Executive Client Successes

2008 and 2009 were years not without their challenges. First, executive recruiters, an indicator of hiring activity, were severely impacted (with more than 30 percent either closing down, reducing their staff or cutting back on the number of office locations). By end 2009, we saw renewed activity. Second, venture capital and private equity firms which were reluctant to commit to new ideas (the 2007 values of the majority of their portfolio companies being "underwater") became a little more confident. As a consequence, we at DWIC became very creative. Our clients focused on three areas: searching out acquisition candidates (to present to venture capital and private equity firms); searching out non-executive directorships and, third, approaching foreign companies with U.S. subsidiaries.

For example, for one of our clients, Roger (not his real name), we designed a survey aimed at privately owned promotional product companies, about 230 in number, inquiring about what future exit strategies the owners had. Six responded saying they didn't have one and when we followed up, four expressed an interest in discussing the possibility of being acquired. We then approached a group of boutique investment banks informing them of the results of the survey and introducing to them the idea of a "roll-up" (consolidation) in that sector. The result was that Roger was invited to bid on the largest of the four and, when successful, expand from that platform.

Another example was Mark (not his real name), who had sold his electronics business and was now looking for his next opportunity. We surveyed about 400 private companies asking the owners if they knew of a company in their sector that might be "looking for a strategic partner to help expand" and pointing out the availability of a successful CEO, well connected in the industry and having the financial backing of a well-known investment bank. (We mentioned its name.) The response to that very focused initiative resulted in four opportunities.

A third example was Philip (not his real name), CEO of a U.S. consumer products company, who speaks 4 European languages (and one Asian). In June 2009 we targeted European and Asian consumer product companies describing his success in launching and growing CP companies in Europe, U.S. and Asia. He received 4 interviews and accepted his new job in November 2009 as President of a European company with offices in 4 countries – he being able to choose his preferred location (Singapore).

In other words, what is called for in these challenging times (globalization, outsourcing, and a devaluing U.S. dollar) is a creative, multi-dimensional, marketing approach; I call this guerrilla warfare. The Internet is a marvelous tool, however, putting your resume on monster.com no longer works. (It never did - at least not for the senior executives we market.)

Read some representative testimonials

Select Clients in 2007 and 2008

Selected References from ex-Clients

"I am pleased to let you know the final results: 95 companies were approached by you. This yielded positive responses and five interviews, three of which were eminently suitable positions. Thank you."
— William L., Albany, NY


"The marketing program was 100 percent successful. I am now CFO of the American subsidiary of a European company about to go public and, as you know, I rejected three other offers."
— Gerald T., Washington, DC


"Your references were correct! You are the best in this business. Four offers in fourteen weeks. The one I accepted is my dream job."
— Ted K., Pittsburgh, PA


"Had I known of your existence earlier, I would have moved out two years ago. Five job offers in six weeks is fantastic."
— M.B., Atlanta, GA


"Now that I am back in Santiago, Chile, I would like to thank you for the very professional work that you have done."
— F.R.W., Caracas, Venezuela


"Two and a half offers in EIGHT weeks—both at $200K+! One more satisfied client."
— Robert L., Tokyo, Japan


"Working in Italy for a British firm— I never thought I could do it. Thank you."
— Manuel T., Sao Paulo, Brazil


"Your marketing management of my career change has been superb, having generated a very extensive and interested response and, most importantly, an excellent position for me."
— Donald N., Lynchburg, VA

David Werner International Corporation
420 Lexington Avenue, New York, NY 10170-0132
P: (212) 682-8888
E: dwerner@dwic.com

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"It took a bit longer than others and I am grateful you agreed to extend your services so willingly. The success check is in the mail."
— Dan H.

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Digital Destinations 2008