The former chair of Bibby Financial Services has joined a Manchester-based executive search firm as it prepares for a period of strong investment and growth.
Gaurav Batra joins Howgate Sable as chairman and brings with him 25 years’ commercial experience having previously operated at board level within the Virgin Group as well as Bibby Financial Services.
Gaurav is also chairman of Greater Manchester-based charity, Life Leisure, which operates leisure facilities and focuses on delivering improved health outcomes in communities based on raising activity levels.
He said: “Throughout my career, I have learned that, ultimately, a company’s success comes down to the quality of its people.
"Executive search firms can play a vital role in helping organisations to pull together the best teams and I was attracted by the opportunity to join an innovative, client-focused firm that can realistically aspire to be the leader in this market.
“Howgate Sable combines deep sector expertise with a passion for delivering a great client experience and result through their innovative and agile approach to search.
"The firm has an impressive client roster and the level of repeat business points strongly to the future potential. I look forward to playing my part in the firm’s continued evolution and success.”
Elsewhere in the business, Liz Shay has been appointed as head of research following two decades within the research department for London search firm, The Miles Partnership.
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She works across a broad range of c-suite level projects and international assignments, as well as acting as co-chair for the Executive Research Association (ERA), a global forum for talent intelligence and insight professionals.
Dean White has joined as partner having worked within the human capital industry for 13 years.
He began his career in retail operations with a leading high street luxury brand before joining Page Executive – part of the FTSE 250 listed organisation, Page Group.
Neil Humphreys, partner at Howgate Sable, said: “Our clients put their trust in us to source executives with the ability to deliver positive business impact.
"After 30 years of successfully doing so, it’s time to take things to the next level by further growing our organisation in terms of technology and capability.
"My partners and I are absolutely delighted that we have been able to attract individuals of this calibre to join us to help achieve this.
“It’s an extremely exciting time for the firm and these new appointments are critical to achieve our goals for growth.”