James Christian has been appointed as Managing Partner to lead Gerard Daniels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA). In this role, James will work alongside Paul Howard, Managing Partner for the Americas, and Ryan Hathrill, Managing Partner for Asia Pacific, to grow the global reach and impact of the Firm.
“We are delighted to announce James’ appointment and to celebrate his ongoing commitment and contribution to the Firm,” says Director, Lloyd Smith. “This appointment recognises the experience that James brings to leading and developing our team, and to supporting our clients in this region.”
“As Managing Partner, James will provide strategic focus to grow the Firm’s offering in EMEA,” says Director, Michael McAnearney. “Building on five years’ experience with Gerard Daniels, James also brings continuity of service and a deep knowledge of the Firm’s key client markets.”
Drawing on diverse experience to support diverse clients
Prior leadership roles in HR and recruitment have allowed James to work with diverse organisations across the energy and industrial sectors, and to understand and deliver on their operational needs and leadership challenges. During his time with Gerard Daniels, James has continued to refine this knowledge and to lead many executive search assignments with clients in these sectors.
“In developing our impact in EMEA we will maintain a strategic focus on building partnerships in energy, private equity, infrastructure, mining and metals, and manufacturing, and supporting clients in delivering on their sustainability, energy transition and decarbonisation strategies,” says James. “Industrial technology will be another area of growing interest for the Firm, alongside the broader industrial services that feed into many client sectors, like heavy equipment manufacturing.”
A growing practice, to support growing demand
In addition to appointing James as Managing Partner, the Firm continues to invest in growing and developing its diverse and multicultural EMEA team to better support clients in this region. This can be seen in the recent appointment of Nona Sichinava to lead the London mining practice, and the appointment of Brazilian national Bruno Toloso as a Principal Consultant to support the Firm’s global delivery function – also based out of London.
“Nona and Bruno complement the culture of our EMEA team, extend our natural resources and industrial capability, and have proven vital in meeting surging demand for exceptional leadership talent,” says James. “Feeding into our integrated and global approach, they also bring unique experience and diverse talent networks, with Nona having spent over a decade in North America, and Bruno originating from and maintaining strong links to the LATAM region.”
As the EMEA team continues to grow, providing leadership and stability will be key to the Managing Partner role. Having been with the Firm through previous periods of growth, James hopes that his experience will allow him to offer a balanced view on the approach and opportunities that are best aligned with the Firm and its clients.
“The Managing Partner role is also an exciting opportunity to build on the success of an executive search brand that has grown, evolved and sustained over nearly four decades,” says James. “Based on our journey as a Practice so far, I believe we are in a strong position to grow this legacy and to close out the year with a balanced, motivated, positive, high-performing and highly client-focused team.”
To find your next leadership opportunity or discuss your executive search and Board advisory needs, connect with James or reach out to your local Gerard Daniels team.
