Last night, in honour of our 20^th anniversary, Directorbank held a celebratory event at the Dakota Deluxe hotel in Leeds for members of our board-level candidate network and PE investment clients.

During the welcome address, board director James Searby reflected on our journey to date …

“In 1998 Directorbank launched from a small office in central Leeds. We fast-earned a reputation for adeptly sourcing board-level talent for the booming private equity market, at the pre-deal and portfolio stages of the investment cycle. Our mid-market client base grew quickly, and our innovative subscription offering gained traction granting PE clients access to our expert network of proven industry leaders.

During the recession years we realigned, opening up our executive search offering to privately-owned and listed SMEs wanting to augment their boards with experienced, entrepreneurial directors. We also expanded our role focus from the core positions of Chairman, NED, CEO and CFO to include critical directorships in Operations, Sales & Marketing, IT and HR.

Fast forward to current day and we have completed over 2,000 appointments. Our client and high-calibre candidate network has evolved, and notably our Germany operation has gone from strength to strength.

Importantly we have built a skilled team of consultants, researchers and support staff, most of whom have been with the business for a considerable length of time. In April 2017 this position was further strengthened when Directorbank’s Management Team completed an MBO taking 100% equity ownership from Nova Capital.

Looking to the future, our focus is to continue supporting our clients with comprehensive searches which unearth the best talent throughout Europe. We will continue to enrich our candidate network through expert research and personal networks ensuring we can react quickly and effectively for our clients. We will also continue to expand the Directorbank team, bringing in fresh talent who will keep the Directors on their toes for years to come!”

From left to right: Board Directors: George Heppenstall, James Searby, Dorothea Kronenberghs, Graham Jones and Simon Thomas

Directorbank proudly supported Light Night Leeds this month, one of the UK’s largest annual art and light festivals. Over two nights, the city was transformed by creative artworks and performances from local, national and international artists to celebrate the theme of progress and innovation. The facade of Directorbank’s office at 2 Bond Court was turned into a playful light installation by Polish artist Daniel Kurniczak titled ‘The Bureauxx‘. 

Directorbank places MD at LivingCare Group.

The LivingCare Group is a privately-owned, multi-site provider of healthcare services in primary care settings. Read the full case study here.

“Lewis’s sector understanding and proactive attitude to the assignment has been highly commendable. He presented a short list of strong candidates for the position resulting in a very successful outcome. Helen is hugely experienced with a very relevant track record. She will be a great asset to the management team and instrumental in helping LivingCare achieve its next level of growth.”

Dr Stephen Feldman
Founder, LivingCare Group

Directorbank reaches ’20 Year’ milestone!

This month, in honour of its 20^th anniversary, Directorbank held a celebratory event at London’s iconic ‘The Ivy’ restaurant for its network of clients and candidates. A second event takes place in Leeds later this year.

During the welcome address, Directorbank’s Simon Thomas reflected on the business’s journey to date …

“In 1998 Directorbank launched from a small office in central Leeds. The business fast-earned a reputation for adeptly sourcing board-level talent for the booming private equity market, at the pre-deal and portfolio stages of the investment cycle. Its client base grew quickly, particularly across the mid-market, and its innovative subscription offering gained traction granting its PE clients immediate access to Directorbank’s expert network of proven industry leaders across all key sectors.

During the recession years the business realigned, opening up its executive search offering to privately-owned and listed SMEs wanting to augment their boards with experienced, entrepreneurial directors. The business also expanded its role focus from the core positions of Chairman, NED, CEO and CFO to include critical directorships in Operations, Sales & Marketing, IT and HR.

Fast forward to current day and the business has completed over 2,000 appointments. Its client network has steadily grown, as has its market-leading candidate network, and notably its Germany operation – lead by Dorothea Kronenberghs – has gone from strength to strength.

Importantly, the firm has built a skilled team of consultants, researchers and support staff – a family of employees, most of whom have been with the business for a considerable length of time. In April 2017 this position was strengthened further when Directorbank’s Management Team completed an MBO taking 100% equity ownership from Nova Capital.”

Commenting on the future direction of the business, Board Director James Searby said:

“Our focus is to continue to support our clients – both old friends and new acquaintances – with comprehensive searches which unearth the best talent throughout Europe. We will continue to enrich our candidate network through expert research and personal networks, ensuring we can react quickly and effectively for our clients. We will also continue to expand the Directorbank team, bringing in fresh talent who will keep the Directors on their toes for years to come!”

From left to right: Board Directors: George Heppenstall, James Searby,
Dorothea Kronenberghs, Graham Jones and Simon Thomas.