Wickland Westcott

20:20 Vision - Ultralase

Ultralase is the UK & Ireland’s biggest and most prestigious provider of laser eye surgery. With over 30 clinics, and a client list boasting sports stars such as Olympic triple-jump champion Jonathan Edwards, the business has enjoyed real growth since CEO Tony Veverka took over in 2006. Challenges during this period have included a change of ownership, restructuring the management team, and continuing to develop the organisation’s premium position within a competitive consumer market. When they needed a new CFO to strengthen the leadership team, Ultralase approached Wickland Westcott to help them make the right choice.

We provided a detailed assessment of short-listed candidates, drawing on over 30 years experience and our in-house benchmark database of 2000 leaders. A battery of executive psychometric instruments and interviews were used, and following each 1:1 assessment, a detailed report was produced benchmarking the candidate against the market, and providing qualitative judgements on style and approach. Lead Consultant John Milsom comments: “At WW we recognise that when you are selecting the management team you are choosing the people who will set the character and culture of your organisation. It is essential to get somebody with the right mix of drive, values, personality, experience and technical background.”

A number of competent candidates were assessed, but none were quite right. But six months after her appointment Tony Veverka describes his final choice as "the perfect fit". 

"John and Wickland Westcott have worked with us over a number of years, helping build and restructure the executive team. He has got to know us as a business and understands what we value in people."

CEO Tony Veverka