The interview process seems fine and it was fairly quick up until the point where they made a decision to go with another candidate. However, I was given the impression I am at the final stages since the recruiter mentioned meeting with the CAO as the last round and then the request for 2 additional references. Later on, recruiter mentioned they went with another candidate but did not let me know the reason why they did. It felt like a total 180 degree switch on me since I thought I was very close to the final stages and now I would just like some feedback on the decision to bypass my candidacy.