Wilton & Bain Names Fractional Chief People Officer
February 27, 2026 – Wilton & Bain has named Donna Kennedy as fractional chief people officer. She will be based at the firm’s London headquarters. “Donna’s appointment as fractional CPO represents a significant investment in our firm and, most importantly, in our people,” said David Heron, group chief executive officer at Wilton & Bain. “Our ambition is to be the destination of choice for the market’s leading executive search and interim management talent. To achieve this, we must align our people strategy with our growth objectives and ensure clarity around development, performance and reward. Donna understands our sector and, crucially, our culture and what drives our success. I am very much looking forward to working with her as we take Wilton & Bain into its next phase of growth.”
“Donna understands our sector and, crucially, our culture and what drives our success. I am very much looking forward to working with her as we take Wilton & Bain into its next phase of growth,” Mr. Heron added.
Ms. Kennedy is a highly experienced senior HR and talent development leader, bringing 17 years of board level experience partnering with executive teams through periods of growth, transformation and acquisition. Her expertise spans people strategy, performance transformation, post-merger integration and leadership development across professional services, recruitment, technology and regulated sectors. She is the founder of Donna Kennedy HR and previously chaired the HR and Talent Development Forum for APSCo, the Association of Professional Staffing Companies.
“Wilton & Bain has built an outstanding reputation in the executive search and interim leadership market,” said Ms. Kennedy. “Joining as fractional CPO at this stage of the firm’s growth is both exciting and meaningful. This is exactly the type of strategic partnership I established Donna Kennedy HR to support, working alongside ambitious leadership teams to strengthen the people infrastructure that underpins sustainable growth.”
“I am passionate about creating environments where talented people understand what excellence looks like, see a clear pathway for development and feel genuinely invested in building long term success,” Ms. Kennedy continued. “I look forward to partnering with David and the team to deliver on that ambition.”
Related: Wilton & Bain Appoints Managing Partners
Established in 2001, Wilton & Bain is twice backed by investor Beechbrook Capital. With offices in London, New York, Austin, Toronto, Los Angeles, and Dubai, the firm provides executive search and interim management services to the professional, financial, technology & digital services sectors.
New North American People & Culture Practice Leader
Wilton & Bain recently named Jacob Humbert as partner, leading the North American people & culture practice. He will be based in the U.S. and joins the firm’s North American leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Jacob to the North American leadership team to drive our office of the CHRO capability in the region,” said John Wittorf, North America managing partner at Wilton & Bain. “We have been searching for someone like Jacob, and I’m delighted we were patient enough to find him. Culturally, he feels like he’s been part of the group for years, and his expertise will be a tremendous advantage as we continue to attract and develop top talent. Welcome to the team, Jacob!”
Wilton & Bain Names Leader of CFO and Financial Leadership Practice
Wilton & Bain has appointed Gareth Mason as partner, leading the firm’s CFO and financial leadership practice. He will be based in the U.K. and joins Wilton & Bain’s European leadership team. “We are thrilled to welcome Gareth to the firm,” said Tim Baker, managing partner at Wilton & Bain. “Looking for the right person to lead this practice has been a key strategic aim for us and Gareth brings the values we look for in a partner, the network to be successful and the commitment to client delivery and excellence that aligns perfectly. We are looking forward to introducing him to our clients and know he will be warmly received. Getting to know his and add value to them in return is also energizing.” Mr. Mason brings significant experience to Wilton & Bain, having begun his recruitment career at Page Group in 2013, following a decade applying his chemistry degree in the world of professional rugby.
Mr. Humbert brings a wealth of experience to Wilton & Bain. He previously spent over five years at Jobplex/DHR Global, where he was recognized as a top partner within the corporate functions practice group, placing emerging leaders and C-suite executives worldwide. Earlier in his career, Mr. Humbert served as vice president of recruiting and managing partner at The Christopher Group, leading searches for HR and executive leaders for some of the largest and fastest-growing companies in the U.S.
Wilton & Bain also recently named Olly Wakefield as chief client officer and a member of the senior leadership team. He is based at the firm’s London headquarters. “We’ve waited a long time, but I am delighted to welcome Olly to Wilton & Bain’s senior leadership team as chief client officer,” said David Heron, CEO of Wilton & Bain. “He will take central responsibility for leading all sales and marketing activity across the Group, while continuing his focus on private equity clients within our global network. Olly brings fantastic experience, positive energy, and a great sense of humor. We are excited to work with him.”
Related: Wilton & Bain Appoints U.S. Advisor
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
