Recruitment specialists appoint CEO ahead of stock market flotation

Former Gi Group chief operating officer, Paul Smith, has joined Aristotle Partnerships as chief executive officer to direct and deliver strategy ahead of its flotation on The Alternative Investment Market (AIM).

Sheffield-headquartered Aristotle Partnerships is a workforce staffing solutions group formed in 2022 when recruitment entrepreneurs Nick Cragg, Craig Buckingham, Roger Frost joined together to create a business with a turnover in excess of £100m, comprising Nicholas Associates Group(NAG), Syntax and Red Rock Partnerships.

High profile brands within NAG include Stafforce, Ashley Kate HR & Finance, Nicholas Associates, The Apprentice Employment Agency, Olano, Erango, Mainboard and Cra-Cro Site Services.

Smith has over 24 years’ experience working across multi sectors for both global corporate and national independent agencies.

During this time, he has managed the integration strategy of several mergers and acquisitions, launched new brands, implemented process improvements and also delivered a number of recruitment outsourcing process (RPO) projects, including the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

As CEO, he will work alongside fellow members of the Aristotle Partnerships board and be responsible for all areas of the organisation.

This will include building the culture and ensuring the sustainable profitability of the group, articulating and delivering the vision of growth to the management team and employees, and presenting the company to City institutions, investors, regulators, employees, customers, suppliers and external advisors.

Smith, said, “I am looking forward to leading the next phase of the journey for this incredible provider of apprentice to boardroom talent management solutions.

“To quote Aristotle ‘the whole is greater than the sum of its parts’ and it is my intention to build on the company’s success by creating more synergy across all brands, fostering a culture which maintains our entrepreneurial and creative environment, ensuring continuous improvement and encouraging every colleague to fulfil their potential.

“I have been aware of the brands under Aristotle for many years and have come to respect them as being good, ethical and trustworthy businesses with a great reputation for excellent customer service and employee values.

“This impression was further enforced when I met other members of the board and listened to their clear vison for the business.”

The brands within Aristotle Partnerships now have a network of 33 offices and branches across the UK and the intention is to float on AIM later this year.

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