The Digital Team

Claire Eason

Claire Eason

Business Manager - Marketing | Digital | Ecommerce | Analytics | Product

I am a seasoned recruiter with over a decade of experience recruiting for large scale multi-site consumer brands across retail, travel, and services in the North & Midlands. I am proud to have built many long lasting relationships over this time, based on trust, reliability and of course results! As a trusted advisor, I’ve supported clients through in-housing projects, full team builds and transformation projects across Marketing, Digital, Ecommerce, Insight & Analytics and Product. I have a keen eye for emerging trends and have successfully supported my clients in curating high-performing teams. Whether it's appointing visionary leaders or nurturing emerging talent, I thrive on the challenge of matching skills with aspirations and aligning ambitions.

Simon Stephens

Simon Stephens

Joint Managing Director

It’s hard to believe that over 20 years have passed since myself along with my budding entrepreneurs, Andrew and Dean founded and launched Better Placed in 2002.  Clearly there’s been a good accumulation of grey hairs over that time but my network and relationships with a multitude of major financial and business services clients continues to thrive. My passion to drive Better Placed into new areas, sectors, regions and expand the Real Network remains undiminished. The knowledge, credibility and track record i have within the Marketing Industry and loyal network of Senior professionals makes me a compelling asset for clients who are looking to attract and secure Senior talent to further develop their businesses.Outside Better Placed, my passion revolves around my family, sport (Not just in an armchair capacity), good Red Wine and even better holidays. If I'm not coaching my eldest son’s junior Rugby team, you'll find me watching my Sons play cricket in the Summer or enjoying socialising with friends and family.The one thing you might not know about me is that I attended a US University on a Golf Scholarship and (despite my advancing years) still play off Scratch. I also remain the only successful London Marathon Runner at Better Placed and i'm proud of it!!!

George Jackson

George Jackson

Head of Agency

​With over a decade of experience in agency recruitment, I’ve built a strong track record of placing industry leading talent across the UK, with a particular focus on the North—especially Yorkshire and the North West. My expertise spans both client services and creative roles, and I work with a diverse range of agencies, from ambitious start-ups to global network powerhouses across Digital, Integrated, PR & Social, Shopper, Branding and Research agencies.I specialise in recruiting across all levels, from entry-level to Managing Director, and take pride in understanding the unique DNA of each agency I work with. This allows me to not only identify candidates with the right skills, but those who will truly thrive in a specific culture and team dynamic.Whether supporting fast-growing independents looking to make their next strategic hire or partnering with established networks to shape leadership teams, I bring a consultative, insight-led approach to every brief. I believe in long-term partnerships, built on trust, transparency, and a deep understanding of the ever-evolving agency landscape. 

Rachel O'Sullivan

Rachel O'Sullivan

Partner - bpe search & Board Director - Better Placed

I have built an exceptional reputation internally and externally since joining the Group in 2010. Now a Board Director, my expertise spans retail, e-com, hospitality and leisure sectors and I have a first class network throughout marketing and digital functions in particular. My clients range from major high street retailers to emerging scale-ups and disruptors and I've helped many individuals transition between the twoI'm not afraid to challenge traditional thinking and try to bring a fresh perspective to my client’s search criteria and I have a strong track record in helping women to secure leadership positions. I would like to think I have an incredible work ethic and a honest approach and this has proved a very successful combination throughout my career, and for that reason, I'm often the chosen recruitment partner for many businesses and candidates alike.

Beth Rollin

Beth Rollin

Managing Consultant

For 8 years, I’ve been immersed in recruitment, working closely with businesses across Yorkshire to help them find the right people to grow and succeed. My approach has always been straightforward: understand the needs, build trust and deliver results without the fluff. I’ve partnered with companies of all sizes in the Retail Travel and Leisure space to recruit across Marketing, Digital, Ecommerce, Insight and Product, from single key hires to supporting full team builds during periods of change and growth. I take the time to understand not just the skills required, but the culture and goals behind every brief. What I enjoy most is bringing the right people and opportunities together, helping candidates take the next step in their careers and supporting businesses as they grow. I’m easy to work with, honest in my approach and always happy to offer straightforward advice, whether you’re hiring or looking for your next move. ​

Leah Ross

Leah Ross

Delivery Consultant

With a focus on talent delivery and research, I support the CPG team at Better Placed by uncovering high‑quality, hard‑to‑find marketing and commercial talent across the consumer goods space.My role is all about going deeper into the candidate market, identifying individuals who aren’t actively looking but are perfectly aligned to the roles we’re working on. I work closely with our consultants and clients to understand each brief in detail, ensuring that every search is targeted, relevant and insight-led.From mapping out competitor teams to tracking salary shifts and market trends, I bring a layer of intelligence that supports faster, smarter hiring decisions. Clients value the depth of research I provide, while candidates appreciate a considered, personalised approach that puts fit and long‑term potential first.Whether you're scaling a team or making a key strategic hire, I help ensure no stone is left unturned.

Kate Siegel

Kate Siegel

Director

I specialise in Marketing & Digital recruitment for the Retail, Leisure, Travel, and Hospitality industries across both permanent and interim assignments. Interim is in area I’m particularly skilled in and I have an excellent track record of providing clients with this solution while they are seeking out their perfect permanent candidate. From big names in FMCG to luxury brands and cutting-edge digital startups, I've matched talent with opportunities across the board. Need a PPC whiz, an SEO expert, or someone to jazz up your brand? I've got you covered, from getting customers in the door to keeping them coming back. My client base is typically businesses over £50m t/o in size and I’m proud to say I partner with some of the most sought after employer brands the UK has to offer! At Better Placed, we do things differently. We're all about personal connections, not just ticking boxes. When you work with me, it's not just business; it's a partnership, tailored to what you need and where you want to go.With over ten years’ experience working in marketing myself, I've seen it all and I’m perfectly positioned to quickly understand my client’s needs and candidates’ aspirations.  When you're with me, you're not just a piece of paper; you're the perfect fit for my client’s culture and aspirations. I'm here to help you grow, whether that's polishing your CV, acing your next interview, or building out a marketing team from scratch, I’ve got the experience and the network to help you achieve your goals. Beyond matching talent with opportunity, I’m passionate about supporting my clients in developing more diverse and inclusive shortlists and supporting them on their ED&I journey. I have been an been an ambassador for Women’s Health here at Better Placed, leading out on our accreditation with Henpicked to become a Menopause friendly employer in addition to starting a series of Health ‘matters’ Cafes across the business to drive awareness of women’s health in the workplace. Outside of work, you'll catch me at music festivals or chilling in my VW campervan, soaking up the good vibes. ​

Louisa Harrison

Louisa Harrison

Manager

I head up the Services Division, specialising in the recruitment of marketing, brand, digital and product professionals. My focus spans Financial Services, Fintech, Professional Services and the Tech space, working with businesses to find the right people who not only bring the right skills, but also align with company culture and long-term ambitions. I partner with a wide range of clients across the UK, from high-growth SMEs to established global brands. I recruit across all levels, from Executive through to Director, and pride myself on building lasting relationships rooted in trust, insight and a genuine passion for people’s success. My approach is personable, honest and proactive. I take the time to understand what really matters to you, provide clear and practical advice and always keep the process moving. Whether you're hiring or exploring your next career move, I aim to make the experience as smooth and straightforward as possible. ​

Dean Bartle

Dean Bartle

Board Director

​As a Founding Director of the business, I've been part of the Better Placed journey since day one. Having helped grow the business to what it is today, my remit and focus day to day is business operations, developing the marketing strategy and brand for Better Placed, whilst still recruiting within the Agency, Retail and Leisure sectors across the north.

Andrew Gibson

Andrew Gibson

Joint Managing Director

I was one of the three founding members of Better Placed in 2001 and I've since been integral in building the business. My particular network has grown into many different areas over the years in recruitment, but always with a particular bias towards sales and marketing professionals into consumer markets.I now recruit senior executive and board level roles into both blue chip branded businesses as well as smaller, owner managed and private equity backed businesses. When I'm not recruiting for my clients, I am always looking for talent for Better Placed and making sure the business continues to attract people who care about the work we do and are constantly improving the way we do business.Outside of work I invest time and money in developing our house (which we started when the recession hit us back in 2008!), coaching and watching my kids play hockey and rugby and playing hockey and golf myself to keep (relatively) fit.

Alison Livesey

Alison Livesey

Director - Digital and eCommerce

With over ten years recruiting experience, I specialise in working with start-up & scale-ups to build out full teams in brands across the country.I have over a decade of experience recruiting at Head of and Director level, working mandates across brand, trading, ecommerce, digital, performance, conversion and analytics. I have a keen personal interest in working with B Corp and Carbon Neutral brands and have great success stories about brands with these accreditations, helping them grown from prefunding start-ups to private equity backed scale-ups.I love getting under the skin of a brand and understanding their nuances enabling me to find them the perfect employees who can thrive in their environment. I’m proud to say I have been part of the team leading Better Placed on their ED&I journey. It's a subject myself and my colleagues are focused on and actively encouraging conversations internally, as well as externally with our clients.I’ve taken time to engage with experts, carry out research and interviews to improve my understanding on the subject and to better equip myself to advise clients. I am part of the team who wrote our ED&I policy and statement of Intent, where our aim is to build a culture where our employees feel respected and valued for who they are as well as what they bring to Better Placed. I have developed an extensive network in some of the UK's leading disrupters and have built a reputation for long term partnerships focused on influencing real change. I am able to advise on hiring strategy, transformation and market trends.

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Testimonials

Steve Seddon - Brand Marketing Director

On The Beach

Cherie Cook - Director of Marketing

AO.Com

"I use them because of their in-depth knowledge of marketing"

​I have used Better Placed to recruit a number of positions for me at varying levels in roles I have held throughout my career.  I choose to use Better Placed, and in particular Rachel, because of the in-depth knowledge she has of Marketing, which helps me find the most relevant candidates for the job.

"They are a brilliant bunch!"

I've worked with Better Placed for over 10 years from both a candidate and client perspective and have recommended Rachel and her team to many of my friends and colleagues. They are a brilliant bunch who really take the time to get to know what you are after and truly care about finding you the right role or the right person to join your team.

What's going on ?

BETTER PLACED ON ITS NEW HIRES, TECH DIVISION AND AMBITIOUS GROWTH PLANS
BETTER PLACED ON ITS NEW HIRES, TECH DIVISION AND AMBITIOUS GROWTH PLANS
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BETTER PLACED REVEALS PLANS TO DOUBLE SIZE OF NEW TECH DIVISION AS IT EXPANDS INTO YORKSHIRE
BETTER PLACED REVEALS PLANS TO DOUBLE SIZE OF NEW TECH DIVISION AS IT EXPANDS INTO YORKSHIRE
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IR35 - Are you Ready for April 6th?
IR35 - Are you Ready for April 6th?
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Welcome to our New Starter!
Welcome to our New Starter!
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Require Interim or Contract Support?

We know that working in the interim, contractor or temporary arena means needing to be agile and posses the ability to move quickly, for both our candidates and clients. That together with still understanding our clients businesses, the specifics around any particular role or project and ultimately been able to offer the right people, at the right time. All our disciplines and areas can offer support and advice in terms of Interim or Contract recruitment, from insight into market dynamics through to day rate and IR35 advice. If you would like to discuss an interim requirement or just have a question on anything related please get in contact.