Saxton Bampfylde Assists Marine Society & Sea Cadets with CEO Search
April 1, 2025 – U.K.-based executive recruiter Saxton Bampfylde has assisted in the recruitment of Guy Holloway as the new CEO of Marine Society & Sea Cadets (MSSC). He will officially join MSSC on May 1, undertaking a two-week handover period with outgoing CEO Martin Coles, who has led the charity with distinction for 15 years. “We are delighted to have Guy on board as our new chief executive,” said Jeremy Penn, chair. “His passion for youth development, combined with his strategic leadership experience, makes him an excellent fit for MSSC as we continue to grow and evolve. We are confident that under his leadership, MSSC will continue to thrive and provide outstanding support to young people and seafarers.”
Mr. Holloway joins MSSC with nearly 20 years of experience in the charity sector, dedicated to supporting young people and delivering life-changing opportunities globally. His career includes leadership roles in organizations such as the Girl Guides and Girl Scouts, where he played a key role in empowering young women worldwide.
“I am thrilled to be joining MSSC and working alongside the incredible staff, volunteers, and cadets who make this organization so impactful,” said Mr. Holloway. “The traditions, values, and sense of purpose that define MSSC create a powerful environment for young people and seafarers alike. I look forward to building on the charity’s successes and ensuring we continue to provide exceptional opportunities for those we serve.”
Marine Society & Sea Cadets was formed in 2004 and is the parent charity for the Sea Cadets and Marine Society. The charity is made up of these two very old charities, which merged in 2004. Both helped young people to achieve more and make a life for themselves, often in very difficult times. MSSC employs approximately 200 employees across the U.K. with some based out of its head office in London and others at its five training centers, six boat stations and six area offices.
Saxton Bampfylde is an employee owned business founded in 1986 and is now one of the world’s leading independent executive search firms and leadership consultancies. With offices in London and Edinburgh, the firm brings a partnership approach to its work and has a strong belief in open and transparent communication. Saxton Bampfylde’s clients include FTSE 100 companies and blue-chip multinationals, across government and academia, through to foundation trust hospitals, arts institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. The firm is a founding member of Panorama, a global community of over 400 leadership experts working together to promote a diverse perspective of leadership.
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Stephen Bampfylde is co-founder and chairman of Saxton Bampfylde. He began his career working for IBM and Whitehall, where he spent nearly 10 years before moving into top-level executive search. For 27 years he has been involved in the recruitment of executives to senior positions across all sectors. He helped establish the worldwide professional association AESC in Europe and was its international director for a number of years. Outside executive search, he has been involved with the advisory boards of the business schools at Cambridge and City universities, is a trustee of the Yvonne Arnaud Theater, and is former chairman of the Guildford Cathedral Council.
New CEO
In February, Stephen Bampfylde named Kate Ludlow as its new CEO. As part of this leadership transition, Mr. Bampfylde will assume the role of non-executive chair, continuing to provide strategic guidance and governance oversight while maintaining his active involvement with key client relationships and projects. Additionally, Jonathan Morgan has been appointed as deputy chair, supporting the board and leadership team. Both Ms. Ludlow and Mr. Morgan will continue their roles as practice leaders within the commercial and public services practices respectively, maintaining their valued client relationships while taking on their new leadership responsibilities.
“When Anthony Saxton and I founded this company in 1986, we set out to create a different kind of search firm – one built on strong values and deep, lasting relationships with our clients,” said Mr. Bampfylde. “Today, Kate and Jonathan embody exactly those founding principles, along with the vision and expertise to lead us forward. Kate’s appointment as CEO marks an exciting evolution in our journey, and I have absolute confidence that under her leadership, we will continue to deliver the excellence our clients expect while embracing new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
Ms. Ludlow has over 15 years of experience with the firm, having previously served as managing partner since 2021. In addition to her leadership responsibilities, she remains an active consultant and valued member of the firm’s private sector practice, where she works with clients on both executive and non-executive appointments. Ms. Ludlow leads the firm’s work in the legal and professional services sector and family-owned businesses, bringing deep expertise to these areas. During her time at the firm, she has demonstrated her commitment to the firm’s governance, having been twice elected to the trustee board where she completed two terms.
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Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
