Functional Practices

In our digital and connected age and ever increasing public scrutiny surrounding governance and the role of non-executive directors, the demand for talented executives with strategic acumen and reasoned judgment has spiraled. Finding talent, both excellent and diverse, is key to our success as we recognise that finding and landing non-executives requires the same preparation, commitment and enthusiasm as any important executive post. Equally, individuals want assurance that the board is well run, brings together a good range of talent and skills and that they will personally have an opportunity to make an impact. Organisations themselves need to consider the balance of the existing board in terms of skills and experience; what particular contribution is wanted from the new non-executive? How much sector knowledge must they have and how is that balanced against competitive concerns? What is the realistic time commitment expected?

Our unique approach and reputation in the diversity and gender fields has been of value as has our client spread which is uniquely positioned at the junction between the commercial world and public sector. This enables us to be particularly effective in advising both clients and candidates about possibilities across a wider range of opportunities. Our rigorous approach to research ensures we can identify outstanding talent and not just the "usual suspects" for these roles.

Alongside our Board level work, we are experts at advising on CEO appointments and are well placed to identify outstanding talent. Recognising the wide range of skills needed for today's CEO from leadership, strategy formulation and implementation, the ability to manage and develop a top team as well effectively interfacing with the external world in today’s 24/7 media environment. We recognise the critical importance of getting the right person and that no two appointments are the same. Dealing effectively with CEO succession demands alertness and awareness to context. It is one of the most critical events in the lifecycle of an organisation and appointing a new leader offers an opportunity for new learning for both the organisation and its top team.

Regulation & Strategy

The regulation and strategy practice utilises our extensive networks across both the corporate world and public sector; whether for the most senior executive and non-executive positions or specialist heads of strategy and policy. We draw on our depth of experience in the regulatory sector, as well as our knowledge and experience across the commercial sector. Over the past five years, we have worked with clients as diverse as FTSE 100 utility providers, government economic regulators, professional bodies and leading financial services institutions. We have also been involved in the creation of many new bodies and organisations.

Information, Technology & Digital Officers

The CIO and CTO have vital roles to play in any organisation in an increasingly digitised world and we have placed outstanding practitioners, as well as regularly moving people across sectors. Successful digital transformation requires leadership at multiple points across an organisation. So we help organisations build digital capability and experience which will enable them to develop and lead a vision of digital transformation that aligns with the company strategy. We also have experience of appointing digital functional roles at the senior executive level (including executives who own the digital strategy with the CEO and board), as well as helping companies across many industries who need digital specialists to lead sector-specific initiatives.

Marketing & Communications

Whether you are looking for a classically trained marketer or individuals with digital and creative skills, we know where to look, having advised on disruptive start ups through to major international CMO roles for household names to leading UK institutions. And in the white heat of the digital world, where every second counts in trying to reach your audience with pinpoint precision getting the messaging right is crucial to success. We are committed to finding clients the best in class talent and have consulted on a wide range of senior communications and marketing roles, as well as specialists covering investor relations, internal communications, employee engagement, culture/values and public affairs.

Chief Financial Officers

We have developed a depth of experience in looking for talented financial professionals across the commercial world. We help our clients find their next CFOs, assessing the increasingly broad range of activities and competencies covered by the finance function. We have expertise in hiring senior finance directors as well as their direct reports: financial controllers, divisional, regional and unit FDs, treasurers and investor relations executives. We also help clients source and assess talented finance professionals who can deliver expertise in capital markets, leadership, governance/regulatory, M&A, tax, treasury, risk and decision support. Through our extensive knowledge of the CFO market, we are also able to identify appropriately qualified financial experts for Board and NED roles that often include prominent positions on the Audit Committee.

Human Resources

Human Resources Appointments are a major strength of our firm; we have deep experience in helping clients find HR officers who will take a leadership role in managing talent, succession planning and the professional development of their people. We also have a strong track record of identifying leaders who are experts in engaging and motivating employees and who really understand how to align HR strategies with business plans. We are absolutely committed to helping our clients identify the best talent – those who can support their CEO, the board and the senior leadership team to create a strong, results-oriented culture. We have also advised on a substantial range of international HR roles, from FTSE100 companies to leading Asian and US businesses, professional service firms and a wide range of other blue chip multinationals.