Perspectives, market intelligence and commentary drawn from search, intelligence and advisory work.
Over the past few months, I've spoken with three senior leaders who put themselves forward when the top job in their organisation became vacant. None were appointed. That, in itself, is not unusual. Not everyone can become the next CEO or Managing Director. What surprised me...
Over the years, I've met leaders with impressive qualifications, exceptional technical knowledge and strong commercial track records. Those things matter. But they are rarely the qualities that determine whether people genuinely want to follow them. The best leaders are curious. They take time to understand the people doing the...
When people think about investment in aquaculture, the conversation usually centres on production growth, technology, biology and market demand. All are important. But experienced investors know something else. Businesses rarely outperform the quality of their leadership teams. While investment presentations tend to focus on projects, assets and forecasts, leadership...
Most organisations spend a great deal of time planning for the future. Capital investment is planned years in advance. Production targets are mapped out. Growth strategies are developed. Technology roadmaps are agreed. Yet one of the most important assets in any organisation often receives attention only when a problem appears. Leadership. Leadership...
Recent news around large-scale RAS developments has generated plenty of discussion. Most of the conversation focuses on technology, capital investment, production targets and construction milestones. Far less attention is given to the challenge that will ultimately determine whether many of these projects succeed or fail. ** Leadership **. Technology...
Over the last 15 years, I've watched the aquaculture industry evolve from a relatively small and regionally focused sector into a global industry attracting significant investment, innovation and international talent. Today, businesses across Norway, Scotland, Iceland, Canada and increasingly the Middle East are competing for many...
Finding people has never been the challenge. Finding the right people often is. Across aquaculture, there are certain leadership and specialist appointments that repeatedly prove difficult to fill. The reasons vary, but the problem is rarely a shortage of applicants. More often, it is a shortage of individuals...
With what is happening this week in Westminster, there is a renewed focus on how individuals come into leadership roles and whether the process behind their appointment is as important as the outcome itself. While the context may differ, the underlying question is just as relevant...
The 2026 UK executive search market is characterised by cautious optimism amid economic uncertainty. There is a strong emphasis on specialist skills, particularly in technology and green energy, as well as on adaptable leadership and the strategic integration of AI and data into the hiring...
Over the past 12 months, The Appointed Group has been proud to serve as the retained talent advisor for the UK's first large-scale land-based salmon farm project. During this time, we have completed several confidential Executive Search assignments and guided them in building their team...