Case Studies
Cambridge builds long-term relationships with our clients by taking the time to understand their unique business issues, approaching each assignment with a carefully planned strategy, focused goals and clear communication, and then executing successfully with knowledgeable, experienced professionals.
Below are just a few samples of the projects we have completed for our executive search, interim management and career transition clients. We would be happy to provide case references from satisfied clients in your particular industry.
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Executive Search
Case #1
The Challenge: A high profile Canadian financial organization with a strong international presence, had a critical need for a Vice President, Wealth Management to develop and implement new applications, enhance existing applications, and ensure the availability and stability of their deposit and wealth management systems during a critical period.
The Response: Cambridge identified and recruited, from a very competitive field, a highly experienced individual with a demonstrated track record in both IT and Wealth Management, who was not “on the market”, but was intrigued by the challenge and ready to make a move.
The Result: Our client was extremely impressed by the the candidate’s ability to rapidly assess the situation and determine a course of action, and expressed great satisfaction at Cambridge’s handling of the search.
''Your integrity, especially in your profession, was so refreshing... I certainly want to continue using your services for future initiatives.''
- D.S., Vice President
Strategic Human Resources
Case #2
The Challenge: A well established, profitable and growing engineering and scientific company required a new President & CEO to provide people leadership, international sales growth and improved business processes.
The Response: Cambridge identified and recruited, from a short list of impressive candidates, a highly experienced leader with cutting edge business process experience and strong international sales expertise in a technologically sophisticated environment.
The Result: The selection committee organized for the client was very impressed by the field of candidates proposed, as well as the detailed interview assessments and candidate profiles provided. Members indicated a very high level of satisfaction at Cambridge’s executive search capabilities.
''... the selection process and the outcome were excellent. We certainly would be happy to recommend Cambridge to other corporations.''
- J.M., Chairman
Interim Management
Case #1
The Challenge: A publicly held high-tech company was experiencing growth and management pains that, if left unchecked, would lead to financial ruin. Cambridge was asked to provide an exceptionally strong Interim COO who would unleash shareholder value through the production and execution of a solid plan designed to turn the company around.
The Response: Cambridge provided a nationally recognized “company doctor” whose industry experience and track record made him an exact fit for the task at hand. Acting decisively, he developed and implemented a highly effective business plan that reorganized the company, refocused the product lines, instituted a best-in-class materials management process and dramatically cut costs.
The Result: The result of this engagement speaks for itself. During the Interim CEO’s one-year tenure, this company captured the top spot in a ranking of all TSE listed technology stocks with a remarkable 463% increase in share price!
Case #2
The Challenge: A major aerospace company turned to Cambridge to provide a flexible-term executive who could quickly capture purchasing department synergies following a period of rapid growth through multiple acquisitions.
The Response: Cambridge provided a seasoned professional with hands-on acquisition, operations and supply chain management experience within one of Canada’s largest companies and a demonstrated track record of financial and operational results.
The Result: Working in a politically charged environment, his “hands-on” approach won the respect of the employees and resulted in the financial savings of millions of dollars within the purchasing departments of the newly acquired companies.
Career Transition
Case #1
The Challenge: Job interviews are stressful for even the most confident executive, but our large telecom client required assistance for a departing business development executive who had recently moved to Canada and was not yet fluent in English.
The Response: Cambridge worked diligently with the individual to improve his communication and presentation skills and develop specific techniques for communicating, to overcome minor language difficulties and highlight his capabilities in an interview setting.
The Result:After a highly competitive and rigorous interview process that included numerous supplier and client presentations, the individual was successful in securing an important role within a major computer company.
Case #2
The Challenge: Cambridge was asked to provide career transition assistance to a senior marketing executive near retirement, who was, frankly, quite skeptical of our ability to improve his networking and presentation skills.
The Response: Cambridge’s senior counsellors worked closely with the individual, using videotaped practice interviews and actual interview feedback, to objectively critique and update his image, improve his communication skills and better utilize his network of contacts.
The Result: The individual was able to launch a new career with a growing, successful company, and has since increased his responsibility within the new organization. He credits Cambridge with providing the support and inspiration to persevere and ultimately succeed.
Career Transition Candidates
“From our initial meeting... it was clear my emotional well being was your first concern. Your sensitivity and positive directives made it very easy to dispel the trauma and get on with the goal of re-employment. The tools you provided; the use of a computer network, the business indexes and reference materials, combined with your experience and guidance, covered the entire spectrum of what was needed for a successful re-employment strategy.”
- T.M.
“Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for standing with me when others were leaving me alone... thank you for your tough love, and telling me things I did not want to hear... Thank you for sharing my successes and helping me laugh at my failures... together we made the new opportunity a reality.”
- N.S.
“I have finally achieved employment in a position with a Canadian company in the industry of my choice – I met all my re-employment criteria, which is remarkable. On reflection of this period in my life, I can only conclude that I, personally, owe you and your friendly associates, far more than (the employer) ever paid you. Your consistent counsel and cajoling provided me with the confidence to renew my life after many setbacks... I can only wonder at your patience and perseverance – all those hours of professional direction and good solid advice.”
- F.C.
“Thank you for your kindness and compassion in helping me to work through this very difficult and emotionally trying period in my life. You and all the Cambridge staff were there to counsel, guide and direct me through a maze of emotional challenges, and helped me face the daunting task of finding new employment. I found your genuine concern and careful counselling to be a large factor in my finding a better, more rewarding position in a relatively short period of time.
- P.J.
“During a time of transition in my life, your organization helped me get on the right footing to conduct a successful job search. Our meetings helped to collect my thoughts and experiences and arrange them in a meaningful way. In addition, our discussions helped me to see that the career possibilities were endless. I am now employed... and having the time of my life! The position is a challenging one and one that gives me opportunity to grow on a personal and professional level.”
- Z.J.
