CRISIS RECRUITMENT – Replacing a Key EA with 4 hours’ notice

A high profile private equity firm faced a sudden crisis when their high flying EA to the CEO resigned with zero notice.  The CEO had a full international travel schedule and back-to-back investor meetings lined up that afternoon – so he needed someone to support him immediately.

Having already approached several agencies the previous day, the company had been presented with candidates who were either unavailable at such short notice or unsuitable for a role of such seniority and pressure. They needed immediate, high-calibre support – an experienced EA who could step in confidently and take control instantly.

Knightsbridge Recruitment acted immediately, drawing on our curated pool of standby senior EA temps – exceptional candidates who are pre-vetted, reference-checked and ready to step into high-pressure environments at a moment’s notice. 

Within hours, we identified the right candidate: 

• A Bristol university graduate EA with relevant C-suite experience who relished a challenge and always received outstanding feedback from our clients
• Immaculately presented, composed and highly capable 
• Excellent references
• Previous experience working in fast-paced hedge funds and environments requiring instant decision making. 

Crucially, she had the confidence, judgement, and professional resilience to support a CEO effectively without any hand holding or basic training. 

The client immediately hired Knightsbridge Recruitment’s recommended EA.  She hit the ground running – attending the investor meetings, reorganising the CEO’s diary, managing a complex multi-leg international trip, and restoring calm and efficiency.

Her impact was so significant that, after two weeks of temping, she was offered and accepted the permanent role.