While the process moved at a good pace, with interviews a few days apart, the hiring process included calling valuable references before the interview process was over.
While not being selected is perfectly normal in a pandemic economy, and that is par for the course, it is, in mine and the opinion of several senior HR business acquaintances, extremely disrespectful to call references before deciding to hire a candidate.
This is disappointing not only on a professional level, but it is simply clumsy and poor manners.
The hiring process is the first touchpoint and impression we get from an organization. Stay clear of senior roles at this company.