Saxton Bampfylde, the leading executive search and leadership consulting firm, has announced the appointment of Kate Ludlow as Chief Executive Officer. Kate, who has been a Partner at the firm for over fifteen years and has served as one of its Managing Partners since 2021, will lead the company as it positions itself for its next phase of growth.
As part of this leadership transition, Stephen Bampfylde, the firm’s Founding Partner, will assume the role of Non-executive Chair, continuing to provide strategic guidance and governance oversight while maintaining his active involvement with key client relationships and projects. Additionally, Jonathan Morgan has been appointed as Deputy Chair, supporting the board and leadership team.
Jonathan Morgan (left) and Stephen Bampfylde
These appointments mark a significant milestone in Saxton Bampfylde’s nearly forty-year history, building on the strong foundation and leadership established by Stephen Bampfylde and Anthony Saxton. Under Stephen’s leadership, the firm has grown to become one of the most respected names in executive search and leadership consulting, and in 2014 became an employee-owned business, ensuring its independence and long-term sustainability.
Both Kate and Jonathan will continue their roles as practice leaders within the commercial and public services practices respectively, maintaining their valued client relationships while taking on their new leadership responsibilities.
Kate Ludlow said:
“It’s an honour to take on this role and lead Saxton Bampfylde into its next chapter. Stephen has built and sustained an extraordinary firm grounded in values, excellence, and an unwavering commitment to our clients. Our mission, to change the world by changing leaders in interesting and important organisations is arguably more important today than it was 40 years ago. We are fortunate to have an exceptional team who bring deep expertise and dedication to everything we do. We have an opportunity to build on the momentum and track record that the firm has, while staying true to values that have defined us for four decades.”
Stephen Bampfylde said:
“When Anthony Saxton and I founded this company in 1986, we set out to create a different kind of search firm – one built on strong values and deep, lasting relationships with our clients. Today, Kate and Jonathan embody exactly those founding principles, along with the vision and expertise to lead us forward. Kate’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting evolution in our journey, and I have absolute confidence that under her leadership, we will continue to deliver the excellence our clients expect while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Jonathan Morgan said:
“It has been my privilege to be a Partner at Saxton Bampfylde for over twenty years, and over that time to see the business develop and grow into the employee-owned, leading search firm it is today. This is a hugely exciting time for all of us and for the work we do with our clients.”
The appointments reflect Saxton Bampfylde’s commitment to maintaining its position as a leader in the executive search industry while evolving to meet the changing needs of organisations in an increasingly complex business environment. Under this new leadership, the firm will continue to enhance its operational processes and integrate technological innovations while maintaining its core values and client-focused approach.