LONDON, November 1, 2022 – Leading talent advisory firm DHR Global announces the appointment of Harry Friend to its Board & CEO Practice Group. Friend will serve as a key Partner in the firm’s continued expansion in the United Kingdom and throughout Europe.
With over 20 years of executive search experience across most industry sectors, Friend has supported some of the largest global brands in Europe as well as smaller, privately-owned or private equity-backed businesses.
“I am very pleased to bring in a seasoned professional like Harry who will provide a fresh perspective and can operate as a generalist collaborating across industries,” said Daniel Hall, Managing Partner, London. “We are committed to the market and Harry will help build on the success we’ve had in the London and European markets with his depth of expertise.”
Friend supports clients with their most crucial appointments at the board and leadership level. He works with a broad range of organizations in industries including energy, infrastructure, business services and automotive in addition to clients in more consumer-focused sectors such as media, technology and retail. Friend has also supported trade associations and family businesses.
Friend is a passionate advocate for the re-shaping of the executive search industry and the role it can play in promoting diversity in the workplace. In the UK, he has worked with guidelines from the Davies Review, Hampton-Alexander and Parker Reviews while supporting clients in achieving governance adherence in these areas. Friend has championed the promotion of emerging talent to the boardroom and executive committee and has a reputation for encouraging lateral thinking when it comes to searching for talent for his clients.
“I was impressed with DHR’s ability to provide global resources to their clients while still maintaining a boutique feel,” said Friend. “This is a firm that puts people first and I can’t wait to start collaborating with Partners across industries to provide the best service for my clients.”
Prior to joining DHR, Friend was a Partner at one of the UK’s leading boutique executive search firms where he was a member of the board practice and led the executive leadership practice. He took an active role in promoting diversity and inclusion and supporting clients with broader ESG initiatives.
Friend has worked internationally for much of his career and speaks fluent Spanish and some French.