The Senior & Executive Appointments Team

Andy Young

Andy Young

Partner - bpe search

I'm a Partner at bpe search and lead our Consumer Practice, working closely with clients across FMCG, direct-to-consumer and private equity-backed businesses. While my core focus is on the FMCG space, I also work with a wide range of organisations from PLCs to start-ups, including many SMEs where founders are still actively involved in the business.I’ve delivered leadership talent into General Management and functional Director roles, partnering with both local and international boards. I pride myself on building long-term, sustainable relationships based on trust, transparency and a genuine commitment to delivering for both clients and candidates.Before moving into executive search, I spent time in commercial roles at Diageo, Pladis / United Biscuits and Coca-Cola, which gave me a strong foundation in what great leadership looks like in fast-paced, brand-led businesses.

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.

Paul Bendelow

Paul Bendelow

Partner - bpe search & Board Director - Better Placed

I’m Paul, the Founding Partner of bpe search and a key member of the Group Board of Directors. With over 25 years of experience in executive recruitment, I have played a crucial role in scaling brands across diverse sectors such as fintech, insurtech, financial services, consumer and business services, digital e-commerce, technology, SaaS, and manufacturing. ​​Since establishing bpe search in 2007, my guiding principle has been the undeniable connection between an organisation’s success and the quality of its leadership. This belief fuels my engagement with founders, boards, executive teams, and private equity investors, driving the formation of high-performing teams that are not only poised for growth but are also transformative in their industries. I am committed to fostering long-lasting relationships, which are strengthened by our foundational values of genuineness, bravery, collaboration, and expertise. ​​My approach is to create environments where leadership thrives on diversity and innovation. This dedication to ED&I is not just a professional stance but a personal commitment. I actively work to integrate ED&I into every aspect of our search strategy, ensuring that we not only meet but exceed the evolving expectations of leadership in today’s dynamic business landscape.

Michael Thomas

Michael Thomas

Partner- bpe search

​I lead the Industry & Manufacturing Practice for bpe search working in both consumer and industrial markets to deliver leadership assignments across Operations, Supply Chain, Engineering and Technical functions as well as General Management and MD appointments.Before joining the team, I had built my extensive network and expertise through lead roles in global plc, executive search and privately owned recruitment businesses including a successful spell co-running his own venture.I have developed a reputation for quality of service, integrity and professionalism and my approach is honest, constructive and consultative. I pride myself on delivering high quality shortlists and on building lasting, mutually beneficial partnership within my network

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!!!

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.

Alex Hamilton

Alex Hamilton

Partner - bpe search

I’ve been with the business for over 10 years and I am now Partner of our US Operations, leading the growth of bpe search across North America. My focus is on senior-level appointments within the FMCG, Consumer Goods and D2C sectors, building on the experience I gained delivering leadership assignments across the UK and Europe.In the US, I work closely with a mix of founder-led, private equity-backed and corporate businesses, helping them navigate critical hiring decisions that shape growth. Whether I’m partnering with a founder or advising HR and Talent teams, my approach is always strategic, practical and informed by deep market knowledge.What drives me is the opportunity to connect ambitious businesses with leaders who will make a lasting impact. I enjoy the challenge of identifying the right person for each unique situation and seeing the difference that great talent makes.Over the past few years, I’ve helped establish and scale our presence in the US, building strong partnerships and opening up new opportunities for the business.

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.

Just some of our clients :

AO.Com logo
Haribo logo
Jordan's logo
Jet 2 logo
First Group logo
Pepsico logo
On the Beach logo
Fellowes logo
Creative Race logo
PureGym logo
Costa  logo
Twinnings  logo
Kraft  logo
Sky  logo
Heinz logo
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Senior Opportunities

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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.