From Pittsburgh to London, we helped Duolingo find their first UK leader - a crucial hire that would set the foundation for their European expansion and future growth.
Duolingo
First UK Hire
When global language learning platform Duolingo planned their expansion into the UK market from their Pittsburgh headquarters, they needed a strategic recruitment partner. As their first venture into the UK market, finding the right leadership talent was crucial. Propel's expertise in 'land and expand' projects made us the ideal partner to help them establish their UK presence and navigate the local talent landscape.
The Challenge
Duolingo faced the complex task of establishing their first UK presence without local market knowledge or established networks. They needed more than just a marketing director - they required a dynamic leader who could wear multiple hats: building and leading a team, establishing the brand, and driving commercial growth. With limited experience in executive-search and uncertainty about local talent pools, they needed guidance on everything from salary benchmarking to role specification.
The Solution
We leveraged our deep understanding of the UK market to provide comprehensive support, guiding Duolingo through every aspect of the hiring process. Our experienced consultants developed detailed specifications for the role, mapped out appropriate salary ranges, and conducted extensive research to identify candidates with the unique blend of marketing expertise and leadership capabilities required. We provided strategic counsel throughout, ensuring the search aligned with their expansion goals.
The Results
Through meticulous research and our established networks, we presented Duolingo with a carefully curated shortlist of exceptional candidates. The successful placement of their UK Country Manager in February 2019 provided them with the perfect foundation for their UK expansion - someone who combined marketing expertise with leadership acumen and commercial vision. This key appointment marked the beginning of Duolingo's successful establishment in the UK market.