About Us
A TEAM UNITED BY
A SHARED VISION
We’re a team of rebels, creating positive change through people. We’re all about embracing our differences, striving to grow and achieve more while also keeping to our organisational values.
We are united behind the idea of challenging outdated methods and instead providing a better, more flexible service than that of traditional search firms.
A Stoic is a Buddhist with attitude.
Nassim Nicholas Taleb
Introducing
The team at STOIX
Meet
the team
Neil French
Co-founder & DirectorIndustry Sectors: Consumer, Technology, Manufacturing
Geographies: UK, EU, US
Functional Specialisms: CFO, M&A, FP&A, Commercial Finance, Controlling, Tax, Treasury, Finance Transformation
- Over 18 years of recruitment and executive search experience, with a passion for building lasting client and candidate relationships.
- Born in Kuala Lumpur and now a proud father of two. Music lover, sports fanatic, and enthusiastic home cook with a soft spot for festivals and food.
Rory McDermott
Co-founder & DirectorIndustry Sectors: Manufacturing, Engineering, Construction, Greentech
Geographies: UK, EU, US
Functional Specialisms: CFO, M&A, Controlling, Tax, Treasury
- With over 20 years in recruitment and executive search, and trained as an executive coach, helps leaders and teams unlock their full potential.
- Norwich-born and now splitting time between Barcelona and London; proud dad, lifelong sports enthusiast, and devoted Norwich City FC season ticket holder.
Jane Dowding
Board Advisor- 20+ years in executive search, building board-level teams across global firms, boutiques, and startups
- Founder of Sirocco Search, supporting leadership development, career transition, and NED coaching
- Built & led the Global Media, Entertainment & Digital practice at Russell Reynolds
- Board Advisor to Erevena introducing a range of internal & client development programmes to support business growth
- Advocate for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion and passionate supporter of B Corp values & sustainable progress
Lee Mitchell
Head of ResearchIndustry Sectors: Agnostic
Geographies: UK, EU, US
Functional Specialisms: CFO, Senior Finance Teams
- Specialises in Private Equity-backed businesses, bringing experience from both boutique and multinational search firms, with a consultative and research-driven approach.
- Combines academic curiosity with a love for tech and a sharp eye for identifying top-tier portfolio leadership talent.
Sareen Aujla
Head of Research and DeliveryIndustry Sectors: FMCG, Consumer, Technology, and Lifestyle sectors.
Geographies: EMEA & US
Functional Specialisms: CFO, COO, MD
- Almost 15 years of executive search experience, with a strong track record of delivering senior-level mandates across local and international markets.
- Outside of work, a proud parent of two, owner of a very energetic Goldendoodle, long countryside walks enthusiast, ambitious home cook, and keen Formula 1 fan.
External Support Team
Meet our external partners who help us be more efficient and make our brand stand out.
Rebecca El-Shanawany
Director of Research & DeliveryIndustry Sectors: Consumer, Technology, Financial Services
Geographies: UK, EU, US
Functional Specialisms: CFO, M&A, FP&A, Controlling, Head of Capital Markets, Corporate Development
- Brings 17+ years of executive search and psychometric assessment experience; now thriving in a more agile, purpose-led environment.
- Splits time between London and the mountains of Snowdonia; passionate about systems, process, and helping people reach their full potential.
Melanie Fowler
Executive Assistant- Former City solicitor turned Executive Assistant with 10 years of experience; bringing a globalperspective from time spent living and working in the US and Australia.
- Dorset-based and London-born; now a keen traveller, beach lover, theatre-goer, and fan of all things food and garden-related.
The name STOIX was influenced by the ancient Greek and Roman philosophy of Stoicism.
We believe that in today’s fast-paced world, Stoic philosophy is more relevant than ever. We are big on self-development and strive to let the four Stoic virtues of Wisdom, Courage, Temperance and Justice guide our actions and have influenced our values.
Put your superpower to good use
Join STOIX
Working at STOIX is never boring. We work hard to ensure STOIX is a challenger to traditional search. We need all hands on deck to manage constant change and the rollercoaster growing a start-up can be.
This also means there is a huge opportunity to be creative, bring your unique perspective to the table and push the limits with best-in-class RecTech.
We work in a smart and flexible way and have a real respect for living life to the fullest. We also make sure to celebrate the fruits of our labour and enjoy regular team lunches and days out in London.
Employee wellbeing
Our team’s wellbeing is a priority. We understand that everyone has different needs when it comes to wellbeing, and we want to make sure we provide the space and time for it.
Professional development
No matter where you are in your career, we help you progress and develop your skills. We have weekly in-house training sessions as well as supporting our team with high-quality external coaching and training programmes.
Remote, hybrid and flexible working
We respect that everyone needs to maintain their version of a work-life balance and we are here to provide that. Our office is based in Farringdon, London giving easy access for most commuters.
Ready to talk?
We want to meet people who are excited by an ambitious start-up, being part of the journey and the opportunity to do things differently.
Sounds like you? Fill out our form and we will get back to you.