REASON FOR SEARCH

Acorn Growth Companies approached Raw Selection to help them find a new CFO for their recent acquisition, Aerospheres. The new CFO would be tasked with supporting the portfolio company’s growth, focusing on both EBITDA and revenue expansion, and will be based out of the UK.

THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM

Acorn Growth Companies is a well-established private equity (PE) firm that specializes in investing in Aerospace & Defence companies globally. Since its establishment in 2004 by Rick Nagel, Acorn has been investing in the lower-middle market with a focus on companies with revenues between $50 million and $200 million.

THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY

Aerospheres, founded in 2000, is a spare-parts company serving over 350 customers worldwide, including major airlines, cargo operators, and leasing companies. The business has grown organically, without outside-funded debt, and has an entrepreneurial mindset. Aerospheres is focused on renewable energy and has a strong culture of real-time reporting.

THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS

Acorn Growth Companies provided a detailed brief outlining the key experience and skills required for the role:

• Experience working in a distribution business
• Aerospace and Defence industry experience
• Previous CFO or FD experience
• Experience in growth businesses

WHY RAW SELECTION

Raw Selection was selected by Acorn Growth Companies for this search due to their proven track record of completing challenging searches across Europe and North America. Acorn had already exhausted their network before reaching out, making it essential to find the right candidate quickly. Within just four days, Raw Selection presented a shortlist of two qualified candidates.

THE PROCESS

Raw Selection’s Managing Partner, Alex Rawlings, took the lead on this search. Working closely with Carol Crick, Hiring Manager at Acorn, Alex conducted an in-depth analysis of the company, its culture, and the exact profile needed for the role. After screening over 150 profiles and conducting 20+ interviews, Raw Selection narrowed down the search to a shortlist of two candidates, all of whom were evaluated for cultural fit.

The final selection, Dean Falconer, had a proven track record in the aerospace industry and had previously worked for a private equity-backed company, making him an ideal fit for the role.

THE RESULT

Dean Falconer was hired as CFO for Aerospheres and quickly made a significant impact, not only in finance and accounting but also by driving cost reduction strategies and improving procurement and purchasing operations.

WHAT THE CLIENT THINKS

"Alex presented us with an excellent final candidate who we subsequently hired and are looking forward to them making a big impact on the business. I would highly recommend Alex and Raw Selection to any Private Equity firm looking to secure exceptional talent."

Carol Crick, Managing Director, Acorn Growth Companies

OUR THOUGHTS ON THE SEARCH

This search was particularly challenging due to the need for a candidate who could be commutable to the site and had the right mix of industry experience and cultural fit. The successful appointment of Dean Falconer and his subsequent contributions highlighted the effectiveness of Raw Selection’s approach to identifying top-tier talent for demanding private equity-backed businesses.

Alex Rawlings, Managing Partner & Founder