Looking to drive strategic transformation in a not-for-profit or regulated sector? Here’s how we helped a UK-based energy supplier appoint a Non-Executive Director (NED) with the expertise to support a bold 10-year growth strategy — despite a highly competitive and narrow talent pool.
Not-for-profit or mission-driven organisations seeking experienced strategic oversight
Leadership teams aiming to scale after a plateau in performance or impact
Boards looking for NEDs with cross-sector insight and transformation experience
Client context:
A well-established not-for-profit energy supplier had reached a plateau in growth after a successful initial phase. The leadership team recognised the need for external guidance as they prepared for a new 10-year strategic plan.
Primary brief:
Appoint a Non-Executive Director with proven experience of overseeing growth and transformation
Bring in an external perspective that could challenge and support the existing executive team
Ideally, source talent with experience in the energy, telecoms, or technology sectors
Secure a candidate who understood the nuances of operating within a not-for-profit context
Key challenge:
The not-for-profit model significantly narrowed the candidate pool. Many high-calibre commercial NEDs were typically more drawn to equity-backed opportunities or private sector organisations.
To overcome the challenge of a constrained candidate market, we designed an executive search strategy that highlighted the mission, impact, and strategic influence of the role — ensuring it would attract the right calibre of Non-Executive Directors.
We created:
A compelling candidate briefing pack, articulating the organisation’s purpose, market relevance, and future vision
A client video overview, offering personal insight from the CEO and Chair to emotionally engage prospective candidates
Messaging that clearly communicated the scale and complexity of the transformation challenge
While initially focusing on energy-sector leaders, we expanded the search to include:
Telecoms and tech executives with transferable leadership and operational expertise
Commercial NEDs with a track record of supporting executive teams through growth cycles
Individuals seeking to add a purpose-driven, not-for-profit role to their portfolio
We applied a sector-agnostic but outcome-specific lens, focusing on candidates with experience delivering growth in constrained or regulated environments
Conducted in-depth interviews and cultural fit assessments to ensure alignment with the board and executive team
Presented a diverse shortlist that balanced industry insight, governance capability, and transformation track record
Our client appointed an experienced NED with a strong background in both the energy and telecoms sectors, who had previously guided two organisations through major growth transitions.
Why they were the right fit:
Brought deep sector knowledge and boardroom maturity
Had demonstrable experience navigating complex organisational growth
Was actively seeking to expand their portfolio with a purpose-led opportunity
Understood the financial and operational constraints of the not-for-profit model
“We were thrilled with the calibre of the shortlist. The appointed candidate brings not only strategic insight but also a clear commitment to our mission and long-term growth goals.” — Client feedback
Board experience alone isn’t enough — look for transformation capability and sector relevance
Purpose and mission can be a major attractor for commercial candidates seeking portfolio diversity
Narrative and positioning matter — especially when competing for top-tier talent in niche markets
We specialise in executive and board-level appointments that require a careful balance of governance, transformation experience, and sector alignment.
👉 Contact us on 020 7160 6996 for a confidential discussion about how we can help you recruit impactful Non-Executive Directors or senior leaders for your organisation.
Let’s find the right leadership to unlock your next phase of growth.
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