After two agricultural cooperatives joined forces, the newly combined organization faced a gap neither legacy team could fill. It needed a senior executive to lead a substantial grain business spanning origination, merchandising, risk management, storage, transportation, and commercial strategy. The assignment also carried a less technical challenge: bringing people together after a significant organizational change. Kincannon & Reed, a specialized agriculture executive search firm, was retained to conduct it.
Commodity expertise was only part of the brief. The successful executive needed to understand hedging, logistics, margins, capital decisions, and the economics of moving grain. At the same time, this person would be helping employees from two organizations become one team.
That eliminated plenty of otherwise qualified candidates. Some had deep grain experience but lacked the leadership range the situation demanded. Others were accomplished managers without enough exposure to commodity markets and risk. The client needed an executive who could move comfortably between commercial decisions, senior leadership discussions, and conversations with people closest to the operation.
K&R approached more than 400 executives before narrowing the search to three strong finalists.
The selected candidate brought experience across commodity markets, transportation, processing, and commercial operations, along with the communication style needed for a business working through change.
The executive accepted the offer and remained with the organization throughout its multi-year integration, providing continuity during an important period in the company’s development.
The outcome also led to a deeper relationship. The client later retained Kincannon & Reed for three additional executive searches.
It’s a useful example of why specialized agriculture executive search often requires looking beyond the obvious candidates. Experience can get someone into the conversation. Judgment, range, and fit determine who should get the job.
Kincannon & Reed incorporates validated interview techniques and evaluation tools to accurately assess candidates. We have the capability to measure personality traits, motivations and evaluate specific competencies and behaviors. The right assessments provide a balanced approach to understanding potential as much as experience.
Coaching empowers executives to reach their full potential faster, benefiting your organization. We partner certified coaches with executives and use a strengths-based approach to guide leaders through a process that maximizes their potential to drive success.
We bring a history of success delivering advisory and fiduciary board members specifically for family, start-up, and growth organizations. Our industry networks and broad access to executive leadership bring willing candidates from every corner of the market to serve on your board.
