Pioneering a New Era in Executive Search
In the competitive world of executive search, only a few leaders manage to leave a lasting impact. Natasha Makhijani, the Group CEO of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC, is one such trailblazer. Since founding the firm in 2011, she has revolutionized leadership hiring by integrating innovation, diversity, and a deeply personalized approach into the recruitment process.
The Leadership Journey: A Visionary’s Path
Natasha Makhijani has always possessed an entrepreneurial mindset and an innate passion for people. Recognizing a gap in the executive recruitment industry, she set out to create a firm that not only filled leadership roles but also built long-term relationships between clients and candidates. Her journey, spanning over 20 years, has seen Oliver Sanderson evolve from a boutique firm into an internationally recognized executive search consultancy.
The firm’s expansion into the U.S. and its pioneering use of AI-driven recruitment technology has positioned it at the forefront of industry innovation. Reflecting on her leadership milestones, Natasha highlights the resilience required to navigate economic downturns, Brexit, and the pandemic. Her ability to adapt, coupled with a relentless drive for excellence, has earned Oliver Sanderson multiple industry accolades, including recognition for its groundbreaking recruitment technology.
Transforming Global Talent Acquisition
Oliver Sanderson specializes in connecting C-Suite and senior leadership talent with purpose-driven organizations. What sets the firm apart is its fusion of traditional headhunting with cutting-edge digital solutions.
Their proprietary AI-powered search capabilities and psychometric assessments ensure a seamless, data-driven, and human-centric approach to executive hiring. Moreover, the firm’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) is not just a corporate statement but a deeply embedded principle guiding every search process.
Overcoming Talent Acquisition Challenges
One of the biggest challenges organizations face today is securing diverse, high-caliber leaders who align with their culture and values. The fast-evolving business landscape demands leaders who are agile, resilient, and forward-thinking.
Oliver Sanderson tackles these hurdles through a rigorous search and assessment process, leveraging behavioral insights, psychometric testing, and executive coaching. Their deep industry expertise and extensive global network enable them to provide market intelligence and strategic guidance, ensuring optimal hiring decisions.
The Future of Executive Hiring
Executive hiring is continuously evolving, influenced by digital transformation, DE&I initiatives, and the increasing need for agile leadership. The adoption of AI and data analytics is making hiring more predictive and strategic, while hybrid work models are reshaping recruitment dynamics.
Candidates now prioritize purpose-driven leadership, seeking roles in organizations that align with their values. Natasha Makhijani predicts that the use of AI and technology in executive search will continue to expand, creating a more inclusive and efficient hiring landscape.
Championing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I)
Oliver Sanderson Group PLC is widely recognized for its pioneering contributions to DE&I. Natasha Makhijani ensures diverse and inclusive hiring practices by integrating structured interviews, diverse shortlists, and targeted outreach strategies into the search process.
Partnering with organizations championing DE&I, Oliver Sanderson has launched initiatives and charities to mentor and support underrepresented talent. Their AI-driven technology eliminates unconscious bias, ensuring a fairer recruitment process and fostering more inclusive leadership teams.
A DE&I Success Story
One of Oliver Sanderson’s recent successes involved an engineering firm aiming to transform its senior leadership team. Through targeted outreach and engagement, they identified and attracted diverse candidates who might not have traditionally applied. The result? A leadership team with significantly increased female and ethnically diverse representation, driving innovation and inclusivity at the executive level.
Innovation and Technology in Recruitment
Innovation lies at the heart of Oliver Sanderson’s operations. The firm’s award-winning recruitment technology includes Snapp CV, a digital platform that streamlines hiring through AI-driven talent matching and video CV technology. These tools assess candidates holistically, evaluating not only their skills and experience but also their leadership potential and cultural fit.
Beyond Snapp CV, AI-powered search tools analyze vast data sets to identify the best-fit candidates quickly and accurately. This predictive approach ensures that businesses secure leaders who align with their strategic vision. By combining technology, data analytics, and human expertise, Oliver Sanderson is reshaping executive hiring for the future.
Psychometric Testing & Executive Coaching
Psychometric assessments provide valuable insights into a candidate’s cognitive abilities, leadership style, and cultural fit, allowing companies to make more informed hiring decisions. Meanwhile, executive coaching ensures that leaders transition smoothly into their roles, setting them up for long-term success.
The Art of Leadership & Talent Strategy
Leadership in today’s fast-paced world demands adaptability, emotional intelligence, resilience, and continuous learning. Companies seeking to build resilient leadership teams must invest in professional development, foster a culture of innovation, and prioritize employee well-being.
Advice for Aspiring Women Leaders
Natasha Makhijani is a staunch advocate for female leadership. Her advice to aspiring women leaders? Believe in yourself, find mentors, and embrace opportunities outside your comfort zone. Women bring unique strengths to leadership roles, and owning their expertise while advocating for themselves is key to breaking into executive positions.
Achievements & Legacy
Oliver Sanderson’s impressive 99% executive placement success rate is a testament to its high-touch, bespoke approach. The firm’s deep industry expertise and innovative technology allow it to identify and place leaders who drive long-term success.
One of Natasha Makhijani’s most notable achievements was being featured in the 2022 Platinum Jubilee Album, recognizing her contributions to UK business. This honor highlights not just her personal journey but also the transformative impact of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC on executive search and leadership hiring.
Future Vision & Next Steps
The future of Oliver Sanderson Group PLC is incredibly exciting. The firm is expanding into the U.S. market, responding to growing international demand for its executive search solutions and DE&I expertise.
Additionally, Oliver Sanderson continues to enhance its technology-driven recruitment approach. Snapp CV is evolving, incorporating real-time psychometric assessments, AI-driven talent matching, and video CV enhancements to further streamline hiring. These innovations ensure businesses make data-driven, inclusive leadership decisions.
The Future of Executive Search
Looking ahead, technology will remain a driving force in executive recruitment, making hiring more predictive and efficient. DE&I will continue to be a top priority, with businesses increasingly demanding more inclusive hiring strategies to build dynamic, high-performing leadership teams.