The Finance Team
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.
Oliver Gaydon
Associate Director
With over seven years’ experience in finance recruitment, I specialise in placing senior leaders into roles that drive meaningful change, from supporting scale ups through rapid growth to helping established brands navigate complex transformation.I work across a range of fast-moving sectors including tech, FMCG, professional services and the creative industries, where the role of finance is often evolving. My focus is on identifying leaders who bring commercial and strategic strength, who can influence culture, unlock potential and contribute well beyond the numbers.What sets me apart is my commitment to long-term relationships. Many of the candidates I place are people I have supported through various stages of their careers. I take the time to understand what matters to them and the environments where they will thrive.For clients, I offer a consultative, pragmatic and honest approach. I know the impact a great finance hire can have and I work closely with leadership teams to understand the dynamics of their business, challenge thinking where needed and deliver candidates who will make a lasting difference.Every business is different. My role is to bring clarity to the process, remove complexity and help both sides make confident, informed decisions.
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!!!
