 days
● Now leading IPO compliance, investor readiness, and long-term finance strategy
● Client acknowledged us for speed, quality, and integrity of process
✅Outcome: Strategic hire completed. IPO timeline on track. CFO is driving both compliance and growth.
