The Barton Partnership Appoints New CEO

February 5, 2025 – The Barton Partnership, a U.K.-based executive search firm, has appointed group managing director Oliver Phoenix as chief executive officer. Founder Nicholas Barton will continue in his role as advisor and brand ambassador. “I couldn’t be prouder or more excited to announce Olly’s appointment to CEO as we move into the 18th year since I founded The Barton Partnership, and off the back of a record-breaking and award-winning 2024,” Mr. Barton said. “Founding, growing, and leading this business has been an incredible experience.”

“Still, my greatest satisfaction has come from watching people within the firm evolve and grow over that time, and Olly is a great example of that,” Mr. Barton continued. “I’m looking forward to supporting our next chapter in my new capacity and I couldn’t be more excited and optimistic about the future of the firm and the incredible possibilities that lie ahead.”

Mr. Phoenix has played a crucial role in the business’s success over the past decade and is positioned to lead The Barton Partnership through its next growth phase. He has driven expansion across the U.K. and throughout the EMEA region, continually developed The Barton Partnership’s proposition globally, and driven key account growth and diversification across all sectors.

Over the last nearly 20 years in the industry, Mr. Phoenix  has worked with consultancies and corporates within the strategy, M&A and transformation space, giving him an understanding of the sector and what clients want from a specialist talent provider. He has coupled this with over 10 years of experience leading senior teams and operating at board Level as the business has grown to over one hundred in headcount and over £20 million in net fee income. Mr. Phoenix first joined Barton as director of permanent search and then was named group managing director.

“I’m honored to be appointed CEO of The Barton Partnership,” Mr. Phoenix said. “My passion for this business is rivalled only by Nick himself, and I’m motivated to ensure we achieve our full potential over the next few years. We have worked hard to ensure the business is well-positioned to support all our clients and candidates as the market continues to improve, and I look forward to a strong year for the firm globally.”

The Barton Partnership is an executive recruitment firm providing permanent search and independent consulting services across all aspects of strategy and M&A, digital, data and analytics, ESG and sustainability, and transformation and change.

Related: The Barton Partnership Appoints Senior Leaders

With offices in New York, Chicago, Paris, Singapore, Hong Kong and now Sydney, The Barton Partnership’s clients include FTSE listed and Fortune 500 companies across all sectors/industries, SMEs, strategic, innovation and management consulting firms (large and boutique), global financial services, and private equity and venture capital organizations.

Recent Alliance

The Barton Partnership recently formed alliance with Strategy in Action, a leader in the field of strategy formulation and execution. “We are delighted to partner with Strategy in Action to offer our clients a comprehensive and innovative approach to strategy,” said Oliver Phoenix, managing director EMEA. “By integrating SiA’s platform with our independent consulting and advisory services, we can provide our clients with a flexible and bespoke approach to driving sustainable growth and delivering measurable impact.”


The Barton Partnership Appoints Executive Chair
The Barton Partnership appointed Tara Ricks as its executive chair. “Securing Tara as executive chair is a coup for the company,” said Nicholas Barton, founder. “Her track record, extensive experience, and industry credentials speak for themselves, and I have no doubt she will add tremendous value to our growth plans. I am excited to be working with her and look forward to this next chapter.” Ms. Ricks brings over 25 years of recruitment industry experience, possessing a proven track record of creating shareholder value through strategic growth, driving international expansion, and M&A. She was listed in the “Global Power 100 Women in Staffing” and is a previous chair of APSCo.


“Strategy in Action and The Barton Partnership are dedicated to enhancing strategic excellence globally,” said Davide Sola, co-founder and CEO of Strategy in Action. “I’m confident that this collaboration will yield outstanding results for both our network and clients, leveraging Strategy in Action’s capabilities. I look forward to our journey of growth together.”

New Office

The Barton Partnership recently opened a new office in Sydney, Australia. “This expansion marks a significant milestone for The Barton Partnership, reinforcing its commitment to the Asia-Pacific region and enhancing our ability to support clients across Australia,” the firm said. “Australia is a key market for us, and opening an office in Sydney is a crucial step in our growth strategy,” said Nicholas Barton, founder and CEO. “Having successfully supported our clients in Australia from our APAC head office in Singapore, this new presence will allow us to provide even better-localized support and service.”

The Sydney office will be under the leadership of James Roberts, who leads the APAC business and The Barton Partnership’s private equity & financial services practice across the region. He has over 10 years of senior recruitment experience in Asia spanning private equity, strategy, transformation & change, M&A, investment banking and COO functions. Prior to joining The Barton Partnership, Mr. Roberts built a team and established a track record in terms of client delivery within a leading banking & financial services executive search firm based out of Singapore.

Related: The Barton Partnership Appoints Senior Leaders

Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media

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