Home

Strengthening Leadership Through Partnership

Governance, Risk & Compliance Experts

Welcome to GRAYFIELDS Executive Partnerships

Boutique search and selection experts relied upon to support, advise and own search projects.

Recognised across Financial Services, Gaming and the related regulated sectors. ​

Contact Us

(Non)Executive & Senior Management | Risk Management & Operational Resilience | Compliance & Regulation​ | Financial Crime | Data Protection

Who Are We?

Built on Trusted Partnerships

Crafted since 2012, GRAYFIELDS are a boutique search firm, intentionally positioned​ between the retained-only and specialist contingent specialists.​
​
We are committed to the Risk and Regulatory sectors at (Non)Executive and Senior Management levels.​
​
Recognising each business is individual, our approach is tailored to work effectively with our partners, from FTSE listed, through to start and scale-up.​
​
Trusted Partnerships matter. Similar to a triangle, a shape of strength, each side supporting the next and all equal in importance to maintain the shape, balance and integrity. It is a partnership. It is in our name.

Learn More About Us

Our Specialism

You Can Rely On Us
Assess | Commit | Execute

Exclusively partnership-led, and committed to ensure the right outcomes.​
​
Since 2012 our Managing Director has managed senior and leadership careers, advising those personally considering new positions and working closely with Executives striving to hire the best. In turn, we help firms put their best foot forward to attract, appoint and retain high calibre individuals.
​
Our interview panel is strengthened by GRAYFIELDS Non-Executive Advisor, an approved SMF holder, providing independent assessments and reports in line with SM&CR standards, Serena Joseph.​

Our Approach

We have a proven search methodology, and combined with our long-standing networks and market maps, ensures no stone is left unturned.​
​
Our market maps are specific to GRAYFIELDS and constantly evolving. We track career moves and market trends that enable us to provide valuable insights to our partners.​

Meet Our Team

Projects & Services

Tailored Approach. The Right Outcome.
Assess | Commit | Execute

Executive Search & Retained Engagements

Delivered through an exclusive partnership model, enabling comprehensive market mapping, rigorous assessment, and in‑depth executive interviews.

Ensures a highly considered and credible shortlist aligned to organisational strategy, culture, and where applicable, regulatory expectations.

Senior Contingent
& Team Build

Exclusive partnerships with Executives and functional leaders, building high‑performing leadership teams and future leaders.

Working to agreed timelines, leveraging our established network and market intelligence enables us to introduce thoroughly evaluated and high‑calibre professionals.

Interim Consulting & Contract

An exclusive partnership approach to introduce experienced interim leaders and specialist consultants who can deliver immediate impact across transformation, change, transition, cover, or increased workload.

Market Mapping & Intelligence

In‑depth research and analysis delivering a clear view of the leadership and talent landscape, including competitor structures, capability availability, and real‑time remuneration insights.

Our Services

Partnerships & Affiliations

Initia Risk

About:

Initia Risk is a UK-built risk and compliance platform for growing regulated firms, shaped by direct practitioner experience in second-line risk.

It brings risks, controls, control testing, policies, risk events and regulatory mapping into one intuitive, proportionate platform, replacing the spreadsheet estate most second-line teams are still running on.

First-line owners update their own risks and controls without being licensed per seat, and board-ready reporting comes straight out of the framework in one click.

Shortlisted for Risk Management App of the Year at the CIR Risk Management Awards 2026, and in two categories at the #RISK Awards 2026.

Specialisms:

  • Risk & Control Management
  • Control Testing & Evidencing
  • Policy & Regulatory Mapping
  • Risk Events & Actions
  • One-Click Board Reporting
Visit Website

Founder & Director: Elliot Poublan

Testimonials

GRAYFIELDS approached me as a potential senior hire for their client and impressed me from the first interaction and throughout the process.  They took time to understand my background, skillset, and career aspirations. 

Not all headhunters grasp their client’s needs meaning the candidate has to quickly pivot during an interview or finds themselves a wrong fit.

GRAYFIELDS provided accurate, timely and relevant information about the role, the hiring organisation and the recruitment process. In particular, Chris was supportive, considerate and enabled me to accept an offer with confidence.  I’d happily work with GRAYFIELDS again as candidate or hiring manager.

Group Head of Risk & Compliance

I had a hugely positive experience working with GRAYFIELDS. From first contact, they were clear on timelines, next steps, expectations, and always put me in the best position to do well throughout the interview process.

Chris in particular, provided a hugely helpful and accurate profile of each person involved in the interview process, and ensured the expectations on the different stages was clear, with great advice and reassurance throughout.

Their knowledge of the firms they are working with was first class, and they are fantastic advocates of their clients. I ended up taking the role introduced by GRAYFIELDS over others, largely due to the process that allowed me to understand the expectations of the role and the firm, which was not something I experienced through other recruiters.
Highly recommended for anyone looking for the next senior placement.

Group Head of Procurement & Vendor Management

GRAYFIELDS supported us with a senior leadership appointment and quickly demonstrated the value of a true search partnership. They took the time to understand our organisation, leadership team and culture, ensuring they were assessing candidates against more than just technical capability.

The quality of the shortlist was excellent. Candidates were thoroughly screened, well prepared and accompanied by insightful assessments that helped us understand both strengths and cultural fit. Throughout the process, GRAYFIELDS managed candidates professionally and maintained strong communication, making the experience straightforward for both our hiring team and the candidates themselves.

What stood out most was their professionalism, preparation and honesty. GRAYFIELDS delivered exactly what they committed to, provided constructive challenge where needed and were a pleasure to work with throughout. I would gladly work with GRAYFIELDS again and would confidently recommend them to organisations seeking support with senior appointments.

Chief Risk & Compliance Officer

Trends & Insights

For the Latest Executive News, Trends, Insights and More

Executives Diary Magazine, Interviews Chris Fields

Chris Fields: “Tell Me You’re Invested, Without Telling Me” Written by Sania Iftikhar, Senior Editor | Partner, Executive Diary Magazine   What the two candidates…

Read More →

Chief Risk Officer: 2030

Introduction As UK financial services continue to adopt AI, the role of the Chief Risk Officer is gearing up for one its next most significant…

Read More →

As AI Adoption Accelerates, Is Your CV Keeping Pace?

AI Era: The Missing Piece in Many Risk & Compliance Profiles There is more emphasis than ever from organisations looking for experience, skills and attitude…

Read More →
Trends & Insights