Our Team

Stephen established Research Europe in 2002. He has 25 years’ experience delivering senior-level executive searches internationally, including managing multi-sector research teams at two London-based executive search firms. He is a Trainer for the Executive Research Association, an industry professional body, which promotes excellence and supports members in sourcing global talent. He holds the BPS Levels A and B Occupational Testing qualifications, awarded by the University of Cambridge Psychometrics Centre. Stephen has a Masters in Geography from Cambridge University.

Zehra joined Research Europe in 2020. Experienced in executive research, talent intelligence, and research writing, she has worked with multi-nationals across the oil and gas, media, legal and professional services industries. She has an MSc in Organisational Social Psychology from the London School of Economics and Political Science, and an MSc in Education, Power and Social Change from Birkbeck College, University of London

Karen has over 20 years’ recruitment, research and account management experience. Since joining Research Europe in 2010, she has led search and talent intelligence projects across multiple sectors and functions, including media, charities, professional services, infrastructure, transport and manufacturing, both in the UK and internationally. Before joining Research Europe, Karen spent eight years at Crone Corkill in direct recruitment and leadership roles, and six years at the American Intercontinental University in London, responsible for international admissions. She has a BA in French & Russian from Sheffield University. Away from work, she loves yoga and food – not always at the same time.

Lauren is an experienced research professional specialising in talent intelligence and acquisition. Prior to joining Research Europe in 2023, she spent six years within a well-known research organisation, most recently serving as the Head of Intelligence. Lauren has particular experience in informing on competitor organisational design, talent market perceptions, location planning intelligence and strategy, as well as executive hiring and market mapping. She holds a BA in Creative Practice and Business from Leeds Metropolitan University. Lauren is a dedicated and skilled research professional who combines her expertise in talent intelligence with her strong analytical and communication skills to provide valuable insights to her clients.

Sarah has 20 years’ experience in talent intelligence research, executive search, talent mapping, talent pipelining, and talent insight across a wide range of geographies, industries and sectors. Prior to joining Research Europe, Sarah spent almost 10 years leading in-house executive recruitment functions within the financial services sector for Lloyds Banking Group, and most recently in global strategic communications. Sarah’s experience both inhouse and as a supplier means that she has a deep understanding of the value of research. Sarah holds a BA in Art History from the University of Northumbria and a Masters from the University of Leeds.

Gilly re-joined Research Europe in 2018 having been one of our earliest employees in the mid-2000s. She has worked on a range of talent research projects across multiple sectors. She taught English abroad for many years and has lived in Kazakhstan, Ecuador and Portugal. She was previously the head of production at a London fashion photography studio. Gilly has a BA in Experimental Psychology from the University of Sussex.

Gavin joined Research Europe in 2016 after working in Executive Search for the previous 9 years with Oryx, a generalist search firm. Markets worked in include: Oil and Gas, Aerospace, Mining, Manufacturing, FMCG, Financial Services. Gavin started with Oryx as a Researcher before progressing through the business to manage a team of Researchers, each conducting Executive level appointments. Mentoring and Training was also a key part of his role. He has a BSc in Psychology from the University of Plymouth.

Rebecca is a multi-award-winning Recruitment Leader with over 20 years of in-house strategic recruitment experience, honing and mastering the art and science across world-leading brands. She has adeptly managed the complete lifecycle of Talent Acquisition, Employer Branding, Talent Management & Diversity, as well as spearheading Innovation, Technology, and Transformation.

Leonora is a classically trained executive researcher and head hunter having worked for over 18 years across multiple sectors and geographies. As a trusted advisor to clients, she consults on talent attraction and acquisition, research strategies and best practice, helping them create diverse and integrated teams. She is a great supporter of career aspirations, treating candidates as individuals and guiding them through the hiring process. She sat on the Executive Research Association Committee for 5 years, raising the bar on Executive Search for clients and candidates alike. Using her MA in Psychology from the University of Edinburgh, she is passionate about looking at the nuances of the individual and the hiring company when considering what will produce the best result.

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Mike spent a short time in a special projects role at the foreign office before becoming a recruiter in the communications sector. He has worked across a range of communications briefs, for agencies and corporate firms, over six years at The Works and Primavera. He joined Research Europe in 2013, with a brief to deliver research projects internationally and assist with developing the firm’s psychometric offering. He holds the BPS Levels A and B Occupational Testing qualifications. Mike has a Masters in Art History from Cambridge University.

With over 20 years of experience with start-ups and multi-nationals, John’s focus is on leading and supporting global business growth through effective technological input, strategic and digital transformations, and management of turnaround engagements. John began his career as a recruitment manager, with focus on R&D and in Executive Search. He progressed on to roles such as the Director of Talent Strategy and Chief People Officer, largely across the communications and technology industries, as well in professional services. He has a BA in Politics, Economics, Law and Sociology from De Montfort University, and an MBA in Specialised Economics and Innovation from Cardiff University.

Hannah is at the helm of daily operations, providing a broad spectrum of operational and administrative support across the organisation. Her responsibilities include crafting and overseeing reports, formulating job descriptions, managing the holiday schedule, handling expenses and invoices, and coordinating meetings, all geared towards ensuring streamlined operations and optimal workflow efficiency. Her HR and payroll expertise extends to onboarding new hires and maintaining crucial office equipment to boost productivity. With more than 11 years of experience at a top demand generation agency, Hannah has honed her skills in operations, lead generation, account management, and the execution of effective email marketing campaigns. Since joining Research Europe in 2023, her insights and initiatives have been instrumental in the company’s growth and continuing success.

Having worked in the Professional Services space for over 18 years, Stefania is a seasoned expert in creating operational efficiency across sales, marketing, and recruitment functions. Her passion lies in implementing unique and personalised strategies that are tailored to our specific business needs. With a keen interest in integrating technology into our operations, Stefania continually explores new processes, software and technologies to make informed decisions that drive meaningful outcomes for our business. Outside of work, Stefania is a devoted soccer mom to her teenage son.

Rosie joined Research Europe in 2006, after working as a journalist and film-maker. Having lived for several years in Latin America, she speaks fluent Spanish as well as basic Portuguese. She has worked on search and talent intelligence projects across multiple sectors, including media, professional services, infrastructure, technology and retail. Away from work, Rosie makes documentaries and travels extensively. She has a BA in Social Anthropology from the School of Oriental & African Studies.

Emma has twelve years’ experience in the world of talent intelligence and resourcing, having spent 7 years at Write Research, an executive research business, and a further 2 years at recruiting firm Brightpool. She joined Research Europe in 2019. Emma has a BA in Sociology from the University of Leeds.

Traci is an experienced research and recruitment professional with over 14 years’ experience in rewards and executive search. She has in-depth knowledge of the healthcare industry along with working across sector specialties such as engineering and finance. Traci joins the Research Europe team from her home state of North Carolina, USA. She has a BA in Business Administration and Management from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.

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Zoraida started her career in executive search and recruitment in 2021, focusing on DEI leadership within the third sector. She joined the Research Europe team in 2023 with a strong educational foundation including a BSc in Psychology and Sociology from Nottingham Trent University. She also brings an entrepreneurial spirit to our team, with expertise in property management, looking after several holiday lets. Beyond work she loves to travel, hike and experience new cultures and is also a certified scuba diver. Her most recent adventure was spent solo backpacking around Southeast Asia for 6 months.

Ed graduated from the University of Sussex in 2019 with a BA in International Relations & Development. He started his career teaching English in Hanoi, Vietnam, where he lived on and off for four years. In 2021, Ed transitioned into executive search at a leading firm in London, specialising in Public Sector, NGO, Higher Education, and Board roles. A keen traveler, Ed has lived and worked in Vietnam, Georgia, Indonesia, Mexico, and Guatemala, bringing a global perspective to his work.