John Smith

Partner, Executive Search, Transformation, Digital & Technology Practice

+44 (0)20 8059 4443 +44 (0)7720 314 042 john.smith@etonbridgepartners.com
John Smith

Meet John

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John specialises in hiring technology leadership at board level and in senior executive positions. He focuses on working with private equity-backed organisations and has a track record within FTSE listed businesses. John works closely with funds and the leadership teams within portfolio companies to identify the right talent from a cultural and value creation perspective. He focuses on building partnerships with candidates and clients in a transparent and consultative way.

John has over 15 years of search experience means he has the network to align talent with organisational goals which, in turn, drives success in the dynamic landscape of technology leadership hiring within private equity environments.

Prior to Eton Bridge, John worked at another specialist search firm and for a Big 4 consulting firm focused on Partner and Director hiring.

Outside of work, John enjoys spending time with his family and trying to entertain his 3 young sons. He is a fan of all sports, with a particular passion for football – although it is more of a watching brief nowadays!

Recently worked on:

  • CTO – Private Equity backed SaaS business (US)
  • CTO & VP Product – Private Equity backed SaaS business (UK)
  • CTO – Mid-market Private Equity fund (UK/Europe)
  • Portfolio CIO – Mid-Market Private Equity fund (UK)
  • CIO – Private Equity backed financial services business (Europe)
  • CISO – Private Equity backed transport business (UK)

 

Joined the EBP team in 2020

Two children walk hand in hand on a sunlit sandy beach, leaving footprints behind them. With the ocean, rocks, and a clear sky visible in the background, their steps symbolize the strides toward technology leadership we aim to foster from a young age.

Proud moment

I’m proud to say that I participated in two white collar boxing events for Children with Cancer and Cancer Research. Lost the 1st and won the 2nd!

A man is seated indoors with three young boys, posing and smiling for a photo. Other people and tables are visible in the background, suggesting a casual dining setting that subtly contrasts with his usual technology leadership role.

Most memorable day

My most memorable day has to be the birth of my sons, as family is very important to me. A feeling only ever nearly matched by Tottenham’s winning goal in the Champions League semi final…

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I was impressed by John and team’s diligent and effective approach which led to us meeting several high-quality candidates. Their approach and focus on diversity and inclusion were a real asset to us. John equally took the time and care with our internal candidates to ensure they felt a key part of the process.

Geoff Thorpe Recruitment Manager, British energy organisation
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Eton Bridge have executed a number of complex searches for me across North America, the UK and Europe. John took the time to build productive relationships across our stakeholders and really get to know our business, even when there were no searches on the horizon. Consequently, when we were recruiting, John was able to attract people who not only had the right capabilities but are a great cultural fit. I know from the candidates Eton Bridge have placed with us that John created a hugely positive experience for them which is, of course, very important to us.

Manjeet Aujla CDIO