MLC Executive Search

Leadership decisions shape organisations for years.

Executive search specialists with deep sector knowledge and discretion — rigorously finding the right leaders for the public and not-for-profit sectors.

Why

"Our focus is singular and uncompromising: MLC Executive is what we do, and it gets our full, undivided attention every single day."

Who we are

Executive search specialists with deep sector knowledge and discretion.

Our executive search team brings together sector expertise, rigorous methodology and a trusted reputation built over 17 years. Independently and privately owned, we are free from external pressures — focused entirely on the public and not-for-profit sectors we know best.

Executive search specialists
Executive appointment process

What we deliver

  1. 01 Executive appointments
  2. 02 Non-executive and board roles
  3. 03 Critical leadership hires
  4. 04 Executive interim assignments

How we work

  • Rigorous search, not networks alone.
  • Deep understanding of organisational context.
  • Inclusive, transparent and trusted processes.
Inclusive executive search process

Our Approach

A meticulous process at every stage.

From initial consultation to onboarding, we take a tailored, results-driven approach — assessing your organisation's culture and goals before a single candidate is approached.

01

Client Expectations

Planning meeting to deep dive into the organisation and profile.

02

Market Research

Mapping the market and targeted advertising.

03

Executive Search

Identifying talent, conducting thorough preliminary interviews and background checks.

04

Shortlisting

Creating a longlist, further assessments, and a refined shortlist for interview.

05

Interviews

Client-led interviews with shortlisted candidates.

06

Offer & Onboarding

Offer management and structured onboarding support.

Diversity

Diversity is the cornerstone of innovation.

Our commitment to inclusive recruitment goes beyond attracting a wide range of candidates — it's about creating diverse teams that are more resilient, creative and effective. Every voice is heard and valued in our process.

48%

of our 2024 placements were from the Global Majority

53%

of our 2024 placements were female

12%

of our 2024 placements had a registered disability

Our Team

Finding extraordinary people requires extraordinary people.

Pete Marshall

Pete Marshall

Chief Executive Officer

Pete has specialised in placing executive HR professionals into the NHS since 2007. There isn't a comparable consultant in the industry with his level of experience and depth of knowledge of the NHS.

[email protected] 07930 153 672
Adrian Watts

Adrian Watts

Managing Director

Adrian joined MLC in 2023. He prides himself on developing a truly diverse network of candidates and works hard at sourcing talent from wider sectors.

[email protected] 07816 290 865
Tom Porter

Tom Porter

Associate Partner — Local Government

Tom leads executive search assignments across local government, bringing a strong network of senior candidates and a rigorous approach to matching leadership talent with client requirements.

[email protected] 07951 795 790

Testimonials

Trusted by the people we place and the organisations we serve.

"MLC, I just wanted to record how brilliant you have been throughout this whole campaign. You have been so supportive, encouraging and thoughtful — ensuring that I am kept informed at regular intervals. I couldn't have possibly succeeded in securing the role without your help. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Melinda Johnson

COO, Ofgem

"Throughout my NHS journey, Adrian provided invaluable support, demonstrating a deep understanding of both my career goals and the NHS market trends. What stood out to me the most was their dedication and commitment to ensuring that the roles available on the market were truly the right fit."

Lei Wei

Chief Finance Officer, Homerton Healthcare

"I have known and worked with MLC for several years. They have supplied several exceptional individuals to support the Workforce Programme. MLC have a good grasp of the NHS environment, coupled with their in-depth understanding of the skills and abilities of candidates, which puts them in a strong position to partner those with the requirements of their clients."

Lorissa Page

Chief People Officer, South West London ICB

"The whole team at MLC have been impressive and are now a real asset to the national NHS programmes. In over 20 years as an HR professional this is without doubt the best search experience I have ever had. I have no reservations in recommending them as an outstanding partner."

Ready to transform

Partner with MLC to deliver meaningful change in your organisation.

Get in touch