Posted on: 13.05.2026
The Brief: A Senior Communications Hire in a Specialist Sector
A global private equity firm focused on value creation within the mining and natural resources sector engaged us to deliver a high-calibre Head of Communications to operate as a true standalone function. The firm required a senior communications leader capable of owning and executing the firm-wide communications strategy, while also supporting a complex, international portfolio of operating assets.
The brief called for a rare blend of experience. Deep sector knowledge in mining or natural resources, combined with sophisticated corporate communications capability gained either in-house or within a leading agency environment. The role required close partnership with the CEO, operating on a global basis with regular international travel.
Critically, this was a standalone, one-person function. The firm needed a leader equally comfortable setting strategy, handling media relations, managing crises, engaging stakeholders and producing hands-on content.
The Retained Search Process: Full Market Coverage and Consultative Delivery
We ran the assignment on a retained search model, ensuring full market coverage and a highly consultative approach throughout. The process began with an in-depth market mapping exercise across mining, natural resources, private equity and adjacent sectors, identifying senior communications leaders with relevant technical and reputational experience.
A comprehensive longlist was delivered, followed by rigorous competency-based interviews to assess strategic capability, sector fluency, stakeholder management and executional depth. From this, a tightly curated shortlist was presented to the client, supported by detailed candidate insights and risk analysis on each individual.
The Outcome: A Sector-Credible, Globally Experienced Hire
We managed the full interview process through to final stages, advising the client on assessment, cultural fit and integration considerations. Offer negotiations were handled on the firm’s behalf, resulting in the successful placement of a candidate who met every element of the brief: sector-credible, globally experienced, and comfortable operating autonomously as a standalone communications leader.
The successful candidate accepted the role and now leads communications across the firm and its international portfolio of mining and natural resources assets.
Why Retained Search Worked for This Financial Communications Mandate
This appointment combined three factors that make retained search the right model: a specialist sector requirement, a small candidate pool of senior leaders with both sector and corporate communications credibility, and a standalone role that demanded careful assessment of personal temperament alongside professional credentials. The retained model gave us the time and access to map the market exhaustively, engage candidates who were not actively looking, and present a shortlist confident the right hire would land.
Speak With Our Financial Communications Executive Search Team
Hanson Search runs financial communications executive search globally for boards, CEOs, founders and PE sponsors. If you are considering a senior communications appointment in a specialist sector, our team would welcome a confidential conversation.
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