Who We Are
Simon Stephenson simon@exec-research.co.uk
Simon undertook a career in the Army, which included serving in the Falklands campaign, being an Equerry to the Prince of Wales and running the operations for a 10,000 strong multinational air-mobile trial. He completed an MBA at Cranfield before leaving the Army in 1992. He then spent 4 years in Executive Recruitment. He established Stephenson Research Associates in 1998. Simon specialises in senior level executive research, where the ability to deal with Board level appointees across a number of industry sectors is vital. He is currently Co-Chairman of the Executive Research Association and has written widely about the research process and the future direction of the industry. After 6.30 in the evening you will find Simon riding on his horse on top of the hills.
Michelle Stanley michelle@exec-research.co.uk
Michelle is an independent research consultant; she has worked with SRA for over 6 years and has completed many successful projects for them both in Europe and Asia. Michelle has experience in many different sectors but particularly enjoys the Retail, Marketing and Technology areas.
Outside of work Michelle enjoys pursuing her artistic abilities and looking after her growing ‘pack’ of rescue dogs. .
Sarah Lewis sarah@exec-research.co.uk
Sarah comes from a background of Design, Journalism, PR and Marketing. Originally trained as a fashion designer, she moved into retail journalism at Conde Nast Publications as a Regional Editor on prestigious magazine titles Vogue, Brides and House & Garden. When she married, she moved to Somerset and continued as a freelance journalist and then rolled over her knowledge and experience into PR & Marketing handling accounts varying from hotels to fashion houses, travel, FMCG and most excitingly, one or two famous explorers! Throughout, she has worked closely with national and international media.
Living in an idyllic spot in Somerset, Sarah enjoys outdoor pursuits and sports particularly equestrianism, tennis and gym. Animals are her passion (horses, rare breed pigs and dogs!) alongside fashion, art and entertaining.
Clare Jackson clare@exec-research.co.uk
Clare’s background is in HR and recruitment, with over 20 years experience working with blue chip organisations, including finance, retail, hotel & leisure and engineering. This has included in house roles and 4 years consultancy. She has a particular passion for recruitment.
Clare enjoys the calm and professional atmosphere at SRA after a hectic home life, with 3 young boys and husband! She loves reading ,yoga and running ( hoping the weekly 5K runs will add up to a marathon – one day!)
Julia Gordon julia@exec-research.co.uk
Julia Gordon started her career working in London as a Chartered Surveyor. She continued in this role, whilst accompanying her husband around the world, working for Savills, Strutt and Parker, Interserve Defence and Prime Purchase. She later trained to be a teacher. Julia joined SRA in 2011.
Julia and her family now live in an idyllic spot in Wiltshire. At the weekend she is either cheering children on from the touchline or towing ponies to the next competition! Julia enjoys riding, photography and managing the ongoing project of rebuilding her house!
Fiona Fellowes fiona@exec-research.co.uk
Fiona has had a varied and interesting career, travelling widely with her husband who was in the Army. She has worked in the private banking system, the NHS, hospitality and the travel industry, managing and liaising with clients.
She enjoys walking, skiing and lots of inactivity with a good book.
Dan Rackham dan@exec-research.co.uk
Prior to joining SRA, Dan started his career working as a mechanical engineer, in his home town of Salisbury. He then moved to work for a small IT company, Supporting both home users and SMEs, supplying and installing software and hardware. After this he decided to move to an Executives Recruitment company, working as part of their IT team, during this period, Dan supported and helped train their global user network, and took part in major changes including: company rebranding and CRM development. This role was based in London and Winchester.
Dan lives in Wiltshire with his wife. In his spare time he enjoys sport, playing Tennis, Football, Squash and Golf. Dan also enjoys spending time with his wife, and socialising with friends and family.