A Chairperson is considered the single biggest determinant of a Board’s effectiveness. A Chairperson has the primary role in determining an organisation’s strategic focus as well as setting the tone for communications and leading its composition.
It is a demanding and challenging role that requires a skill set that is different in many respects from those of a successful executive career. Exceptional CEO’s or MD’s don’t necessarily make good Chairpersons. Equally the best Chairpersons may not have been CEO’s themselves.
Whilst sector experience can be valuable, it is ultimately a less important determinant of success in the role than having the right characteristics to be a great Chairperson. Combining outstanding business judgement with a high degree of emotional intelligence, sophisticated team leadership skills, calmness under pressure and the integrity to put ‘company’ before ‘self’.
When working with Boards on Chairperson succession, we place particular emphasis on defining the candidate brief – ensuring alignment around the key business challenges faced, the expectations of the Chairperson in terms of role and time commitment, and the credentials and capabilities that will be required.
We then work on a highly confidential basis to identify and assess potential candidates and help our clients to manage the critical and sensitive process of selecting the right successor – whether from the existing Board or from outside.
Non-Executive Directors
The expectations placed on Boards by both shareholders and external commentators are higher than they have ever been. It is important to work with a firm that has the experience and understands the unique pressures and challenges of the boardroom.
We have considerable experience in finding Chairpersons and Non-Executive Directors. We have worked at Board level for many multinationals, FTSE businesses and SME’s, as well and family-run and start-up businesses. Also, our experience in appointing Non Executives extends to not for profit and public sector organisations.
We have a particular reputation for and expertise in appointing high-quality women to Boards, frequently helping them to secure their first Non-Executive role.
In most cases, we have long-standing Board relationships with our clients, enabling us to bring real insight to their particular needs and challenges and to place specific assignments in the context of broader thinking about board effectiveness and longer-term succession planning.
Looking to retain a Non Executive specialist headhunting practice?
Please contact George Woodward at emailPlease select one of the following: or on phonePlease select one of the following:
Chairperson
Peter Tucker
Founding Director
Peter was part of the team that set up Novo in 2003 and has now been running research based assignments for over 20 years. This experience covers a wide range of sectors and companies but would class the following as particular specialities: sales and marketing, sport and manufacturing.
Dale is one of the Founding Directors of Novo Executive Search and Selection. He is part of the Novo leadership team that drives the business. He remains passionate about working with clients on a daily basis delivering executive search assignments. Dale has a breadth of experience successfully working across many sectors.
A Chairperson is considered the single biggest determinant of a Board’s effectiveness. A Chairperson has the primary role in determining an organisation’s strategic focus as well as setting the tone for communications and leading its composition.
It is a demanding and challenging role that requires a skill set that is different in many respects from those of a successful executive career. Exceptional CEO’s or MD’s don’t necessarily make good Chairpersons. Equally the best Chairpersons may not have been CEO’s themselves.
Whilst sector experience can be valuable, it is ultimately a less important determinant of success in the role than having the right characteristics to be a great Chairperson. Combining outstanding business judgement with a high degree of emotional intelligence, sophisticated team leadership skills, calmness under pressure and the integrity to put ‘company’ before ‘self’.
When working with Boards on Chairperson succession, we place particular emphasis on defining the candidate brief – ensuring alignment around the key business challenges faced, the expectations of the Chairperson in terms of role and time commitment, and the credentials and capabilities that will be required.
We then work on a highly confidential basis to identify and assess potential candidates and help our clients to manage the critical and sensitive process of selecting the right successor – whether from the existing Board or from outside.
Non-Executive Directors
The expectations placed on Boards by both shareholders and external commentators are higher than they have ever been. It is important to work with a firm that has the experience and understands the unique pressures and challenges of the boardroom.
We have considerable experience in finding Chairpersons and Non-Executive Directors. We have worked at Board level for many multinationals, FTSE businesses and SME’s, as well and family-run and start-up businesses. Also, our experience in appointing Non Executives extends to not for profit and public sector organisations.
We have a particular reputation for and expertise in appointing high-quality women to Boards, frequently helping them to secure their first Non-Executive role.
In most cases, we have long-standing Board relationships with our clients, enabling us to bring real insight to their particular needs and challenges and to place specific assignments in the context of broader thinking about board effectiveness and longer-term succession planning.
Looking to retain a Non Executive specialist headhunting practice?
Peter was part of the team that set up Novo in 2003 and has now been running research based assignments for over 20 years. This experience covers a wide range of sectors and companies but would class the following as particular specialities: sales and marketing, sport and manufacturing.
George is an experienced director and key member of Novo Executive Search’s leadership team and is integral in driving forward its growth into the future. With a breadth of UK and global executive search experience spanning over 20 years, George has an outstanding track record in assisting numerous businesses, ranging from owner-managed SMEs and mid-size companies to FTSE clients, helping them source exceptional talent to fill executive positions within their organisations. George works closely with his clients to identify and recruit high calibre professionals for board and senior management roles. His executive recruitment skills, insightful decision-making, and ambition for his clients’ success are second to none.
Dale is one of the Founding Directors of Novo Executive Search and Selection. He is part of the Novo leadership team that drives the business. He remains passionate about working with clients on a daily basis delivering executive search assignments. Dale has a breadth of experience successfully working across many sectors.
During the first half of 2021 Novo Executive Search worked with the Central Bedfordshire Council on 3 retained search assignments; the recruitment of a Non-Executive Chair to oversee the Board of a start-up housing development company (New Vista Homes) and a start up care homes and services business (Care is Central), as well as suitably experienced Executive Directors for both of these new organisations. Through running targeted traditional headhunting searches which were supported by carefully selected executive and non-executive advertising campaigns, all 3 roles were filled.
Central Bedfordshire Council
In the Summer of 2020 Novo were appointed by Gemserv, the low carbon, energy, technology & health sector consultancy to recruit an experienced NED for their Board. Through running a thorough and targeted non-executive selection campaign, engaging with a wide audience of experienced people from the environmental, technology, health and energy markets Novo were successful in appointing a suitably experienced NED for Gemserv.
Gemserv
Client Testimonial
Bray & Bray is a highly successful multi service law firm based in Leicestershire with a growing and developing Dispute Resolution Department. Novo’s Legal Division were retained to recruit a Partner in Dispute Litigation for the company during early 2020. Through a targeted and comprehensive East Midlands headhunting assignment process Novo were successful in appointing a Partner for the practice.”
Bray & Bray Solicitors
Client Testimonials
“Working with Framptons, the Somerset based niche food &r drink services company to recruit an experienced Operations Director and Head of Commercial for the site in Shepton Mallet. Novo’s experienced Food and Drink search practice did a wonderful research, advertising and networking job on these assignments, both roles were filled, and we look forward to helping Framptons with further projects in the future.”
Framptons
Client Testimonials
“We have worked with Novo Executive Search before on a couple of challenging pieces of recruitment. Novo has provided an excellent quality of service which has led to a successful appointment on both occasions. We would be happy to recommend Novo to other companies wishing to secure the services of a specialist executive search business.”
