The Board of this newly-formed company approved the investment to build and launch the business by hiring a CPO. The objective was to keep the business lean and agile with a distributed model of remote teams. This CPO role was unique as they would be employee number one and report directly into the Board. Their mandate, as CPO, was to take over a product in an MVP stage and build it into a scalable product ready for release.
Our client is a startup backed by a large financial institution, developing a self-serve insurance platform app for international markets. The company’s mission and purpose is to help build wealth for all citizens in an under-served market by protecting their assets through appropriate insurance and helping to grow their assets through prudent investment management.
We were seeking a product management leader with experience launching a successful consumer experience to millions of users. We were also seeking a leader willing to be an individual contributor until the business was ready to begin adding headcount. While the ideal candidate would have financial services background, this was less important than experience with a successful consumer facing product.
The Hire
This hire had over 18 years of employment experience, 6 of which were spent managing two high profile digital products used by millions of Canadians. This hire also had experience launching net-new consumer experiences across web and mobile, 8 years experience in the financial services industry, and is considered a subject matter expert in mobile banking products. Their ability to re-image and release products through teams working in agile pods of Product Managers, Designers and Engineers was one of the key attributes needed to be successful in this role.
When hiring our first CPO, we were looking to branch out beyond our network. The Martyn Bassett Associates team was able to source candidates that we were wanting, but unable to get on our own. We were presented with a wide range of fantastic candidates.
What I love about working with this team is they’re there to help. I have weird requests, they jump on the phone and we figure it out. I need someone in a hurry, they hustle. I maybe need someone ages from now, they keep an eye out. I have a question about a salary, or am unsure about how to approach something – they know. We’ve used them for a few years, and we’ve had nothing but great experience working together. Wish I had found them a few years sooner.
We were impressed with both the speed and the high-calibre of candidates we had to choose from. Martyn Bassett Associates really listen to what you’re looking for and the entire process is very smooth and stress-free.
The entire Martyn Bassett team was easy to work with and we were able to quickly develop an open and transparent partnership. Leveraging their strong expertise and extensive talent network, they helped us find the technology sales leaders and management services experts we needed.
A true value-adding partner in identifying talent. The team at Martyn Bassett Associates were quick to zero-in on our requirements and rigorous in pre-qualifying candidates for consideration. They are focused and fast! Their expertise and experience added value throughout the process and resulted in an outstanding final outcome for Roadpost. This is a team that will strive to exceed expectations.
30 St. Patrick Street – 9th Floor,
Toronto, ON,
Canada, M5T 3A3
416-935-1400 ext. 201
1-888-778-0057
