Challenge
- Wörner Medical, a Germany-based medical supplies distributor, acquired by DCC Healthcare and part of an Investindustrial-backed platform, initially engaged Finatal to appoint a Finance Business Partner.
- The requirement was for a senior finance professional able to act as the critical interface between Finance and Operations in a complex MedTech environment, combining rigorous financial control with commercially astute business partnering.
- As discussions progressed, it became clear that the scope, influence, and strategic importance of the role extended well beyond a traditional Finance Business Partner remit.
- The business required a leader capable of operating at enterprise level, managing sensitive and at times politically charged situations, and translating complex financial topics into clear, stakeholder-appropriate insight for shareholders and senior management alike.
- In parallel, market conditions remained tight for senior MedTech finance talent.
- Despite being an outstanding functional and cultural fit, the preferred candidate initially hesitated due to location-related concerns, risking the loss of a high-calibre individual at a critical point in Wörner Medical’s evolution.
Action
- Leveraging a relationship built over several years, Finatal consultant Tiffany Maatalla re-engaged the candidate from a previous Investindustrial Advisors mandate.
- Positioning the opportunity in the context of long-term strategic influence, she clearly articulated how the role had evolved – both in mandate and seniority – ultimately aligning to a CFO-level position with board-level exposure and genuine value creation responsibility.
- Through consultative, transparent advisory and active listening, Tiffany unpacked the candidate’s decision drivers, addressed location and scope concerns, and reframed the opportunity around strategic impact, leadership autonomy, and career trajectory.
- In parallel, Finatal ran a highly responsive and tightly managed search process with Wörner Medical.
- Expectations were continuously aligned as the role evolved, cultural and functional fit were refined, and shareholder access was secured. First, second, third and final-round interviews were completed within days, maintaining momentum while allowing for depth of assessment.
Impact
- Within 14 days, Finatal successfully delivered and secured a high-calibre CFO appointment, having initially been engaged on a Finance Business Partner search. A pre-qualified shortlist was delivered within 12 hours, with contract signature swiftly followed by an immediate start.
- The final offer was concluded above the originally envisaged compensation level, reflecting the elevated scope of the role and strong mutual conviction from candidate and client alike.
- Wörner Medical appointed a CFO who brings robust technical finance expertise, strong commercial acumen, and the emotional intelligence required to navigate complex, high-stakes stakeholder environments – delivering immediate impact within a dynamic MedTech setting.
Finance & Operations Director, Primary Care – DCC Healthcare, said:
“We recently partnered with Tiffany [Maatalla] and the Finatal team on a senior hire in Germany. Tiffany was responsive, understood our need and was flexible and easy to deal with throughout. Overall a smooth process and successful outcome.”
Placed Candidate, CFO for the Primary Care Divisons Germany at Wörner Medical, said:
“The entire process was exceptionally fast and efficient, with a high level of responsiveness at every stage. Communication was seamless, with close coordination throughout, ensuring that I was always well-informed and supported. I particularly appreciated the constant availability and willingness to assist whenever needed, which made the experience smooth and stress-free.
Overall, this was truly a best-case scenario for anyone navigating the job market. The level of commitment, professionalism, and engagement demonstrated sets a very high standard. I genuinely wish that more agencies and recruiters would approach their work with the same dedication and care.”
This search was led by Tiffany Maatalla.