Crisis Prevention Institute Case Study

Client Name: Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI)

Industry: Learning & Development / Crisis Prevention Training

Location: International

Roles: Director of Product Management, Senior Marketing Executive, Digital Marketing Manager

BACKGROUND

Company Overview

The Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI) is a global organisation with a turnover exceeding $100 million. Originally established to support people with a fear of the dentist, CPI has evolved into the global leader in evidence-based de-escalation and crisis prevention training, helping organisations across multiple sectors and countries manage challenging behaviours safely and effectively.

Our relationship with CPI began long before they became a client. We first met Roger as a candidate in 2010 and, after experiencing Stopgap's consultative approach first-hand, he later introduced us to his Director of Marketing, Ollie Frith, to support the growth of the marketing team. As the business continued to expand internationally, Roger also partnered with Stopgap to recruit a newly created Director of Product Management.

CHALLENGES

Initial Challenges

The Director of Product Management was a pivotal new position, responsible for driving the commercial success of new and existing programmes across international markets.

Following an unsuccessful previous appointment, cultural fit became just as important as technical capability. CPI needed someone who could thrive within a collaborative, coaching-led and largely remote organisation while bringing commercial acumen, entrepreneurial thinking and the ability to work across product, marketing, sales, instructors and customers.

Rather than hiring someone from a traditional training background, they were looking for an innovative leader who could identify unmet customer needs and shape the future direction of their product portfolio.

OBJECTIVES

Key Objectives

Recruit a commercially minded Director of Product Management with the experience and mindset to lead international product growth.

Identify candidates who aligned with CPI's values, collaborative culture and coaching-led approach.

Support the continued growth of the wider marketing function through additional strategic marketing hires.

STOPGAP'S SOLUTION

Our Approach

Leveraging our long-standing relationship with the business and deep understanding of its culture, we developed a targeted search for candidates with the right blend of commercial leadership, strategic thinking and entrepreneurial drive.

We introduced Matthew Shaw, whose passion for learning and development, combined with his proven track record of delivering international growth and establishing CMSPI's payments education function, made him an outstanding fit for the opportunity.

Following the successful appointment of the Director of Product Management, Stopgap continued to support CPI's growth by recruiting a Digital Marketing Manager, helping strengthen the marketing team's strategic and data-led capabilities while increasing lead generation.

RESULTS

Outcomes & Impact

The appointment of Matthew Shaw proved to be an excellent fit for both the business and the candidate, with his first year delivering a successful start for the newly created role.

Building on this success, Stopgap became a trusted recruitment partner for CPI, supporting multiple strategic hires across product and marketing as the organisation continued its international growth.

FUTURE PLANS

Looking Ahead

Through a relationship built over many years, Stopgap continues to support CPI with strategic recruitment, helping the organisation attract exceptional talent while maintaining the strong cultural fit that has become central to its hiring success.