Dechra: Met Amazon Business Director in Just 7 Days
1. The Challenge:
Dechra Pharmaceuticals approached LS International with an urgent requirement for an Amazon Business Director. This newly created role was strategically critical, as Amazon was expected to soon enter the prescription products space in animal health. With their current Amazon business limited to OTC products, Dechra needed a leader who could rapidly build their Amazon capabilities and prepare for significant market expansion.
2. Our Approach:
Upon receiving the brief, our team quickly identified that this role required specific expertise and cultural alignment. We recognized three critical success factors that would make this search successful:
Amazon 1P Vendor Experience: Deep understanding of Amazon’s first-party vendor ecosystem
Builder Mindset: Someone who could build from the ground up rather than maintain an established business
Cultural Alignment: A candidate embodying Dechra’s values of Dedication, Enjoyment, Courage, Relationships, and Ambition
Our targeted search methodology allowed us to identify and present a qualified shortlist in just 7 days – significantly faster than the industry standard. We focused not just on technical qualifications but on finding candidates who would thrive in Dechra’s entrepreneurial culture.
3. The Perfect Match:
Samantha emerged as the standout candidate. Her experience as Director of eCommerce at L’Oréal, where she led the Garnier Haircare & Hair Color business on Amazon, made her ideally suited for Dechra’s needs. What made Samantha particularly compelling was her proven track record:
Growing sales by 897% during her tenure
Delivering consistent year-over-year growth
Improving gross margins significantly
Successfully tailoring national product launches specifically for Amazon
Building cross-functional collaboration across supply chain, content, and marketing teams
4. The Outcome:
Dechra immediately recognized Samantha’s potential value to their organization. Her experience driving growth for a major brand on Amazon aligned perfectly with their ambitions to expand as they prepared to enter the prescription products space.
Following initial interviews with the hiring manager and the HR panel, Dechra extended an offer, completing the entire search process from brief to start date in less than five weeks.
Key Takeaways
This case demonstrates LS ExecSearch’s ability to:
Quickly understand both technical requirements and cultural needs
Execute an accelerated, targeted search process
Deliver exceptional talent for transformative business challenges within tight timeframes
For Dechra, the rapid acquisition of this key talent positioned them to capitalize on Amazon’s entry into the prescription products space, potentially tripling their current business and establishing a foundation for global expansion.
At LS International, we specialize in connecting companies with exceptional talent in the consumer industry. Contact us today to learn how we can help you achieve your executive search objectives.
State 1: Dechra needed an Amazon expert with 1P vendor experience to lead their entry into prescription products and build their business from the ground up.
State 2: Hired a proven eCommerce director with a growth track record who embodies Dechra’s entrepreneurial culture and values
Time Frame: 7 Days
