Elevating Market Expansion: A Strategic Leadership Search for a Social Media Technology Firm

The Client

Our client is a division within a network of independent investment firms, businesses, and philanthropic entities, all tied to the legacy of its founder - an engineer who built a global manufacturing empire from a modest basement workspace in the Northeast United States. Today, the firm manages several billion dollars in private capital across six investment firms and three philanthropic entities, holding controlling stakes in nearly 40 businesses spanning industrial technology, manufacturing, software, healthcare, education, and sports.

As part of its strategic investment initiatives, our client backed an emerging social media technology company headquartered in South America. The company specializes in online platforms for creating and managing contests and promotions, founded by a visionary entrepreneur with immense potential but limited resources. The investment’s primary objective was to establish a robust market presence in the U.S., ensuring long-term scalability and commercial success.

The Challenge

To realize this expansion, our client sought a Vice President of Growth to work alongside the founder and technology team in South America while spearheading U.S. operations. This executive would take ownership of sales, marketing, and operational functions, paving the way for the company’s first U.S.-based office.

A major challenge in this recruitment was identifying a U.S.-centric leader with the experience and agility to bridge the gap between a South American tech startup and the U.S. market. The ideal candidate needed expertise in influencer marketing, consumer insights, and go-to-market strategies while possessing the leadership and operational rigor to structure and scale the business effectively. Further, the company aimed for a future acquisition within five years, necessitating a leader with the foresight and capability to prepare the firm for a successful exit.

The Solution

Our executive search process began with a Key Factors for Success framework, a refined selection methodology used to assess candidates’ leadership, strategic acumen, and technical capabilities. Working closely with our client, we defined the ideal profile—a business-driven, marketing-centric executive with deep expertise in competitive analysis, audience insights, and product innovation.

The successful candidate needed to be entrepreneurial yet process-oriented, balancing creativity with structured growth strategies. Experience working closely with technology teams was crucial to fostering collaboration between marketing, business development, and product engineering. Additionally, P&L management and the ability to scale data-driven marketing initiatives were key attributes.

To tap into top-tier executive talent, we leveraged Miami Tech Month, a premier annual event showcasing Miami’s thriving tech ecosystem. Through targeted networking at industry events, online forums, and exclusive executive outreach, we connected with high-caliber candidates positioned at the intersection of technology, marketing, and digital transformation.

The Results

After reviewing over 300 candidates, we shortlisted four exceptional professionals—all with deep-rooted experience in technology startups, scaling growth initiatives, and operating within large, structured organizations. The selected finalist brought a proven track record in high-growth marketing, user acquisition, and data-driven expansion strategies, positioning the company for sustainable market success.

A key differentiator in this process was our client’s active involvement, including the participation of a seasoned Senior Advisor to ensure technical competencies and strategic alignment. Regular bi-weekly status updates and ongoing collaboration facilitated seamless communication and alignment throughout the search.

The outcome: A strategic hire who not only met but exceeded the client’s expectations, enabling the firm to successfully establish its U.S. operations and drive forward its ambitious growth trajectory.

The Impact

With a strong, market-savvy leader in place, the company successfully launched its U.S. operations, expanded its market share, and positioned itself for future acquisition. The new executive has already driven measurable growth in marketing performance, audience engagement, and revenue, laying a strong foundation for long-term success in a highly competitive industry.