Placement Case Study: VP Sales Analytics at Salesforce

Case Study: Paul Cejka – Vice President, ESMB Analytics at Salesforce, London

Summary

Paul Cejka joined Salesforce as Regional VP, Analytics - CEE & CIS, and through consistent excellence, progressed to become VP, ESMB Analytics - EMEA. With a background in coaching, sales leadership, and analytics, Paul demonstrated exceptional quota attainment across multiple regions. His ability to drive results and develop high-performing teams highlights his adaptability and leadership in a fast-paced, data-driven environment.

About the Client

Salesforce, a global leader in CRM and analytics, required an experienced leader to:

• Oversee sales and analytics strategies for the EMEA region.
• Achieve ambitious quota targets across multiple regions.
• Develop high-performing teams capable of adapting to market demands and delivering consistent growth.

This pivotal role demanded a professional with proven expertise in quota attainment, team leadership, and a deep understanding of analytics in diverse markets.

Recruitment Process and Approach

Optima Search executed a detailed and targeted recruitment process to identify and place Paul at Salesforce:

1. Client Collaboration: Partnered with Salesforce to understand their goals for analytics leadership and their cultural priorities.
2. Candidate Identification: Focused on candidates with demonstrated excellence in achieving sales quotas and leading analytics teams in multi-regional markets.
3. Strategic Alignment: Paul’s background in sales leadership, exceptional quota attainment, and team-building experience positioned him as the ideal candidate.

Paul joined Salesforce and began his remarkable journey, showcasing his ability to excel and grow within a competitive organization.

Achievements and Measurable Impact

Career Progression and Longevity:

• Rapid Growth in Salesforce Analytics Leadership:
  
  • Regional VP, Analytics – CEE & CIS (2020-2022): Paul achieved 157% of his quota in FY21 and 128% in FY22.
  • Regional VP, Analytics – CEE & Austria (2022-2023): He expanded his scope, maintaining strong performance with 117% quota attainment.
  • VP, ESMB Analytics – EMEA (2023-2024): Paul scaled his leadership to the EMEA region, solidifying his role as a trusted executive within Salesforce.
• Longevity: Over 4 years and 5 months, Paul consistently exceeded expectations, growing his influence within the organization and contributing to sustained regional success.

Improvement from Previous Roles:

• Paul transitioned from earlier roles focused on individual regions to overseeing broader, multi-regional markets at Salesforce. This progression highlights his ability to take on greater responsibilities and deliver strategic impact at scale.

Key Takeaways

• Paul’s journey underscores Optima Search’s capability to identify and place candidates who thrive in complex, high-stakes roles while fostering long-term success.
• His sustained performance at Salesforce demonstrates the value of aligning top-tier talent with client goals.
• The case highlights the importance of precision hiring in driving organizational growth and leadership development.

Explore more about Paul’s professional journey on LinkedIn.

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