Harvey Nash Appoints CEO
October 1, 2025 – Global recruitment firm Harvey Nash has named Simon Crichton as CEO. “Simon’s appointment represents a natural evolution in our leadership structure as we enter an exciting new phase of growth,” said Bev White, who will transition from CEO to executive chair of Nash Squared, overseeing both Harvey Nash and Crimson businesses. “His proven track record of driving operational excellence in our sector makes him the ideal leader to execute on our strategic growth ambitions.”
The leadership transition follows recent key appointments including Rudolph Botha as chief financial officer and Jason Pyle as chief operating officer.
Mr. Crichton brings extensive experience in the recruitment and technology services sector, most recently serving as managing director of Experis UK, the specialist technology recruitment division of Manpower. Prior to that, he led Akkodis UK as CEO, where he managed the complex merger of the Akka and Modis brands on behalf of Adecco Group.
As CEO, Mr. Crichton will oversee day-to-day operations across Harvey Nash’s global markets, leading the continued execution of the company’s strategy, which emphasizes specialization, client growth, and operational excellence to address the critical technology talent needs of clients globally.
“I’m excited to join Harvey Nash at this pivotal moment in the company’s development,” said Mr. Crichton. “Our strategy provides a clear roadmap for building a more focused and future-ready organization, and I look forward to working with the talented team to deliver exceptional value to our clients and create new opportunities for our people.”
Harvey Nash is a global professional services organization with three key areas of focus: technology recruitment, technology solutions and leadership services. With 36 offices Harvey Nash provides executive search and leadership services, professional recruitment, and outsourcing services.
Leadership Appointments at Search Firms
Top leadership appointments have made headlines in recent months. Here’s a look at several examples taken from the Hunt Scanlon Media archives:
Talent advisory firm DHR Global has appointed Priya Taneja as CEO, effective September 1, 2025. She will succeed Geoff Hoffmann, who will transition to the role of chairman of the board. This milestone marks a historic moment for the firm, as Ms. Taneja becomes the first non-family CEO in DHR’s 36-year history signaling a deliberate step forward as the firm accelerates into the next era of growth. She also becomes the third woman and first of color to run a top 10 executive search firm. Founded in 1989 by the family patriarch David Hoffmann, DHR last saw a leadership transition in 2012 when Geoff succeeded David as CEO. “Priya is a dynamic, trusted, and forward-thinking leader,” said Mr. Hoffmann. “She brings a rare ability to lead a global firm while staying deeply connected to our people, our culture, and our stakeholders. This transition has been thoughtfully considered for some time, and I couldn’t be prouder to see her step into this role. She’s the ideal leader for our next chapter, and I’m confident to know that the firm is in exceptionally capable hands.”
Global hospitality consulting firm HVS Executive Search has appointed Alice Sherman as CEO, beginning January 1, 2026. After more than 35 years in the retained executive search industry—including 12 years as CEO of HVS Executive Search—Court Williams will be retiring from his role. To ensure a seamless leadership transition and continued support for the company’s clients and team, Mr. Williams will remain actively engaged with the firm as chairman emeritus, providing strategic guidance and mentorship over the coming years. “Court has played a pivotal role in shaping HVS Executive Search into the respected global brand it is today,” said Stephen Rushmore, president and CEO of HVS. “His steady leadership and deep client relationships have had a lasting impact on our organization and the broader hospitality industry. We are fortunate to have Alice Sherman step into this leadership role—her energy, experience, and vision position her perfectly to lead the firm into its next chapter.”
Odgers Berndtson Canada has appointed Brad Beveridge as chief executive officer. The appointment follows a four-year period during which Mr. Beveridge served as president and led the firm’s transition from an executive search firm to an integrated leadership advisory firm. In addition to his CEO responsibilities, he will continue to serve on Odgers Berndtson’s global and U.S. boards of directors. “Brad assuming the role of chief executive officer recognizes the contributions that he’s made over the last four years,” said Carl Lovas, chairman and CEO of Odgers Berndtson. “Since 2021, with his strategic leadership the firm has implemented a new vision and purpose, attracted the industry’s best talent to broaden and deepen its expertise, facilitated greater alignment between its North American businesses, and introduced a people and culture strategy that has increased colleague engagement and development. All these contributions have positively impacted the client experience and the firm’s performance, while reinforcing that with Brad’s leadership as CEO, we are perfectly poised for our next phase of growth.”
Related: Odgers Berndtson Names President in Canada
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
