It’s been a while since our last employee spotlight, so we recently sat down with our Head of Executive Search & Interim Management Solutions & Board Advisory Service Offering – Bruno Pace!
Having joined our team back in March this year, his expertise in this field has already proven invaluable in identifying and assessing top candidates at C-Suite level for our clients.
This should come as no surprise as Bruno has over 30 years of experience in the recruitment industry, having previously worked in leadership roles for five companies, including ten years in the international interim management and executive search industry.
Without further ado, let's find out a bit more about what his role entails and his life outside of the office!
What is your role at Gibson Watts? What types of projects have you worked on since joining Gibson Watts?
I am the Global Head of Executive Search, Interim Management Solutions & Board Advisory Services.
Since joining Gibson Watts only a few months back, I have submitted shortlists and proposals for roles like Interim CEO, Permanent CEO, and Permanent CFO in a long-duration energy storage business. I am also actively engaged in Microsoft Teams meetings for potential positions such as Group CEO in a global renewable energy business, Interim CFO for a VC investor in a cleantech business, COO in a battery storage business, and Business Development Consultants in the global cleantech and hydrogen sectors.
My clients span a wide range, including VC and PE investors in clean energy ventures, start-ups, and medium-sized businesses going through second-third stage funding. I have had the opportunity to work with cleantech and renewable energy companies in various sectors such as offshore wind, onshore wind, solar, nuclear, hydrogen storage, and consultancy, including active involvement with the world's largest hydrogen storage business.
These projects have allowed me to leverage my expertise and contribute to the growth and success of our clients at main board and operating board level at Gibson Watts.
What is your background?
I began my career at Times Computer Services (ACSIS PLC) in the Technology & Telecommunications Recruitment Industry. Starting as a trainee recruitment consultant, I quickly advanced to managing a team of four within two years.
At TCA, I built and grew a Technology & Telecommunications Permanent & Contracts business from scratch. Over the course of 12 years, the team expanded to 14 people. In 1999, I sold the business and its large contractor database to an American Consortium.
Later, I joined Dart MDA Group as Interim Sales Director, tasked with turning around a struggling Technology Recruitment Business.
The CEO and main board Investor of BNB Barkers Norman Broadbent International PLC brought me in to build and grow from the ground up their interim management and board advisory service offering, focussing on building and expanding the interim management and leadership consultancy practices. I successfully placed C-Suite executives on interim assignments across various sectors, including FS, PE, VC, Private Wealth, Energy, Industry & Manufacturing, Construction and Infrastructure, Public Sector, Media, Insurance, Education, Technology, and Telecommunications, mainly across the FTSE250 & FSTE100 Companies. During my six-year tenure, I built the practices, hired top talent, and significantly increased group cross-selling opportunities, increasing cross-selling from 8% to over 50%.
In addition to my recruitment background, I have extensive experience in property development. I have been involved in property ventures in Southeast England, Spain, Italy, and Cyprus. More recently, my focus has been on property development in London, Surrey, and Tunbridge Wells in Southeast England.
Why did you decide to join Gibson Watts?
I joined Gibson Watts because of the company's prime focus on cleantech and renewable energy business sectors, which are crucial and rapidly expanding markets with enormous potential. Being part of a young company specialising in these areas, I saw an opportunity to contribute to the growth of a Global C-Suite business and help raise the bar of the firm in new and developing business sectors.
I was also drawn to the like-minded focus and direction shared by the directors of the business, as well as the amazing team of individuals that I now work alongside.
How important is sustainability to you?
Sustainability is very important to me as the decisions we make today have a profound impact on shaping and sustaining the future for generations to come.
How do you try and be more sustainable?
To be more sustainable, I prioritise recycling, consider the broader environmental impact of my actions, power my home and recent property projects using renewable energy, and I also drive an electric vehicle.
How would you describe the company culture and environment at Gibson Watts? What do you enjoy about working for Gibson Watts?
At Gibson Watts, we foster a forward-thinking environment with a diverse group of individuals who share more common ground than they realise. With a shared vision and future-oriented focus, we are a team of collaborative individuals who enjoy both social interactions and working together every day.
What are your hobbies? Outside of work, what is important to you?
When I'm not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, taking care of my health and well-being, hosting get-togethers, going on holidays, exploring property ventures, and all things car-related.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Gibson Watts team, contact a member of the team today to find out more.