Andrew has experience of handling a broad range of executive and non-executive appointments for private, PLC and private equity-backed companies in the UK and internationally. His sector experience covers a broad range of industries across global retail, consumer goods, leisure, telecommunications, retail financial services, consumer services, utilities, insurance, transport and sport. Andrew was previously at executive search firm Whitehead Mann (now Korn Ferry). Before moving into search, Andrew worked in finance for Tesco plc and TimeWarner.

He holds a BA (Hons) from the University of Southampton, an MBA from Warwick Business School and is Belbin accredited.

Emma joined Sam Allen Associates in 2014 and is currently Head of Operations. She manages the in-house research team and works closely with the Partners to enable delivery of searches. 

 Emma began her career within Executive Search as a Research Associate working predominately within the retail and consumer space on C-Suite executive placements. 

 She graduated from Durham University with a BA (Hons) and is a certified psychometric assessor with SHL leading on OPQ assessment.  

Emma joined Sam Allen Associates as a Research Associate in June 2021.

Before joining the team, she worked within the leisure industry.

Emma graduated with an MA (Hons) in Human Geography from the University of Edinburgh where she specialised in Social and Cultural Geography and Qualitative Research.

Olga joined the business in 2012. Since then she has handled a wide range of senior executive and Board level appointments across multiple sectors, including retail, FMCG, financial services, leisure, telecommunications and healthcare. Olga previously worked at Boyden in the London Financial Services practice, where she specialised in senior appointments in Investment Banking. She began her career in banking, having worked in debt capital markets for a number of years.

Olga holds a Masters in Economics and Business from University College London and an MSc in Economics from the University of Helsinki, Finland. She also holds an International Relations Degree (Hons) from Belarusian State University.

Robert has assisted in the execution of numerous C-Suite and non-executive assignments across financial services, technology, retail, business services, leisure and digital, with a particular focus on consumer-focused companies. 

Recent assignments have ranged from FTSE 250 company Board appointments, to growing start-ups prior to achieving their IPO.

Robert graduated with a BA (Hons) in History from Durham University and has a Master’s degree from Durham University Business School. 

Sam built the company after holding key leadership positions at international executive search firms Whitehead Mann and Boyden over a nine year period. Prior to this Sam had a 15 year career in the UK and internationally with Sainsbury’s plc, Dunhill and Greene King plc, the latter of which she was on the Board.

Sam holds an MBA, an MA in Employment Law, is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), is an accredited commercial mediator and a qualified MBTI and Belbin Team Roles practitioner.

Victoria focuses on main Board and direct report appointments spanning global consumer-facing industries. Victoria joined the business from boutique executive search firm Fraser Giles Partnership specialising in appointments across the Hospitality, Travel and Leisure industries. Prior to this she worked at international law firm Simmons & Simmons and career strategy advisors Stork & May, where she conducted high level bespoke industry and sector research for senior individuals, including Chairmen, Non-Executive Directors and CEOs during career transitions.

Victoria holds a BA (Hons) in Business Management.  

Zara joined Sam Allen Associates as a Researcher in March 2021. 

Before joining the team, Zara worked in advertising sales in the legal sector and managed the accounts of several large law firms within EMEA.

She graduated with a degree in Modern History and German from St. Andrews University, during which she spent a year teaching English in Nuremberg, Germany. 

Harriet joined Sam Allen Associates in July 2021 as a Personal Assistant, supporting Partner Andrew Hayward. 

She assists Andrew with his executive and non-executive appointments for private, PLC and private equity-backed companies, in the UK and internationally. 

Prior to joining the business, Harriet was a Personal Assistant at a global Finance company. 

Harriet graduated with Distinction Honours from the Oxford Media & Business School.

Libby joined Sam Allen Associates in December 2021 as a Personal Assistant, supporting Managing Partner Sam Allen.

She assists Sam across a variety of areas including diary management, client logistics, business development and internal company projects.

Prior to joining the business, Libby was a Personal Assistant at a Remuneration Consulting company.

Libby graduated from Quest Professional under the Executive Assistance Programme.

Max joined Sam Allen Associates as a Senior Associate in September 2021.

 Previously he was an Associate within the Legal & Professional Services Practice at Odgers Berndtson. He worked with public and private companies across all sectors on their leadership and talent needs within legal, compliance and corporate secretarial functions. He also recruited non-executive directors for global law firms and the Big 4.

 Max graduated from the University of Birmingham with a BSc (Hons) in Business Management. As part of his degree, he completed a placement year with Marks & Spencer plc.