Challenge
A global digital transformation consultancy sought to enter the Energy market in France and Benelux with no existing sector footprint. The ambition was to build a new Energy offering from scratch, led by a Partner capable of shaping strategy, winning clients, and scaling a cross-border practice.
This was a critical strategic hire. Success depended on finding a leader entrepreneurial enough to build a business, credible enough to open doors in a conservative market, and senior enough to operate as a true Partner from day one.
Why River
The client engaged River for granular market intelligence across the French Energy ecosystem and access to senior leaders beyond its existing network. Traditional search routes were surfacing predictable profiles. River was selected for its ability to combine data-led market mapping with senior-level engagement of passive, commercially proven Energy leaders.
Approach
- Conducted a data-led market mapping across the French Energy ecosystem
- Benchmarked leadership talent across 32 relevant firms
- Assessed candidates on entrepreneurial mindset, practice-building experience, and ability to launch a proposition within an unfamiliar brand
- Acted as advisor and advocate — educating candidates on the opportunity while helping the client continuously refine the brief
Outcome & Impact
- Mapped 32 Energy-relevant firms
- Identified and benchmarked 126 senior leadership profiles
- Secured 1 Partner hire to launch and lead the Energy practice across France & Benelux