Norman Broadbent appoints Peter Searle to its Board as Executive Chairman

Norman Broadbent plc (LON:NBB), a leading London listed Professional Services firm offering a diversified portfolio of integrated Leadership Acquisition & Advisory Services (Board & Leadership Search, Senior Interim Management, Research & Insight, Leadership Consulting & Assessment, and executive level Talent Solutions), has announced that Peter Searle has been appointed to its Board as Executive Chairman, effective immediately after the completion of the Annual General Meeting on 25 June 2021. NBB’s current Non-Executive Chairman, Alan Howarth, has informed the Board of his intention to retire from the Board albeit that he is willing to serve his notice period and accordingly, will remain on the Board as Chairman until the completion of the Annual General Meeting on 25 June 2021 and thereafter as a Non-Executive Director until August 2021. The Board would like to extend their thanks and appreciation to Alan for his contribution to the Company during his tenure. The Company will shortly commence a process to appoint a new independent Non-Executive Director and a further announcement will be made in due course.

Peter has over 30 years’ experience in the recruitment sector. In 1999, he was appointed Group Managing Director at Adecco and was responsible for the European and Asia Pacific offices of the professional services companies. After a global reorganisation in 2005, Peter became the Chief Executive of United Kingdom and Ireland at Adecco with additional responsibility for South Africa, India, Australia and New Zealand. In 2006, Peter left to join Spring Group as CEO. He returned in 2009 when Adecco purchased Spring Group and was appointed to the Group Executive Committee. Peter was most recently the CEO of Airswift from 2016 to 2018 and Executive Chairman from 2018 – May 2021. In addition to a number of NED positions, he is Chairman of the Hiring Hub.  Peter has an honours degree in Business and a Post- Grad Diploma in Marketing.

Steve Smith, CFO & COO added:

“Peter’s addition to the Board and his decision to invest in Norman Broadbent is yet another positive sign. Our strategy of building a more balanced Professional Services business not only helped us weather the pandemic, but also stands us in good stead as we push for further growth. Our portfolio of services is becoming increasingly relevant as clients seek to address the challenges presented in the post-pandemic world”.     

On his appointment, Peter Searle said:

“I am delighted to be joining Norman Broadbent at this exciting time. The team worked hard during the pandemic showing considerable commitment to our clients, candidates, and the Company. There are many opportunities ahead of us and I am looking forward to helping Norman Broadbent grow and achieve its true potential”.     

Peter William Courtis Searle (aged 59) owns 3,401,360 shares in the Company, representing 6.16% of the issued share capital.

A list of Peter’s current directorships and partnerships together with those held within the last five years is set out below:

No further information is required to be disclosed pursuant to paragraph (g) of Schedule 2 of the AIM Rules.

Mike Brennan, Chief Executive Officer said:

“On behalf of the Board and the whole Norman Broadbent family, I would like to welcome Peter to the Company.  Peter has a strong track record within our industry and has enjoyed success both within the private and public markets. He brings a wealth of experience to our Board and we look forward to working with him as we continue to grow and scale the company. As Peter joins us, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Alan Howarth for his help and support whilst serving as our Non-Executive Chairman, particularly during the pandemic”.