When All Nations Christian College (ANCC) came to us, they arrived with something genuinely exciting: a brand new role that had never existed before. They were looking to appoint their first ever Chief Executive Officer, a position created to take on some of the Principal's existing responsibilities and provide dedicated, strategic leadership to secure the College's long-term sustainability.

This was not simply a case of filling a vacancy. It was about reimagining how ANCC would operate, ensuring the College could stay relevant for mission in the 21st century and beyond. The person they needed would have to be comfortable leading significant change, championing innovation, and guiding a much-loved institution into its next chapter with confidence and care.

Although we were new to working with ANCC, they placed their trust in us to handle this pivotal search exclusively. That trust meant a great deal to us, and we were determined to get it right.

Going beyond the usual networks

From the very first conversation, it was clear that a standard recruitment approach would not be enough. This role called for something more considered, more thorough, and more personal. We knew we would need to reach well beyond the usual pools of candidates to find leaders who genuinely shared the College's vision and values.

So that is exactly what we did. Our team carried out an extensive headhunting exercise, casting the net wide and identifying 20 potential candidates who met the brief. Each one was carefully assessed before we presented ANCC with a longlist of 11 strong contenders.

From that longlist, nine candidates were invited to first-stage interviews. The process was thorough by design, because for a role this significant, rigour is not optional.

A genuinely difficult decision

Four exceptional candidates progressed to the second stage, and what followed was, in the best possible way, a real challenge for ANCC. Two final candidates were so well-matched to the role that the College faced a genuinely tough decision. That is exactly the position every client deserves to be in: not settling for the best of a limited field, but choosing between outstanding people.

The successful candidate was appointed and stepped into the role just three months after the initial advert went live. For a first-of-its-kind position at an institution with deep values and a clear sense of purpose, that timeline reflects the quality of preparation on both sides.

Why this appointment matters

The creation of a dedicated CEO role is a significant moment for any organisation. For ANCC, it signals a real commitment to building the kind of leadership structure that will allow the College to thrive, adapt, and remain mission-focused for years to come.

The new CEO brings the change management experience, the innovative thinking, and the values alignment that the College needs to move forward with purpose. The Principal can now focus on the areas where their skills and energies are best directed, while the CEO provides the organisational leadership that will shape ANCC's future.

What this tells you about how we work

We hear the word "headhunting" used loosely in recruitment, but for us it means something specific. It means doing the research, making the calls, having the honest conversations, and going to find the right people rather than waiting for them to find us.

It also means taking the time to understand what a client really needs, not just the job description on paper, but the values, the culture, the direction of travel, and the kind of leader who will genuinely fit. ANCC trusted us with something important, and we are proud of the outcome.

"Through careful, values-led headhunting and a thorough selection process, ANCC now has a dedicated CEO to lead the College into a new era, ensuring it remains vibrant, sustainable, and mission-focused for years to come."

Whether you are creating a brand new role, replacing a long-standing leader, or navigating a period of organisational change, we would love to talk. We work with charities, faith-based organisations, and mission-driven bodies of all shapes and sizes, and we bring the same care and commitment to every search.

Get in touch with the Charisma team to discuss your next appointment