I had no less than 9 interviews, progressing from an initial screening through to a final interview with the group CFO. I met with critical function leads to discuss the role, business requirements and how to shape the function for which I would be responsible. The company confirmed that I had received the highest score through each stage of their internal interview process and had been identified as the successful candidate for the role. I was asked to wait 2 weeks, due to the Chinese New Year holiday period, before being presented with an offer.
After two weeks I received a response declining to make an offer and providing no material reason as to why. They confirmed that I was still the 'preferred' candidate for the role and that there were no issues with my application or areas of concern that I could address. I was then informed that a member of the management board felt that the role should be based in the US. At the start of the interview process I was told that the role could be located at any one of their global offices and confirmed I would be willing to relocate.
Despite this, I was told they would be reopening the process for US candidates and that I would be expected to wait and see if they could find someone based in the US - essentially saying they'll get back to me if they can't find anyone better!!