Background
CMAP is a SaaS business that develops bespoke project management software, selling into project-focused businesses such as architectural firms and creative agencies. In 2019, the business looked to strengthen its board with the addition of a CFO in order to:
- Explore external investment – de-risking the CEO & Founder
- Support international roll-out plans
- Become a ‘right-hand’ for the CEO – exerting greater financial influence
Rowan were retained by CMAP CEO & Founder, Dave Graham, in order to appoint the new CFO for the business.
Journey
Rowan formed a close partnership with CMAP Founder, Dave, getting under the skin of his vision for the business, and how Rowan could attract the right calibre and culture of CFO to realise his ambitions: As experts in Executive Search, Rowan:
- Acted as advisors to the owner, by guiding & simplifying the business through a private equity journey – finding & defining an investable people & commercial strategy
- Leveraged our network of CFO’s to identify high-calibre candidates
- Assessed candidate experience of attracting & working with external investors
- Examined candidate experiences working internationally
- Evaluated candidate leadership styles – aligning towards CMAP culture
Peter McCormack was successfully appointed as the new CMAP CFO through our Search & Assessment process
Impact
Peter McCormack joined CMAP with a highly relevant track record and skillset:
- CFO of a global, listed connectivity business
- Responsible for external investor relations
- Led day-to-day operations for the whole business during an 18-month absence from the CEO
After joining CMAP, Peter worked side-by-side with Founder, Dave, to attract a multi-million-pound investment from North Edge. They have since built a management and scale-up team, supported by Rowan, to deliver their growth strategy
