Nicholas Alexander
EXECUTIVE SEARCH
About Us
Your Strategic Executive Talent Partner in Retail
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WHO WE ARE
Ensuring Your Success
Through Exceptional Leadership
At Nicholas Alexander Executive Search, we specialise in identifying and securing senior leadership talent for the retail and D2C sectors. With over 25 years of expertise, we bring a unique blend of industry insight and executive search experience to every assignment. Our focus is on building long-lasting relationships, both with clients and candidates, ensuring we understand your culture, team dynamics, and long-term goals.
We are not just search consultants; we are strategic partners committed to delivering leadership solutions that drive sustained success.
25+ Years of Expertise
Proven Track Record
Industry Focus
Relationship-Driven
Face-to-Face Interview Model
WHAT WE DO
Leadership Excellence
Nicholas Alexander Executive Search specialises in senior appointments for the Retail Sector. We offer a premium search service in the UK and internationally. Our business is built on the solid foundations of our Retail Industry experience combined with more than 25 years of extensive search expertise. We, ourselves are retailers passionate about the sector and delivering an impeccable quality of service.
Hard work and outstanding results have earned us a highly respected reputation.
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THE FOUNDER & CEO
About Maarten
Maarten Jonckers, founder and CEO of Nicholas Alexander Executive Search Ltd, brings over 35 years of experience in retail and executive search. Originally from the Netherlands, Maarten's career journey took him from Amsterdam Business School to South Africa, and eventually to London in the mid-1980s. He quickly advanced in the retail world, becoming the youngest main-board director in Harrods' history as Merchandise Director.
In 1997, Maarten co-founded MGMS, an executive search firm that he grew to 50 staff across two locations, ultimately selling it to BNB plc. In 2008, he launched Nicholas Alexander Executive Search Ltd, where he provides hands-on, strategic recruitment solutions. With a passion for tackling complex projects, Maarten has helped clients like Screwfix, L'Occitane, and Wingstop UK achieve significant expansion through bespoke leadership placements and market strategies.
Committed to understanding his clients' businesses deeply, Maarten collaborates closely with them to leverage his vast retail expertise. Outside of work, Maarten leads an active life, cycling extensively across Europe and formerly competing in water polo. He continues to work out regularly and lives in London with his family.
EXECUTIVE SEARCH SERVICES
360 Leadership Search Services
As specialists in executive search, we don’t just fill roles; we strategically position your business for long-term success. Having the right leadership is critical to staying ahead of trends, responding to market shifts, and driving growth.
Comprehensive Executive Search Expertise: We understand that securing top talent requires more than just matching a candidate to a role. Our tailored executive search approach ensures we identify leaders who not only fit your immediate needs but can drive innovation, culture, and growth in your organization for years to come.
Succession Planning: Securing the future health of your leadership pipeline is crucial to maintaining continuity in a competitive market. We help you proactively plan for key transitions by identifying and developing future leaders within your organization. Our insights ensure your leadership team is always equipped to meet future challenges head-on, minimizing disruptions and securing long-term stability.
Talent Market Mapping: Know the landscape beyond search assignments, we provide invaluable intelligence on the talent landscape within the retail and D2C sectors. With our talent market mapping services, we keep you informed of emerging leaders, competitors’ talent strategies, and shifting market dynamics. This forward-thinking approach ensures that your organisation is not just reactive but ahead of the curve in your talent strategy.
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With our full-suite approach—executive search, succession planning, and talent market mapping—we are more than just a recruitment partner. We are your strategic ally in building a leadership team that drives sustained success.
Your Strategic Talent Ally
Tailored Leadership Solutions
Future-Proof Leadership
In-Depth Industry Insights
Strategic Talent Development
End-to-End Partnership
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ABOUT NICHOLAS ALEXANDER
Delivering Exceptional Retail Talent
As retailers ourselves we understand the challenges you face. This gives us a unique insight into your requirements regarding skillsets and most importantly, team fit - allowing us to deliver an impeccable quality of service.
Our customers tell us that what sets us apart is our professionalism and commitment to both clients and candidates. Our rigorous and proven recruitment process means we become integral to our clients’ strategy and our candidates’ career progression.
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The Perfect Fit
A successful hire depends upon the right fit of culture and personality, rather than simply the correct skill set. That is why understanding the company culture and team dynamics is so important.
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Everyone is a Client
We treat everyone we work with as a client, including our candidates. Many of the candidates we work with, give advice to or place, go on to become clients because they have been impressed with the quality of service they have received.
Maarten Jonckers
Founder & CEO
WHO WE WORK WITH
Driving Growth & Transformation for Mid-Market D2C & Retail Organisations
At Nicholas Alexander our client roster includes many well-known brands, from l'Occitane to Screwfix and from The Body Shop to Papa John's - and many, many more in between.
It is in organisations where we can work closely with the Board, where we really excel in identifying and recruiting individuals of a calibre that the client finds hard to attract.
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TALK TO US