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What People Say

The candidates you sourced for us were top notch. We will definitely bear you in mind in future for our other international appointments.

Theresa Yeo

Human Resources Director, Esplanade Arts Centre, Singapore

Firstly and most importantly to say, I am absolutely clear that we have made a very good appointment. Thank you for your help and guidance and clarity at certain foggy moments on the way. It really was a great comfort to me to be able to chew over the options and your wise words kept us on course on more than one occasion.

Vikki Heywood

Chairman Mountview Academy

AEM International made a point of developing a sound understanding of the RSNO, the Board, our stakeholders, our aspirations, values and culture. Whilst Heather Newill brought all of her knowledge and experience to the recruitment, she made no assumptions about us or what we wanted and was excellent at listening to us and also guiding us throughout the process. We ended up with a fabulous shortlist and an outstanding individual who became our Chief Executive.

Dame Sue Bruce

Chair Royal Scottish National Orchestra

BBC Cymru Wales worked very successfully with Heather Newill and AEM International on the recruitment of the Director of the BBC National Orchestra of Wales. They understood the BBC context and our needs for the role very well and were highly professional and fully committed to the work.

Rhodri Talfan Davies

Director BBC Cymru Wales

AEM International helped St George’s Bristol to hire a new Chief Executive. From start to finish Heather Newill was utterly professional in her engagement with us and we ended up appointing a candidate who we wouldn’t have found independently and with whom we’re completely delighted. She understood the sector, was extremely well connected and provided just the right level of support for us.

Ben Heald

Chairman St George’s Bristol

Thank you very much for all your help on the Director of the Royal Ballet search, and all our searches. We are in a really good place and your help was seminal. It’s been good working with you.

Tony Hall

Former Chief Executive, Royal Opera House

On behalf of the Edinburgh International Festival I wanted to thank you for your advice and support throughout the recruitment process (for the Festival Director) that has produced such a successful outcome. What pleased us is that you were able to achieve a broad international response across all art forms giving the Selection Panel very interesting long and short lists and the opportunity for a real choice.

Ewan Brown

Deputy Chairman, Edinburgh International Festival

Heather’s grasp of the brief, her knowledge of potential candidates and her sensitive management of the entire process were all hugely impressive. We were delivered a shortlist of exciting range and strength. She is also extremely easy to work with. NTW is immensely grateful to her.

Phil George

Chairman, National Theatre of Wales

This is to underline my profuse thanks to you for all that you did to secure such an excellent appointment for WNO. It has been a thoroughly positive experience. I was struck by your immediate insight into the company’s requirements and you have shown just as much insight into the many applicants that we considered during the process. That input has been of immense assistance to the panel and was crucial in the final stages. Thanks for the great care and attention that you gave it.

Geraint Talfan Davies

Chairman, Welsh National Opera

Heather did an absolutely outstanding job in identifying an excellent long list of potential CEOs for the Orchestra. We were hoping for a list of candidates drawn from the best around the world, the fact that the short list included people from Norway, UK, USA as well as Australia illustrates this was delivered.

Michael Ullmer

Deputy Chairman, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra

AEM International and Heather Newill were able to understand a very complex internal and market situation and found very qualified candidates for our review. Their ability to match our needs with those of the final candidate insured we had an executive with us for the long term.

Greg Morley

Director, Disneyland Paris