Wilton & Bain Names Leader of CFO and Financial Leadership Practice
January 14, 2026 – 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. During his time at Page, he managed the West London team, gaining deep exposure to the pharmaceutical and FMCG sectors. While sector-agnostic as a senior finance specialist, he has completed more than 100 searches across these industries alone.
“I am hugely excited by the potential of the CFO practice at Wilton & Bain and the business as a whole,” said Mr. Mason. “There are some familiar faces from earlier in my career that I’m really looking forward to working with again. Our industry depends on the quality of people within a business and their ability to be greater than the sum of their parts—and with that in mind, the next phase of Wilton & Bain’s story feels like a very exciting one.”
Related: Wilton & Bain Appoints U.S. Advisor
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 Partners with Grant Thornton UK to Drive Expansion
Wilton & Bain has been named as a strategic search partner to Grant Thornton UK in its bold plan to expand its partnership and accelerate firm growth. As part of its announcement, Grant Thornton confirmed plans to recruit 160 new partners over the next two years.
“It’s a genuine privilege for the team and me to be supporting Grant Thornton with this ambitious and exciting growth plan under private equity ownership,” said Gary Landes, global managing partner, professional services at Wilton & Bain. “Beyond the clear alignment between Grant Thornton’s needs and Wilton & Bain’s capability to deliver, we have all been struck by the very natural fit in culture and values. Delivering a recruitment project of this scale is almost unprecedented, and the number of roles we’re planning makes it a truly significant undertaking. We’re committed and ready to rise to the occasion, and the sense of being ‘in it together’ as genuine partners is refreshing. We are excited by what lies ahead.”
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 Managing Partners
Contributed by Scott A. Scanlon, Editor-in-Chief and Dale M. Zupsansky, Executive Editor – Hunt Scanlon Media
