AI Predictive Insurtech Startup

the role

First-ever VP of Sales

THE CHALLENGE

Finding the Right Sales Leader After a Failed Hire

After months of effort searching using internal efforts, our client was still without the right sales leader.

The CEO had posted the position for the first-ever Vice President of U.S. Sales role across multiple job boards for over three months, and engaged multiple contingent firms—yet results were disappointing.

The applications that did come in were either off-profile, misaligned geographically, or lacked InsurTech experience.

A hire was eventually made through a referral to the CEO from someone he knew well; however, within a few short months, it became clear that this new hire was not the right fit and the CEO had to start the search over again.

The business couldn’t afford another misstep in such a critical leadership role. That’s when the CEO turned to Summit Search Consultants.

our approach

Summit Search Consultants began with a deep-dive intake session with the CEO to recalibrate the search.

It was clear the previous efforts had failed to target the right talent pool—what the company truly needed was a proven SaaS sales leader with experience in InsurTech startups.

Our team launched a true headhunting effort, laser-focused on identifying sales executives who had built and scaled teams in fast-moving, venture-backed environments.

Within just four days, we delivered a shortlist of three on-target candidates with an additional 5 shortlisted candidates to follow.

The result

Having 3 finalists to choose from, the CEO selected a standout VP of Sales, who not only hit the ground running but has now been thriving in the role for over two years—leading sales strategy, growing revenue, and helping position the company for continued success.

“Your team has produced one of the best lineups of talent that I have ever seen.”

— CEO, Opterrix