The corporate affairs function at tml Partners has continued to support critical leadership hires at FTSE-listed Defence and Security company QinetiQ with the appointment of their Group Communications Director.
QinetiQ (LSE: QQ) is an integrated global Defence and Security company focused on mission-led innovation. The company employs more than 8,000 highly-skilled people, committed to creating new ways of protecting what matters most; testing technologies, systems, and processes to make sure they meet operational needs; and enabling customers to deploy new and enhanced capabilities with the assurance they will deliver the performance required. For more information, visit www.qinetiq.com
The Challenge
QinetiQ required a Group Communications Director to build, lead and oversee the communications function for the company as it embarks on the next stage of its international growth. This leadership role would work closely with the senior leadership team, including the CEO, to provide counsel, guidance and expertise across the evolving corporate communications remit, so best-in-class core competencies would be needed as well as high emotional intelligence.
The Solution
Tom Morgan-Harris, Director of the Corporate Affairs recruitment practice at tml Partners, worked closely with Gordon Burr, Chief of Staff, and Joseph Hepenstall, Group Director of Skills, at QinetiQ. Firstly, Tom developed a deep understanding of the company and how this role would support the wider business goals at this stage in their journey. Utilising his extensive network of corporate communications professionals across the industry, he proactively presented a shortlist to the Senior Leadership team to advise and ultimately source their new Group Communications Director.
The successful candidate, Lindsay Walls, commented: “I recently worked with Tom who placed me into my current role as Group Communications Director at QinetiQ. From the moment we connected, Tom impressed me with his professionalism, communication skills and industry knowledge. He took the time to understand my career goals, skill set and working style. The opportunity he presented aligned perfectly with my aspirations. Throughout the recruitment process, Tom provided me with regular updates and feedback. His guidance and support were invaluable and I cannot speak highly enough of Tom’s professionalism, expertise and commitment to excellence.”
Joseph Hepenstall, Group Director of Skills and Capacity at QinetiQ, said: “We have known and worked with Tom and Simon at tml Partners for some time but it is only when you have a critical, senior role to fill under pressure and with a huge list of requirements to be met, that you realise how good they are. In particular I would highlight Tom’s tenacity and dedication to both the requirements in sourcing but also in finding the right communication levels throughout the process. We felt in safe hands and with high degrees of confidence for both a positive completion and with an excellent, high quality hire.”
Who are tml Partners?
tml Partners are Marketing and Corporate Affairs recruitment specialists with access to a global network of leaders.
Tom leads our Corporate Affairs practice, working across senior roles in Investor Relations, External and Internal Communications, Public Affairs, Content and Brand on a permanent or interim basis.
To learn how tml Partners can help you, get in touch with Tom Morgan-Harris:
