People
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Over the last 21 years, it has been a huge privilege to have worked so closely with such a range of clients. What has been just as exciting for me is to have watched so many of our candidates grow to become leaders in the retail and consumer industries. Whenever we start a new search, I still get the same thrill because we are dealing with the very best current and future leaders.
Moira Benigson
Managing Partner
Widely recognised as one of the UK’s most successful and respected search consultants in the retail and consumer sectors, Moira has personally overseen over a thousand searches which have included many high-profile appointments that have helped to step-change companies’ performance.
Moira’s talent lies in her unparalleled knowledge, exceptional grasp of the sector, vast experience and her intuitive ability and keen judgement. Her original approach, passion for diversity and her eye for detail always provide a fresh and insightful take on any search. As founder and managing partner, Moira remains personally involved in all aspects of the firm.
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My background in media and law gives me a very different approach to search. Relationships are everything, and I am passionate about adding value to both clients and individuals alike, infusing them with industry insight, advice, contacts and opportunities. The dynamism of the online, travel and leisure sectors allow me to continually use my expertise and respond to the evolving landscape.
Sally Drexler
Head of Online, Travel & Leisure
Since joining The MBS Group in 2000, Sally has led searches across all functions in the online, travel and leisure sectors. Having qualified as a media lawyer, she worked in television, both for a broadcaster and a well-known independent production company, as a lawyer and business manager, which provided her with an excellent understanding of the commercial world. Recent searches include: chief executive of a private equity-backed online retailer; sales and marketing director for an organic food retailer; chief operating officer for a major international brand; online director for a major fashion retailer; European managing director for a niche travel operator as well as a European finance director for an iconic luxury brand. Sally graduated from the University of Manchester with an upper second-class honours degree in town and country planning. She then completed a post-graduate diploma at the London College of Law.
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Working in retail and hospitality, the variety of my work is great - multinationals on the one hand and start-up businesses on the other. I'm so fortunate to work with such talented, motivated and ambitious clients, candidates and colleagues.
Jon Midmer
Head of Retail & Hospitality
Jon leads searches across all functions in the retail and hospitality sectors. Since joining The MBS Group in 2000, he has worked on national and international assignments in retail, leisure, FMCG and retail banking. He has developed long-standing relationships with clients and candidates, and has become an expert in his field. Recent assignments he has led include: CEO of a well-known fast-food retailer; MD of one of the UK’s leading pub groups; CEO of a high-profile, not-for-profit restaurant; global COO of a multi-billion pound turnover, multi-brand hospitality player; CFO of the UK division of a global quick-service restaurant business; trading director for a global DIY business; and the ‘talent pipeline’ for a leading UK supermarket group, which has seen him place over 35 people at director and senior manager level. Jon holds a first-class honours degree in modern languages from Oxford University. He is fluent in French and Spanish and speaks conversational Turkish.
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Quality and passion are at the heart of everything we do and we never forget that acting as a strategic partner to our clients, both big and small, is a huge privilege. Best of all, working in consumer goods allows me to touch the widest range of products, from spices to shower gel and from wine to washing-machines.
Mike Roberts
Head of Consumer Products
Mike leads assignments in the consumer products sector across all functions and also heads the company’s cross-sector corporate responsibility practice. Before joining The MBS Group in 2006, Mike worked at one of the largest global search firms, where he handled UK and international roles for some of the world’s most prestigious FMCG companies. Mike has had significant experience of pan-European account management and has executed a wide range of searches, including a European general manager for a US food business; a head of corporate responsibility for a FTSE 100 retailer; a global finance and strategy director for a confectionery company; a logistics director for a leading automotive business; a managing director for a high growth ready-meals manufacturer; a UK HR director for a US food manufacturer; a senior global brand director for a premium alcoholic drinks business; and a European sales director for one of the world’s leading soft beverage brands. Mike holds a first-class degree in classics from UCL and an MA from Essex University.
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I love working within the fashion, luxury and lifestyle sector. It means that I have a genuine connection with the brands and people that I work with. I especially enjoy working with founders as this is where you get 100% passion!
Tracy Short
Head of Fashion, Luxury & Lifestyle Brands
Tracy has an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fashion, luxury and lifestyle market, allowing her to work across a diverse client base and to quickly build trusting relationships. With 15 years’ experience in fashion and luxury retailing, Tracy joined The MBS Group in 2001. Tracy has a broad set of skills for searches in general management, buying and merchandising, sales, retail operations, design, marketing and creative functions. Her natural affinity with brands and people gives her an edge when it comes to finding the right candidate for the role. Tracy has successfully managed a number of large projects for corporate clients as well as specialised searches for niche retailers and brands. One major project entailed working with a major US clothing brand to de-centralize its buying and planning office from the United States and establish a European office in central London. She has comprehensive knowledge of the UK fashion market, from high street through to luxury, having completed GMM, product and fashion director roles. She has worked internationally and has placed a president for a luxury brand in Japan and a COO for a high profile, luxury resort and spa company.
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What do I like about the job? That’s easy. There is no matching the feeling of achievement when something I say hits the mark, gets that thoughtful look, and turns up again in the form of a positive change.
Alma Erlich
Head of MBS Change
Alma Erlich leads MBS Change and is a chartered psychologist with over 20 years’ organisational consulting experience in the private and public sectors in the UK, Continental Europe, Africa and South America.
Alma has a wealth of expertise in the fields of coaching, assessment, management development and training, working at board and senior management level, as well as with young managers for clients ranging from multinationals to smaller, high-growth businesses.
Through her work with local companies across continents, Alma has developed a broad understanding of the implications of cultural diversity, equal opportunities and company cultures. Alma’s strength and particular interest lies in bringing solid, analytical skills and psychological insight to build a clear, evidence-based understanding of the issues in organisations as a prelude to change.