A Transformational CEO Placement in Healthcare Staffing
One of the largest locum tenens staffing firms in the US engaged us to identify a new Chief Executive Officer. The company, generating over $60M in EBITDA and acquired by a global private equity sponsor in 2022, had successfully scaled over two decades. With post-pandemic shifts reshaping workforce expectations and increased demand for modernization across the sector, the business was preparing for a new era of strategic growth and cultural revitalization.
The Challenge
Following a long-tenured CEO’s transition to Chairman, the company faced a pivotal leadership inflection point. It had maintained stability during a volatile market, but required a next-generation leader to adapt the organization into a faster, more dynamic company. The board and private equity sponsor sought a CEO who could build on the company’s strong foundation while ushering in a new era of innovation, cultural energy, and market leadership.
Key criteria included:
Experience leading a $40M+ EBITDA healthcare or staffing businesses
Demonstrated success modernizing legacy organizations and energizing culture
Track record of success commercial models in locum tenens or clinician staffing
Assess, coach, and elevate the existing senior leadership
Our Approach
We collaborated with the company’s private equity sponsor to define a leadership scorecard anchored in cultural transformation, commercial modernization, and operational excellence. Our search prioritized sitting or former CEOs with experience in healthcare workforce solutions, track records of revitalizing culture, and fluency in high-margin staffing models.
The Candidate
Our process surfaced a uniquely positioned executive: the former second-in-command at one of the industry's largest players. Highly visible and deeply respected, she trusted our team for its discretion and guidance on the opportunity. Eager to take the next step in her career, she saw this role as the right platform at the right time. Throughout the process, we offered insight into private equity dynamics and helped her understand what would ultimately win over the sponsor.
The Outcome
The selected candidate was appointed CEO in January 2025 and made an immediate impact. Walking into a senior team that had been in place for over two decades, she quickly earned their trust, integrated seamlessly, and reignited performance. Within her first 90 days, she had hired and onboarded a new CFO, established a visible and engaged leadership presence, and gained strong support from both the board and sponsor. Her placement represents a generational leadership shift—one that is already delivering momentum and positioning the firm for long-term growth.
