Leadership Solutions
for a Changing World
We match transformative leaders with high-impact
roles.
We Work With
Higher Education
Institutions
Edtech &
Commercial
Providers
Think Tanks &
Research
Organisations
Networked’s Successful Appointments
Chair of BoardChief ExecutiveVice-ChancellorManaging DirectorChief Operating OfficerDirector of BusinessDevelopment and Knowledge
Exchange
Director of People andOrganisational Effectiveness
Deputy Vice-Chancellor AcademicDean of Law SchoolDean of Business SchoolPro Vice-ChancellorBusiness and Law
Pro Vice-Chancellor Engineeringand Physical Sciences
Pro Vice-ChancellorEducation
Head of Academic QualityDirector of Research Services Science DirectorInstitute DirectorDean of Research andKnowledge Exchange
Chief Information OfficerFinance DirectorWHAT THEY SAY
Your Leadership Search Is in Good Hands
Vice-Chancellor
“I have valued working with Hamish and Networked on several senior appointments. In each case they have curated a diverse, quality field which has led to genuine and difficult choices between high calibre candidates. Proactive, creative, and professional.”
Harper Adams University
Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic
“My gratitude to Hamish Laing and the Networked team for their effort, care, compassion, and patience throughout the recruitment process. It was convincing and authentic. My role at Aston has proven to be a right fit for the organisation and a great opportunity for me learn and grow.”
Aston University
Pro-Vice-Chancellor
“I would like to thank Hamish for his exceptional professionalism and dedication throughout the selection process. His expertise and insight were instrumental in aligning my skills and experiences with the needs of the university. His guidance and support made the transition smooth and ensured that the process was thorough and efficient. Hamish’s service is highly customised and friendly to both employers and candidates, surpassing the general approaches found in other firms.”
University of Surrey
Chair of the Board of Governors
“Rajay and Hamish’s pitch was extremely compelling and persuasive and it was an easy decision to ask them to undertake our vice-chancellor search. Unlike their competitors, they really helped us determine what we were looking for. What really impressed us subsequently was that they delivered everything they promised. I could not recommend them highly enough for a vice-chancellor search.”
University for the Creative Arts
Chief Executive Officer
“Networked has completed two chief executive searches for Stephen Austin Group with outstanding results. Flexible processes and exceptional communication ensured we secured our first-choice candidates on schedule both times. The range of candidates and the detailed referencing by Networked gave us invaluable reassurance and confidence in our choices.”
Stephen Austin Group
Our Principles
Why Networked
We Are Leaders in Global Education
Unlike generalist search firms, we exclusively advise the global education sector. This ensures unparalleled domain expertise and up-to-date networks of the highest quality.
We Don’t Delegate Our Searches
Each search is entirely managed and delivered by your principal consultant with zero delegation. You and the candidates interact only with seasoned experts.
We Are Your Champions
Our primary task is to champion our clients to the best candidates. We do things differently, fostering meaningful interactions instead of delivering unclear criteria, opaque processes and a lack of advocacy.
We Don’t Just Tick Boxes
We don’t just place leaders—we strive to make an impact. We look beyond standard requirements, testing carefully candidates' values, empathy and resilience.
We Celebrate Diversity
Thoughtfulness can be abandoned in search of an outcome. We seek to avoid decision makers being drawn only to the safest choices of candidates.
Who Are Networked’s People?
FOUNDING PARTNER
Hamish Laing
For over 15 years, Hamish Laing has led successful leadership searches across the global education sector. His approach combines innovative thinking with proven strategies, building on a powerful and carefully nurtured international network. Known for his strategic insight, clarity, and momentum, Hamish is trusted by educational leaders and organisations for his considered advice and discretion.
FOUNDING PARTNER
Rajay Naik
Rajay Naik is a seasoned executive in education and technology with a rich background in leadership and innovation. His expertise spans across strategic development in higher education and lifelong learning. His former roles including Global CCO of Study Group and CEO of Keypath Education Europe and founder of the FutureLearn MOOC platform showcase his commitment to evolving educational landscapes.
Advertised Assignments
University for the Creative Arts, Pro Vice-Chancellor Academic Partnerships and Industry Engagement
Announcements
With extensive leadership experience, most recently as the Chief Executive of Unite Students, Richard’s appointment signals the University’s continued optimism, ambition, and confidence in its ability to deliver transformational education and opportunities in a fast-changing higher education landscape.
We are delighted to announce that Professor Minhua Eunice Ma has been appointed as the University of Surrey’s new Pro-Vice-Chancellor (PVC) Education, following an extensive open search process.
International homeschooling college, Wolsey Hall Oxford, is pleased to announce the appointment of its new Principal, Mr. Gavin McLean. The organisation would also like to take this opportunity to express its deep gratitude and bid a fond farewell to the outgoing Principal, Mr. Lee Wilcock.
The University for the Creative Arts (UCA) has begun a new chapter in its illustrious history, with the appointment of Professor Jane Roscoe as its next President & Vice-Chancellor.
We Often Are Asked
What do you look for in leadership candidates?
In an era that prioritises empathetic leadership, authenticity and values-led decision making, it is essential that these key criteria are tested all the way through an appointment process. Our searches prioritise personal attributes, culture fit and mindset, alongside professional skills and successes.
How do you guarantee diverse candidate lists?
Inclusivity is integral to Networked’s processes, particularly when a shortlist emerges. We actively work to prevent decision makers being drawn only to the safest choices. Collaborating closely with clients, we implement a range of actions to ensure a steadfast commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion is embedded in all our processes from beginning to end.
How do you attract the best candidates?
The most important part of our role is advocacy. Storytelling is at the heart of all our processes. We value transparency and build this into the stories we tell. Networked will develop in partnership with you a candidate proposition based on the story that will be told when the appointed candidate is successful in post.
What part does technology play in how you work?
The exponential development of communications tools in recent years had transformed how all of us live and work. We embrace the role technology plays in enabling us to offer our clients high quality outcomes and exceptional value. Specifically, it enables us to adhere to our pledges around pace and attentiveness.
What is the cost of your services?
Our terms and conditions are specific to each project we undertake, reflecting our principles and the specific needs of the assignment. We ask to be held to account on quality, pace, attentiveness and attention to detail. We understand the critical nature of leadership appointments and commit to honour each process with the appropriate level of resource.
What can go wrong?
The most rewarding aspect of headhunting is the human engagement, but humans are unpredictable. This means leadership search is as much of an art as it is a science. To mitigate potential challenges, we maintain consistent communication with clients and candidates, all of which will be undertaken by your lead consultant. This approach ensures transparency and minimises unwelcome surprises throughout the process.
Ready to Start
Your Search with Networked?
