CFO Search Confidential | Public E-Commerce Company

A publicly traded e-commerce company with over $600 million in annual revenue engaged us to conduct a discreet search for a new Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Following the departure of their prior CFO, the company required a swift and confidential replacement who could bring strategic leadership, financial discipline, and investor credibility during a time of operational transformation and increased market scrutiny.

Client Overview

The client is a publicly traded consumer-facing e-commerce company, requiring leadership to stabilize its finance function, support public market expectations, and drive operational efficiency.

Financial Strategy

Stabilizing financial reporting, forecasting, and audit readiness for a complex e-commerce platform.

Leadership

Providing seasoned leadership in the wake of a CFO departure and aligning finance with corporate growth goals.

Strategic Planning

1

Stakeholder Alignment

Aligned on priorities with the CEO and board to ensure a smooth leadership transition and redefined expectations for the finance function.

2

Market Mapping

Targeted CFOs with experience in public companies, e-commerce, and high-growth consumer businesses.

3

Confidential Screening

Conducted discreet outreach and interviews to assess both technical capabilities and cultural fit for a fast-paced, investor-facing environment.

4

Regular Updates

Provided consistent updates to stakeholders while preserving the confidentiality and urgency of the search.

Key Challenges

Confidentiality

The search had to be conducted discreetly following the exit of the previous CFO.

Specialized Expertise

The role required experience with B2C e-commerce, public company reporting, and operational scaling.

Time Sensitivity

The company needed a new CFO in place within 90 days to avoid disruption to financial operations and investor relations.

Cultural Alignment

Candidates had to match a dynamic, results-driven culture with high transparency and accountability.

Outcomes

Qualified Candidates

Presented three highly qualified candidates, all with experience in public consumer or technology companies, within 60 days.

Successful Placement

Hired a CFO with extensive public company and digital commerce experience within 75 days.

Immediate Impact

The new CFO stabilized financial operations, improved board-level reporting, and enhanced forecasting and internal controls—strengthening the company's position with investors and setting the stage for long-term growth.

Key Takeaways

A structured and confidential CFO search process is critical to maintaining continuity, investor confidence, and strategic momentum—especially in high-growth, public company environments.