From humble beginnings as a one-woman operation to an internationally acclaimed executive search firm, Selected as World’s Best Emerging Brand by WCRCINT, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has carved a niche for itself through its commitment to innovation, equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI). This award-winning company, founded by the trailblazing Natasha Makhijani, has redefined the landscape of executive recruitment, championing a forward-thinking approach that embraces technology and fosters an inclusive corporate culture.
Inception: A Vision Takes Flight
In 2011, Natasha Makhijani, a seasoned recruiter with an impressive track record at industry giants like Hays and Michael Page, embarked on an entrepreneurial journey. What began as a solitary endeavor, with Natasha working from her dining table, has blossomed into a globally recognized brand at the forefront of executive search.
Transparency, Innovation, and Inclusion: The Pillars of Success
Today, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s brand is synonymous with transparency, innovation, and inclusion. Having built a robust portfolio of C-suite appointments, the company’s research team tackles complex, challenging, and stimulating briefs across a wide range of industries. Embracing cutting-edge technology, championing EDI initiatives, and delivering an outstanding client and candidate experience are at the core of Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s ethos.
A Transformational Contribution
In recognition of its transformational impact on the business sphere, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc was honored with an invitation to feature in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album. This prestigious accolade highlights the company’s significant contribution to the industry and serves as a testament to its unwavering dedication to excellence.
A Unique Leadership Perspective: Championing EDI
Natasha Makhijani’s journey as an Asian woman CEO in an industry where her demographic is underrepresented has shaped her unique perspective on EDI. She acknowledges the long road ahead in achieving true diversity and inclusion in business and society, but also recognizes the progress made over the course of her career.
“People used to do a double take when I walked into the boardroom as an Asian woman CEO, but perceptions are beginning to change,” Natasha remarks, reflecting on her trailblazing role.
Natasha’s unwavering commitment to diversity and inclusion has earned her numerous accolades, including CEO Monthly’s Executive Recruitment CEO of the Year 2023, British Recruitment Awards 2023’s Highly Commended Agency Recruitment Leader of the Year, Best Emerging Leader at the WCRC INT Superfest Awards 2023 at the House of Lords, and a feature in the prestigious Queen’s 2022 Platinum Jubilee Album.
A Multifaceted Leader: Driving Systemic Change
Beyond her role as Group CEO at Oliver Sanderson Group Plc, Natasha holds leadership positions in several EDI charities, raising awareness and driving systemic change in HR management, corporate boards, and the broader business world. Her multifaceted approach underscores her dedication to fostering a more inclusive and equitable corporate landscape.
The Dream Team: Driving Excellence
Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s success is driven by a team of exceptional professionals who share the company’s vision and values. From Marija Simovic, the Non-Executive Director & Board Advisor, to Sanjive Sachdev, the Partner, and Madison Godfrey, the Delivery & Research Manager, each member contributes their unique expertise to the company’s growth.
Fostering a Collaborative Culture
Oliver Sanderson Group Plc promotes open communication, encourages employee growth, and values diversity, fostering a culture of collaboration and shared vision. The company has implemented initiatives such as remote working options, maternity leave support, and training and mentoring programs to ensure its colleagues feel valued, supported, and included. Additionally, employees are granted two free days annually to volunteer at charities of their choice, allowing them to make a difference in causes that matter to them.
Expanding Horizons: Global Ambitions
Looking ahead, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has an ambitious roadmap for the next five years. The company is expanding its operations in Europe and the United States, with plans to venture into the Indian market. As the firm’s international reach grows, so does its scope for driving positive change and shaping the future of executive search.
Core Values: The Foundation of Excellence
At the heart of Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s success lies a set of core values that guide every aspect of its operations. These values – honesty, integrity, and passion – inform the solutions the company provides and the partnerships it forges with clients. Underpinned by a professional ethos rooted in quality of service and confidence in delivery, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has built a reputation for excellence.
Connecting with the Target Market: Strategic Communication
Oliver Sanderson Group Plc excels in effectively communicating its brand to its target audience, particularly through social media platforms like LinkedIn. With a strategic approach, the company posts a variety of content formats, including updates, carousels, top tips guides, industry news, and thought leadership pieces, to engage and inform its audience. By leveraging its expertise and providing valuable insights and trends, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc positions itself as a thought leader in the executive search and recruitment industry.
Core Competencies: Quality, Innovation, and EDI
Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s core competencies lie in its unwavering commitment to quality, innovation, and EDI. As an executive search firm with a difference, the company combines experience and expertise with fresh thinking and cutting-edge solutions. Specializing in finding talent at board and senior leadership levels for FTSE 100, FTSE 350, Fortune 500, and PE-backed businesses, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has built a strong track record of C-suite appointments across a wide range of sectors.
With its suite of digital apps and its powerful diversity and inclusion work, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc is leading the way in discovering the next generation of business leaders, setting new benchmarks in the industry.
Competitive Landscape: Navigating Industry Titans
In the United Kingdom, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc competes with industry giants such as Heidrick & Struggles, Hays, and Green Park. In the United States, the company faces competition from the formidable Korn Ferry, while in Asia, it contends with firms like ABC Consultants, Accord India, and Cornerstone International Group. Despite the fierce competition, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has carved out a distinct niche for itself, leveraging its unique strengths and innovative approach to stand out in the crowded executive search market.
Leaving an Indelible Mark: Consumer Trust and Brand Impact
Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s brand is associated with reliability, quality, and positive experiences, establishing strong consumer trust. The company is most closely associated with innovations in EDI and digital recruitment, having won awards in both categories in recent years, including the Recruiter Awards Best Innovation 2022. This recognition has solidified Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s position as a leader in these domains, leaving an indelible mark on the minds of consumers and industry stakeholders alike.
Milestones and Achievements: A Journey of Transformation
Over the past five years, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has achieved numerous milestones, including entering new markets, winning industry awards, and achieving sustainable growth. However, one achievement stands out as a crowning glory – the company’s inclusion in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Pageant Commemorative Album, where it was recognized for its “transformational contribution” to the business sphere.
For Natasha Makhijani, a British Asian whose life has been shaped by the Royal Family, this recognition holds profound significance. The Queen’s values, global presence, exceptional work ethic, and unwavering commitment to service, even in the face of challenging circumstances, have been a constant source of inspiration for Natasha, further fueling her drive to transform the executive search industry.
Innovative Strides: Rebranding for the Future
In recent years, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc has undergone a major rebranding initiative to better engage with its networks online. This project encompassed a new website, a strategic realignment of its service offering, and a branding update, positioning the company as a leading-edge digital recruiter with a particular focus on EDI and the HR sector. The success of this endeavor has earned Oliver Sanderson Group Plc a prestigious shortlisting for Best Employer Brand at the Global Recruiter Awards 2023, further solidifying its reputation as an industry trailblazer.
The Last Word: Shaping the Future, One Leader at a Time
Oliver Sanderson Group Plc’s journey from a humble dining table to the global stage is a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence. By embracing innovation, championing equity, diversity, and inclusion, and fostering an inclusive corporate culture, this award-winning executive search firm is shaping the future of leadership, one exceptional candidate at a time. With its sights set on expanding its global footprint and driving systemic change, Oliver Sanderson Group Plc continues to redefine the boundaries of executive search, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring others to follow in its pioneering footsteps.
