REASON FOR THE SEARCH
Artemis Capital Management had just completed an acquisition in Chicago, but their existing CFO lacked the necessary Private Equity (PE)-backed experience to effectively support the onboarding and integration of new acquisitions. They needed a highly qualified CFO to help drive their strategic goals.
THE PRIVATE EQUITY FIRM
Artemis Capital Management, LP is a Boston-based investment, research, and technology firm that specializes in investing in industrial and manufacturing companies across the United States.
THE PORTFOLIO COMPANY
R.M. Lucas Company was founded in 1912 and supplies professional-grade coatings, adhesives, and sealants. The company is expanding its distributor and applicator network across North America and continually develops new, innovative products to address evolving construction technology challenges.
THE SEARCH REQUIREMENTS
Artemis Capital required a candidate who met the following criteria:
- Private Equity-backed experience
- Proven CFO experience
- Background in building products, specifically roofing products
- Experience in turnaround and distressed company scenarios
- M&A and integration experience
- Ability to be located on-site in Chicago
WHY RAW SELECTION
Artemis faced significant challenges in finding a candidate with the exact skill set they needed. Having worked with Raw Selection previously, Artemis turned to us once again to help fulfill the search. Within just three weeks, Raw Selection was able to present an exceptional candidate.
Jack Burns, Principal, and Sean Butt, Senior Associate at Raw Selection worked closely with Rudi Coetzee, the hiring manager, to understand the company, its culture, and the exact profile required for success in this role. Although finding the right talent in Chicago was a challenge—particularly with the need for a candidate who had specific experience in roofing products—we expanded our search beyond the local market. We sought candidates with solid accounting backgrounds and a proven ability to implement rigorous financial reporting systems.
Our thorough and detailed process helped us secure a candidate who not only met the requirements but also brought additional valuable skills to the table.
THE PROCESS
Raw Selection’s comprehensive 15-step search process began with identifying 389 potential profiles. After a rigorous screening process, the list was narrowed down to 25 candidates, all of whom were fully interviewed and evaluated for culture fit.
Konstantin Semenov was identified as the ideal candidate. After multiple screening calls and interviews, Konstantin was hired for the role of CFO at R.M. Lucas Company.
Artemis Capital now has a CFO who aligns with their initial mandate and is poised to play a key role in achieving the company’s strategic objectives, particularly in supporting acquisitions and integrating new businesses.
RESULTS
Thanks to Raw Selection’s dedicated search, Artemis secured Konstantin Semenov, a highly skilled CFO with the right experience and a strong cultural fit. Konstantin’s expertise in accounting, financial literacy, and ERP system implementation made him an ideal fit for a company that had historically faced financial disorganization. He will now be pivotal in streamlining R.M. Lucas’s financial operations and supporting future growth initiatives.
THOUGHTS ON THE CANDIDATE
Sean Butt, Senior Associate at Raw Selection shared his thoughts:
“Konstantin fit the search requirements perfectly. He had a solid accounting background and had implemented ERP systems multiple times throughout his career. His practical experience in implementing accounting measures across organizations that were previously ‘financially messy’ made him the right fit to bring R.M. Lucas Company’s financial operations to a compliant, well-organized state.”
THOUGHTS ON THE SEARCH
Jack Burns, Principal at Raw Selection, noted:“Once Konstantin was identified, we acted quickly. The interview was arranged within 24 hours, and throughout the process, the candidate was kept informed, providing timely feedback from both the candidate and Artemis Capital. This approach ensured the process moved smoothly and efficiently, with Konstantin eventually securing the role.”
Sean Butt added:
“Artemis Capital Partners has secured a standout CFO who will be instrumental in helping them with acquisitions and the integration of new businesses. Konstantin is a seasoned financial expert who will ensure that their operations remain compliant and financially strong.”
As a direct result of this search, Artemis Capital now has a CFO capable of driving financial systems and strategic growth. The successful placement has strengthened their ability to acquire and integrate new businesses efficiently.
Artemis Capital Partners now regards Raw Selection as their preferred partner for all future executive-level searches.
GET IN TOUCH
Raw Selection’s meticulous approach to talent research ensures a high success rate for placing the right talent. We proudly maintain a 100% success rate for all retained and engaged C-suite clients, with 96% of placed candidates still in their roles after 12 months.
If you are looking for top-tier talent for your organization, please reach out to:
- Sean Butt: sean.butt@raw-selection.com
- Jack Burns: jack.burns@raw-selection.com
- Or contact Alex Rawlings, Managing Partner, at alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com for more information.
