D3O, owned by Beringea the leading private equity firm, is a truly global and highly innovative components supplier working with some of the leading brands and manufacturers of footwear and sporting goods in the world.
Brief
D3O had experienced 3 years of continuous double digit growth, but now their strategic plan highlighted the opportunity in the workwear and apparel categories in the North American market. To convert this significant opportunity the business identified the need to secure an experienced senior business development leader.
Drayton Partners were asked to run an extensive search across the US and Canadian markets to find an individual with the required experience, network and knowledge of the sector in the North American market. The individual would bring the expertise and credibility to work with both existing clients and importantly target new clients, allowing the company to continue on its growth path over the coming 5 years.
Drayton Partners Approach
Managed directly by one of the team’s senior members, experienced in the sports and apparel sector, a talent map of the US/Canadian was undertaken, both from within the sector and also, where relevant, external of the sector. A shortlist was presented of individuals from across the continent as a result of extensive networking, personal recommendations and a targeted search.
Outcome
The successful candidate was appointed within 3 months, having come from the Workwear sector. However, prior to that, he had worked within the Apparel sector, both in product and category management positions, before moving into the commercial arena. The individual had outstanding product and manufacturing process knowledge, which proved invaluable in terms of impact within D3O but also, critically, within the external market.