Testimonials

“Scottish Mortgage appointed Fletcher Jones in mid-2023 when we needed to find a new director to fill one of the gaps created by retirements. The criteria which we gave were quite narrow in terms of background, experience and gender. Despite this, Fletcher Jones produced a list of impressive and diverse candidates with whom we had interesting discussions, the quality of which made our final selection decision difficult. We were delighted with the job done by FJ”.

Justin Dowley, Chair, Scottish Mortgage Investment Trust

“We recently briefed Fletcher Jones to find us a candidate with a mixture of skills; early-stage investment experience, tech operational experience and ideally some NED and/or listed company experience.  We were also looking to broaden the gender and ethnic diversity on our Board.  This was quite an ask!  We had a strong list of candidates fielded at both long and short list stages, and indeed it was hard to reduce the number for the short list as the quality of candidates felt so high.  All candidates met our brief to a greater or lesser extent, which is a testament to FJ's research as a number of them were not previously known to FJ.  We felt they had listened to our brief well and sourced some highly impressive candidates.”

Helen Sinclair, Chair, Octopus Future Generations VCT

“JPMorgan Global Growth and Income asked Fletcher Jones to find an additional Non-Executive Director in order to enhance the already very experienced Board in terms of diversity and skill sets.  With a view to succession planning, we were looking specifically for female candidates with wide corporate experience capable of constructive challenge, original thought and drive who would fit in with the Board’s culture.  Fletcher Jones went to a great deal of trouble to understand the requirements and produced an excellent list of candidates within the agreed timetable.  They did an excellent job and we were very happy with the result.”

Tristan Hillgarth, Chair, JP Morgan Global Growth & Income

“CT UK Capital & Income Trust engaged Fletcher Jones on a NED search towards the end of 2023. Some of the board had previous experiences working with them, so they came highly recommended. The search brief was quite specific as we wanted candidates with an investment management background and prior experience as a Chief Investment Officer, Head of Equities, or equivalent. What was also critical was ensuring the right cultural fit and freshness of perspective to complement existing board members.  We were impressed by the breadth of high calibre candidates presented at the Longlist stage as well as the valuable input Fletcher Jones provided at each deliberation point. This really helped the board in making a prompt decision in what was overall a very smooth process.  I’d happily recommend using Fletcher Jones going forward.”

Dunke Afe , Chair NonRem Committee, CT UK Capital & Income Investment Trust

"Fletcher Jones were tasked with finding us an experienced NED with a senior fund management background who would further enhance the board’s diversity.  The board were impressed with the long list provided, all of whom were credible candidates.  Given the strength of the candidates on the short list, the board ended up hiring two individuals with complementary experiences, successfully accelerating our board refresh.  A very smooth process, expertly handled by the team at Fletcher Jones."

Krishna Shanmuganathan, Chair, abrdn Asia Focus

“As a company quoted on the Specialist Fund Segment of the London Stock Exchange, it was important to us to have a rigorous and independent process when commencing the search for a new director. Fletcher Jones took a professional approach, providing a truly diverse set of candidates, not only diverse in gender and ethnicity but also in thought, character, and career background. In such a niche asset class (aircraft finance and leasing) we were impressed by the number of high-quality candidates with relevant experience sourced. The team were a pleasure to work with, being efficient and responsive throughout, taking a lot of the administrative workload and allowing the Board to concentrate on choosing the best candidate for the role. I would not hesitate to engage Fletcher Jones again in the future, thank you.”

Fiona Le Poidevin, Chair, Doric Nimrod Air Two Limited & Andreas Tautscher, Chair Doric Nimrod Air Three Limited

“To recruit a new CEO, we first sought to identify the right agency to conduct the search. Fletcher Jones came top in a competitive process due to their clearly communicated approach, understanding of our needs and what a 'good fit' for us may look like. They produced a strong candidate list, supported by objectively written reports. At each stage Fletcher Jones gave timely, clear, and appropriate updates which smoothed the selection process along to final interview and a successful, high quality appointment. A debrief by the Board concluded that we were very pleased with the service Fletcher Jones provided and have no hesitation in recommending them. I personally felt that the team worked hard to help us find not just a great CEO but the right CEO for Metfriendly, the Board and our members."

Joanna Young, Chair, Metfriendly

“Fletcher Jones provided great support for the PG Mutual CEO search. From sourcing a very strong long list, to the in-depth analysis of the short list, and then to the final interviews, the non-executive directors felt that Fletcher Jones managed the process with professionalism and expertise that led to the appointment of an exceptional candidate as CEO.”

Paul Howley, Chair of the Remuneration and Nomination Committee, PG Mutual

"Following the successful appointment of a NED to the board in 2021 and of a new CEO in early 2022, we once again engaged Fletcher Jones to help us find a Chair of Audit and Risk NED. This required a specific set of skills for the role but also an ability to engage with the wider agenda and strategy of the Society. Fletcher Jones were able to utilise their network and expertise to compile a strong list of candidates with the appropriate qualities we were looking for. The assignment was extremely well conducted from start to finish and resulted in an impressive appointment to the Board. We would certainly use Fletcher Jones again and would not hesitate in recommending them for recruiting Board Directors.”

John Quinn, Chairman, Board of Management, Cirencester Friendly Society

"Following a tender exercise, we appointed Fletcher Jones to conduct a search for a new CEO. Impressed by their understanding of the building society sector and their proposed approach, which was tailored to our tight time scale, we were impressed by the strong candidate list, supported by comprehensive and helpful written reports. At each stage Fletcher Jones provided help and advice which led to a smooth and seamless search process and an excellent choice of candidates.  The appointments panel could have appointed a number of individuals, and the process was successfully concluded with the recruitment of an excellent new CEO.  We were very satisfied with the service Fletcher Jones provided and have no hesitation in recommending them.”

Richard Drinkwater, Nomination Committee Chair, Penrith Building Society

“A recent review of our succession strategy identified a need for the replacement of two of the Society’s longest serving NEDs. Following an analysis of Board skills, we again turned to Fletcher Jones to support us with the two assignments. Our brief was to identify NEDs with Marketing and Finance backgrounds. In both cases, Fletcher Jones was able to source a strong list of candidates with the appropriate qualities we were looking for. Both of the assignments resulted in successful appointments to the Board. We would certainly use Fletcher Jones again and would not hesitate in recommending them.”

Andrew Horsley, Vice Chair and Chair of the Nomination & Remuneration Committee, Chorley Building Society

“We approached Fletcher Jones to work on a NED assignment. This was our first experience of using them and we have been very impressed. From the initial briefing through to short listing and interview the Fletcher Jones team have been professional, approachable, and always very efficient. We had confidence in their approach from the updates and clear communication with us at each stage of the process. That confidence was further embedded with the provision of a strong candidate list that led to a great appointment for us. A positive experience all round.”

Kimberly Johnstone, Director of People and Corporate Services, The Medical and Dental Defence Union of Scotland

“We appointed Fletcher Jones to assist with the search for a new partner in our corporate practice. The process worked very well. We were impressed by the work carried out by Fletcher Jones on shortlisting candidates and it really felt like a collaborative approach. We are very pleased with the successful appointment and would not hesitate to recommend the Fletcher Jones team for other appointments.”

Bruce Farquhar, Chair, Anderson Strathern

“We set a tight, challenging brief in terms of the attributes of the ideal candidate we were looking for to fill a key role in our firm. This meant the likely appointee would need to relocate from a big city to a regional centre. Fletcher Jones filled us with confidence with their hands-on approach and the impressive shortlist prepared for us, which demonstrated they understood exactly who we were looking for. The candidates were not only of the prerequisite calibre, but also a good fit with our culture. We are delighted with our new partner.”

David Smith, Managing Partner, Henderson Loggie

“Fletcher Jones were appointed to find a senior private client lawyer with a diverse set of skills who was established in the Edinburgh market.  A priority for us on this search was to ensure that the fit was right for our established legal team and we needed someone to come in to succeed to the management of this team and take the team with them and for the change to be managed carefully.  I am always reassured working with Fletcher Jones that they truly take on board and understand what is important to us and ensure this is the case before they bring candidates to us. In the latest appointment, Fletcher Jones have done this was handled to their usual high standard and most importantly they ensured that they continued to be fully involved and managed the process even after a candidate has tendered their resignation when there can still be risks to overcome.”

Carole Tomlinson, Partner and Head of Private Client
Anderson Strathern

“Having been retained on searches for a number of senior appointments in recent years, Fletcher Jones has gained a good understanding of our firm’s culture and of how challenging it can be to recruit top calibre senior lawyers in a highly competitive market. When a much sought-after individual became available, Fletcher Jones responded quickly and supported our recruitment process despite a few counter offers and secured a valued addition to our corporate & commercial team. Fletcher Jones lived up to its ‘trusted advisor’ reputation.”

Murray McCall, Managing Partner Anderson Strathern

"Fletcher Jones took time to understand both our cultural context and operational requirements and delivered an excellent range of candidates that exceeded expectations".

Matthew Carpenter, Head of Finance/Company Secretary, The Salvation Army

"As part of its succession planning process, Golden Charter Trust (GCT), asked Fletcher Jones to help with a search for an investment management professional to replenish key skills on its board. The process was tightly run and produced an excellent short list. The candidates we interviewed were of very high quality and were also a good cultural fit for the GCT team. As a result, we decided to accelerate our recruitment schedule and appoint two of the candidates instead of one. We very much appreciate the trusted relationship with Fletcher Jones, always benefiting from their keen understanding of our business model and their commitment to our governance standards."

Clare Brady, Chair of the Nominations and Remuneration Committee, Golden Charter Trust 

“I worked with Jo over a six month period as I felt I needed some external perspective on a new role I had taken on, and support me in my change of direction. The Coaching experience was really helpful. Jo asked great questions and leads you to reflect on areas that may not have been obvious on first review. It also supported me to make a committed plan of action to myself- not only within a professional setting but also personally. I would highly recommend Jo and found the experience invaluable.”

Senior Leader, Scottish Widows

“Jo was wonderful from the very first email we exchanged. She is an amazing listener and her ability to read between the lines and analyse situations is very inspirational. Her personality is also so refreshing to be around and you always leave her company on positive, re-charged and motivated to take the next step forward.”

Former Managing Director, Underground Maintenance Systems