Haywood & Associates Martyn Thornton provides insight into how building a Chairman’s Network provides unique insight in the European high-technology sector.

With extensive experience recruiting senior people in the Technology, Media and Telecommunications sector, Hayward & Associates has developed a strong network of clients, senior executives and those who invest in technology ventures. This insight has been naturally applied to developing a network of pan-European Chairman who are interested in sharing their experiences and challenges with others.

The Chairman’s Network focuses on bringing together people, companies, experts and knowledge into one web-based place. Membership of the network is strictly by application. “Having conducted hundreds of searches for senior TMT people, we understand what is important to our clients, what they look for and why they need certain skills,” say Thornton, a long-term partner in the firm.

“Over the last 18 months we have developed the concept into a stand alone business providing a complete service to Board level executives and the businesses they represent. The Network has satisfied the demand in the market for both an on and offline community dedicated to the needs of the most senior executives in the European TMT sector. “

An excellent example of one of their Network members is John O'Connell, Chairman and CEO of Maidenhead-based workflow software company Staffware. One of his significant aims is to separate the role of the CEO and chairman. In the future, O'Connell believes his role will focus very heavily on ensuring that Staffware's agenda and objectives are in line with what the company's shareholders want, whilst the CEO gets on with the day to day running of the business.

“O’Connell’s challenges are not dissimilar from those faced by the typical TMT Chairman”, continues Thornton. “Our experience of finding, coaching and placing these directors puts Hayward & Associates in a unique position in the market.”

Where does Thornton see the market for Chairmen heading? “The British technology plc still tends to hire UK nationals for Chair and non-exec roles. This has much to do with the UK requirements of corporate governance and their knowledge and experience. Private technology firms tend to need a different type of Chair or non-exec, more a business mentor and hands-on to help grow and shape the business. Consequently we see a wider mixture of nationalities in these roles.”

Finally, what advice does he have for aspiring Chairmen? “Be clear about why you want to be one as the role is substantially different from being a CEO. You are no longer responsible for the strategy of the business. The role is one of guiding, advising and questioning. You also have to manage the internal board relationships and balance the needs of the business against the interests of the investors.”

www.chairmansnetwork.com
Hayward & Associates have 40 years combined executive search experience at board level in the European TMT sector. They have built extensive relationships with all the major service providers to the sector including venture capitalists, law firms, accountants and M&A specialists.