Large-scale digital transformation programmes depend on more than technology - they require access to specialist talent capable of delivering change across multiple business units, regions and technologies.
This case study explores how Cognitive Group - Focus on Microsoft partnered with Dentsu Aegis Network to support its global Microsoft transformation programme, delivering specialist Microsoft professionals over a seven-year partnership.
The Partnership
Operating across 145 countries and 550 business units, Dentsu Aegis Network was undertaking a major digital transformation following several mergers and acquisitions.
The objective was to standardise business processes across the organisation by implementing Microsoft Dynamics 365 and supporting wider Azure cloud adoption.
Although Dentsu Aegis Network already had recruitment partners on its Preferred Supplier List (PSL), it needed a specialist recruitment partner with deep Microsoft expertise and access to a wider Microsoft talent network.
The Challenge
Each business unit presented different technical requirements, making recruitment for the programme particularly complex.
The transformation included:
- New Microsoft Dynamics 365 implementations
- Migrations from legacy and competing technologies
- Upgrades from older Microsoft platforms
- Azure cloud adoption across multiple business units
This required specialist Microsoft professionals with experience across a wide range of technologies and transformation projects.
Our Approach
Drawing on more than 15 years of Microsoft recruitment experience, Cognitive Group partnered closely with Dentsu Aegis Network to understand the technical requirements of each phase of the transformation programme.
Our specialist Microsoft network enabled us to identify professionals with the skills needed to support a wide range of business units, technologies and project requirements throughout the programme.
The Outcome
Over a seven-year partnership, Cognitive Group delivered 187 Microsoft placements, including:
- 100 contract professionals
- 80 permanent hires
The programme included recruitment across a wide range of specialist Microsoft roles, including:
- Programme Directors
- Business Analysts
- Infrastructure Leads
- Solution Architects
- Integration Leads
- Unified Communications specialists
- Test Leads
- Functional Consultants
- Azure Data Architects
- BI Consultants
By providing access to specialist Microsoft talent, Cognitive Group supported Dentsu Aegis Network's digital transformation programme, and helped build teams capable of delivering change across a global organisation.
"I have worked with Cognitive Group for a number of years to recruit members into my team. They have always delivered great matching CVs to the job specs, which resulted in hires. I would recommend them for any recruitment needs."
- Sanjeev Dhalla, Global Solutions Director
