Two Senior Hires...
1. Head of Finance & Operations
2. Head of Sales
Our Client
Formed in 1989 APC Cardiovascular has earned a reputation as a successful and well-respected healthcare sales and distribution company. Providing sales and support for cardiovascular and cardiology products, they supply hospitals, clinics and health-centres worldwide with a range of cutting edge products of the highest quality.
Having enjoyed strong early growth following the acquisition of the business by husband and wife team Stephen and Amanda Law-Lyons in 2008, despite challenging economic conditions at the time the business flourished and soon they established a strong domestic and international presence with operations in both the United Kingdom and in Europe.
The Brief
Looking to strengthen their senior management team and develop a succession plan for the future, APC retained Sherrington in early 2020 to recruit two new senior managers, a Head of Finance & Operations and a Head of Sales.
The Head of Sales would need a strong background in medical devices and have a demonstrable track record of building and leading successful sales teams selling to the secondary care sector.
The Head of Finance & Operations would require a chartered finance leader capable of optimising financial systems and processes, achieving cost efficiencies and building financial models to support the future growth of the business.
The Result
Prioritising the appointment of the Head of Sales, recruitment began in early 2020 and despite an exacting brief, a shortlist was developed within a four week window and a candidate was appointed just before the pandemic hit the UK. Nicola Capaldi joined APC in March 2020, bringing with her a wealth of experience from major medical devices businesses including Stryker and Covidien. Despite joining right at the start of the first national lockdown, Nicola went on to steer the sales team through unchartered waters in her first year, growing sales into year two and supporting APC’s growth ambitions.
Recruiting the Head of Finance & Operations began in early 2021 with a clear brief to attract a chartered finance leader with experience in both large and small company environments who could bring sophisticated financial leadership and innovation to the business. An extensive search was carried out and candidates from multiple sectors were identified and assessed. In May that year, Ben Flynn was appointed to the role, previously Chief Financial Officer at sustainable footwear startup Ocean Refresh and previously Acting CFO at global laboratory services business Synlab.
Owner and Chief Executive Officer Stephen Law-Lyons commented on the results of the search…
As part of our succession planning we identified the need for senior business leaders with proven expertise in their fields who could bring their successful experience and industry relationships to our small business. We approached Sherrington to help us put the plan together and execute the headhunting. Sherrington knew this was going to be a challenge as our specifications and standards are high. I am delighted with both the service and the result from Sherington. Both positions were successfully filled with world class individuals who are now part of our senior management and are leading our business to achieve its goals short and long term – it feels like they have always been here.
Stephen Law-lyons – CEO, APC Cardiovascular
