The Gaines’ London based consultant and her research team compiled a list of target companies and candidates by commissioning new research for this assignment, utilizing the database and sourcing through Gaines’ extensive network of contacts. Ex-pat candidates were also considered and one candidate based in Hong Kong was included in the shortlist interviews. Key professional criteria included 20+ years experience as a registered architect, a high level of commercial astuteness and, ideally, an understanding of working in a multi-office international practice. Underlying this profile were internal issues associated with the previous incumbent, the appointment of an interim leader from an overseas office and the acceptance by the existing senior management team of a new leader from outside the organization. The consultant met each member of the management team prior to conducting shortlist interviews to help assess personality matches. The chosen candidate has integrated extremely well with the whole team and the London office produced its best ever results at the end of the first year under the new Managing Director’s leadership.