Business Details
36 Years
experience
Trusted Executive Recruitment Experts in Bristol
Established in 1990, Wheale Thomas Hodgins has built a reputation as a boutique executive recruitment consultancy dedicated to connecting organisations with transformative talent. Our approach prioritises understanding clients' values and strategic needs, combining 34 years of sector-specific expertise with a commitment to honesty and trust. Specialising in board-level and senior management appointments across commercial enterprises, charities, and social enterprises, we leverage extensive industry networks and a rigorous search methodology. Our consultants bring decades of commercial experience, having worked with SMEs, family businesses, and financial institutions to deliver leadership solutions.We focus on cultural alignment and long-term organisational impact, offering tailored services that include job description development and market insights. With a track record of successful placements in executive director, non-executive director, and senior professional manager roles, we maintain a client-centric philosophy that values transparency and proactive relationship management.
Services
Executive Recruitment
Non-Executive Director Recruitment
Candidate Services
Client Services
Board Appointments
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We have 34 years of experience in executive search and selection consultancy
- Our consultants specialise in board-level and senior management appointments
- We focus on cultural fit and long-term organisational impact
- We maintain transparent processes with proactive relationship management
- We serve diverse sectors including charities, SMEs and financial institutions
What people say
Professionally and sensitively conducted
Impressive and diverse candidate lists
Unique service with personal attention
Smooth process for busy executives
Successful long-term additions
Services
Executive Recruitment
Our executive recruitment service specialises in identifying board-level and senior management talent. We focus on cultural alignment and strategic fit, combining industry expertise with extensive networks to source transformative leaders. With 34 years of experience, we deliver tailored solutions for SMEs, charities, and commercial enterprises seeking executive directors and senior professionals.
Non-Executive Director Recruitment
We specialise in non-executive director placements through discreet headhunting approaches. Our process prioritises understanding organisational governance needs and strategic direction. Leveraging sector-specific knowledge, we connect clients with experienced professionals who bring independent oversight and commercial expertise to board-level roles across diverse industries.
Candidate Services
Our candidate services focus on matching experienced professionals with suitable leadership opportunities. We provide market insights and career guidance to executives seeking board-level and senior management positions. Through personalised assessments, we ensure candidates align with client organisations' cultural and strategic requirements while maintaining transparent communication throughout the placement process.
People
Tony Hodgins
Managing Director
Chartered Accountant with 34 years in recruitment consultancy. Specialises in board-level appointments, combining financial expertise with deep understanding of organisational culture. Focuses on delivering tailored leadership solutions through client-centric approaches.
David Coombes
Associate Director - Executive Recruitment
MBA holder with 35 years logistics industry experience. Specialises in executive recruitment for transport and supply chain sectors. Brings operational expertise from director-level roles in global logistics to senior commercial appointments.
Tom O'Neill
Head of Business Development
Co-founder with recruitment industry experience since 1990. Specialises in SME and owner-managed business placements. Recognised for successful senior appointments across professional sectors through strategic relationship-building approaches.
Ruth Partridge
Head of Administration
Manages back-office operations and research department since 2013. Ensures administrative support meets consultancy requirements for executive search processes. Coordinates logistical aspects of candidate assessments and client communications.
Questions
What executive recruitment services do you offer?
We specialise in board-level and senior management appointments across commercial enterprises, charities, and social enterprises. Our services include non-executive director recruitment, executive director placements, and senior management searches tailored to specific industry requirements.
How do you ensure cultural fit for leadership roles?
We conduct in-depth briefings to understand organisational values and strategic objectives. Our consultants focus on cultural alignment through comprehensive candidate assessments that evaluate leadership style, commercial acumen, and sector-specific expertise.
Which industries do you specialise in?
We work across diverse sectors including SMEs, family businesses, financial services, manufacturing, logistics, and not-for-profit organisations. Our consultants have particular expertise in placing executives within charities, owner-managed businesses, and private equity-backed companies.
What is your recruitment process?
Our process begins with detailed briefings to understand strategic requirements. We combine headhunting, targeted advertising, and network referrals with rigorous candidate assessments. We provide comprehensive evaluations of shortlisted candidates, highlighting strengths and potential organisational fit.
How do you support candidate development?
We offer market insights and career guidance to executives seeking leadership roles. Our services include interview preparation, market positioning advice, and ongoing support throughout the appointment process to ensure successful transitions.
