Oct. 28, 2022
By Michael Diamond
Norman Broadbent, the UK’s oldest executive search firm, is setting its sights on growth in Scotland with the opening of its first offices north of the border.
Our launch in Scotland marks the arrival of a well-established executive search firm with ambitions to disrupt the market.
With offices in both Edinburgh and Aberdeen, we have established a six-strong team to launch the Scottish business, aiming to employ 20 staff across Scotland by the end of 2025.
Having partnered with significant brands across Scotland for decades, a physical presence in two key cities strengthens Norman Broadbent’s service offering across multiple verticals and specialist sectors including, industrials, financial services, energy, consumer, digital and technology, life sciences and private equity.
Led by experienced search leader Michael Diamond, our team is focusing on targeting the board, C-suite and leadership market of Scotland’s largest brands and businesses, utilising its UK footprint and international networks.
Based in Edinburgh, Michael is the Managing Director for Norman Broadbent’s operations in Scotland and leads the firm’s global practice focused on private capital and investors. With over 14 years’ experience in executive search, talent advisory and leadership consulting, Michael will advise and support the firm’s client base and focus on growing the Norman Broadbent team in Scotland across its industry and functional practices.
Chief Operating Officer, Aberdeen-based Sean Buchan, will be based out of the firm’s new office on Rubislaw Terrace within the heart of the city’s prestigious West End office district. Sean has 20 years’ experience in executive search and leadership advisory, with specific expertise in the global energy and infrastructure market.
Michael Diamond, Managing Director for Norman Broadbent Group in Scotland said:
“With Norman Broadbent Group, we see a fantastic opportunity to disrupt the Scottish market in an impactful way and establish ourselves as the leading player within executive search and a valued strategic partner to investors, high-growth companies and major brands who have a base or are headquartered in Scotland.”
“The year ahead will bring many challenges for Scotland’s businesses but also a number of opportunities for those who can lead their teams through economic volatility and uncertainty. Combining our experience in executive search and leadership consulting with our domain knowledge and networks, we’re very well placed to help these businesses find the right leaders in a highly competitive talent market.”
Kevin Davidson, CEO, began his 25 year search and advisory career in Scotland before relocating to Houston, Texas and then back to London 15 years ago said:
“I am thrilled to have Norman Broadbent firmly established north of the border. Having started my career at Scottish Enterprise I am passionate about the economic contribution and prospects of Scotland on the international stage and incredibly excited to be playing our part in shaping leadership teams of the future across industries.”
Established in 1979, we were the first UK headquartered search firm. Over its 40+ year history, Norman Broadbent has supported over 3,000 clients, from start-ups through to FTSE 100 companies, and placed directors, executives and leaders in 75 countries around the world.