Excellence

Integrity

Results

Since 1991

In 2026, Adderleys Executive Search proudly marks 35 years of partnering with ambitious organisations to recruit the leaders and specialists who drive lasting success. Since our founding in 1991, our mission has remained clear: to deliver individuals who bring clarity, pace, and measurable commercial impact.

A Legacy Built on Experience and Integrity

Adderleys began life as Adderley Featherstone, founded by Peter Adderley and John Featherstone following distinguished board-level careers in industry — including leadership of one of Europe’s largest executive search firms. Their first-hand experience of leadership challenges shaped a practical, results-driven approach from day one.

Growth in the early years was rapid. By 1995, the firm had expanded to eight UK offices and was recognised by The Sunday Times as the UK’s largest advertiser of senior-level appointments — a testament to both the scale and the trust placed in its service.

By 1999, the business had reached 50 employees and extended its presence into continental Europe with offices in Paris and Geneva, demonstrating early international capability and ambition.

Our founders

Peter Adderley & John Featherstone

Today: Delivering Leaders for Every Stage of Growth

Today, Adderleys specialises in recruiting Directors, Senior Managers, Interim leaders and Technical Specialists across scale-up, mid-market and enterprise organisations. Working closely with founders, boards and investors, we support growth, transformation, restructuring and exit planning by identifying leaders who combine cultural alignment with commercial impact.

Our retained model blends executive-search quality with agility and cost clarity, typically supporting roles in the £50,000–£250,000 range across private-equity-backed, family-owned and corporate businesses.

Leadership Into the Future

In 2021, the next generation assumed leadership. Oliver Adderley, son of one of the original founders, was appointed Managing Director to guide the firm through an increasingly digital and fast-moving recruitment landscape — while preserving the values and principles established in 1991.

With more than two decades of experience spanning research, executive search and recruitment marketing, Oliver brings both operational depth and strategic perspective. Under his leadership, Adderleys continues to evolve while maintaining its focus on delivering outcomes that genuinely matter to clients and candidates.

Looking Forward

As we celebrate 35 years, our focus remains unchanged: finding the right people to transform organisations. Whether supporting high-growth expansion, navigating complex transitions or building future leadership teams, Adderleys remains a trusted partner in executive search.

Here’s to the next 35 years of insight, impact and exceptional leadership appointments.

Celebrating 35 years