Partners to the world's leading luxury and consumer brands
We find and secure high-EQ leaders who build world-class experiences. The top 1% who unite creativity, commercial edge and emotional intelligence to shape what comes next.
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How we can help
Executive Search
Senior leaders-from VP to C-suite-who elevate performance and culture.
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Board & Advisory Appointments
Independent voices who bring clarity, perspective and strategic edge.
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"I’ve worked with Ru for challenging senior digital leadership hires at both Coca-Cola and L’Oreal. He has a great ability to dig deeply into the nuances of the role and our culture."
Mark Elkins, Global eCommerce Managing Director, L’Oreal
"Working with Ru and Princedale was a seamless experience – professional, attentive and insightful throughout. Ru’s excellent network and connections proved invaluable in securing our new CMDO, and I greatly appreciated the trusted partnership we built together."
Anna Nash, President, Explora Journeys
"Rupert was a true partner throughout the search: engaged, thoughtful, and deeply invested in getting it right. He listened carefully to our feedback, adjusted swiftly when necessary, and ultimately delivered the perfect candidate. The process felt effortless, but the result was exacting. A professional of rare calibre."
Philip Morris, Vice President Commercial, Dorchester Collection
"The search with Ru and Princedale was easy and straightforward. I really appreciate the personalised service and the regular communication. Ru just got the nuances of the culture of the organization and understood our leadership profile - critical for any new hire at Hyatt. Princedale presented really great candidates and we’ve just made a great hire from it."
Eric Brun - SVP Commercial, Hyatt
"Ru is a brilliant asset to any CEO looking to find the right leadership for their business. The very open and honest approach Ru takes with both client & candidates means the process is well oiled. He very quickly ‘gets’ the right character as well as experience needed. His connections in the consumer digital & ecommerce space are superb. A pleasure to work with. Thanks Ru"
James Sturrock - CEO, TapiWhy Choose Princedale
Tailored search for vision, culture and goals
We use an exclusive database, unrivalled market knowledge and EQ-focused assessments to find transformational leaders. We personally manage every step of every search, acting as a true extension of our clients' brands to deliver individuals with the capability to inspire, drive change and create lasting impact.
candidates are considered per search. Clients meet the top 1.6%
success rate - our clients hire from our shortlist every time
searches at any one time, so each gets our focus
years of global headhunting experience behind every decision
years is our average tenure for our Chief & SVP hires
of our placements are women
leaders have been placed personally by Ru since Princedale began in 2012
We answer only to our clients and our own high standards
As an independent, boutique firm we're free from bureaucracy, so we can dig deeper, move faster and go further. This is how we consistently provide an exceptional experience for both clients and candidates, building trusted, long-term partnerships that redefine expectations of executive search.
About Princedale
Princedale's Founder, Ru has over 25 years of experience in headhunting. He has lived and worked in London, Barcelona, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Lisbon, and thrives on the variety of work and perspective he's gleaned from working across different cultures.
Ru has specialised in global leadership talent since 2008, and went on to launch Princedale in 2012.
Explore our Case Studies
Navigating a new luxury travel frontier: Explora Journeys appoints a Chief Marketing & Digital Officer
A pioneering luxury travel brand strengthens its leadership team with a visionary Chief Marketing Officer
Continue readingHeritage meets visionary: A global marketing leader appointment for The Dorchester Collection
With a legendary heritage and a fast-expanding global luxury hotel portfolio, The Dorchester Collection needed a world-class leader to fill a newly created role that would unify, inspire and sharpen the brand worldwide.
Continue readingA creative mind for END. Clothing’s next chapter
END. Clothing had scaled fast, building a cult following and a £200m+ business with minimal marketing infrastructure. But following Apollo Private Equity’s investment, the next chapter demanded something more structured.
Continue readingA new leader for Chelsea FC’s next chapter
With serious stadium pedigree and a sharp commercial edge, Bonnie’s not just setting the pace — she’s raising the bar.
Continue readingThe Princedale Standard
1. Defining the brief
We work closely with you to define what success looks like, then shape that vision into a clear, compelling brief that attracts the right kind of leader.
2. Mapping the market
We scan the market thoroughly to identify proven leaders, rising talent and referral sources across sectors. On average, we consider 250+ leaders before creating a longlist and reaching out personally and confidentially.
3. Rigorous assessment
All our candidates are evaluated through multiple stages of structured conversations and references. We look for more than skills: we test for presence, EQ and long-term cultural fit.
4. The top 1.6%
We don't hand you a stack of CVs. We deliver four leaders who've been rigorously assessed, along with insightful, candid commentary, so you can move forward with confidence.
5. Interview support & offer management
We guide you through the interview process, ensuring every candidate experience is seamless. From first meeting to final negotiation, we manage expectations on both sides and protect the integrity of the process.
6. Aftercare & long-term success
Our role doesn't end with the signed contract. We stay close through onboarding and beyond, helping ensure your new leader thrives. The tenure of our placements speaks for itself: some are still driving impact a decade later.
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