Case Study
See how we deliver high-impact leadership outcomes through structured, strategic search.
Case Study
From Critical Hire to Contract-Winning Impact
Client: Keolis Commuter Services (Boston’s largest commuter rail operator)
Scope: To appoint a CFO who would bring a contemporary perspective and fresh ideas to help Keolis anticipate and adapt to future challenges.
Impact: Cobalt has placed more than 40 leaders into critical roles across the Keolis networks in the US, Canada and the UK with each hire contributing to improved operational performance and safety. This includes the appointment of the CFO who went on to be promoted to Group CFO.
The Challenge
Keolis needed a CFO who could lead transformation, bring fresh thinking from outside the sector, and support a critical contract renegotiation. At speed, with total discretion.
Cobalt’s Approach
Cobalt led a targeted, cross-sector search. Weekly progress reports, structured pre-screening, and deep alignment with Keolis’ business needs ensured that every shortlisted candidate was qualified, aligned, and prepared.
The Outcome
The placed CFO helped drive a successful 4-year contract extension with Boston’s public transport agency, after the state had previously signalled it would not renew. He has since transformed the finance function and reinforced the team’s strategic contribution and been promoted to Group CFO.
Cobalt presented several highly credible and suitable candidates, all of whom would have been a great fit with the role and our organization. It was a challenge to settle on our eventual appointee because of the exceptional quality of the field.
