Head of Communications Search for a Specialist Private Equity Firm | Case Study

A specialist private equity firm focused on value creation across gold and metals mining engaged Hanson Search to appoint a high-calibre Head of Communications to lead its communications function.

The firm required a senior communications leader capable of owning and delivering the global communications strategy, while also supporting a complex international portfolio of mining assets. This was a highly specialist brief, requiring a rare combination of mining or natural resources sector knowledge, sophisticated corporate communications expertise, and the ability to operate confidently in a standalone role.

The successful candidate needed to partner closely with the CEO, work across multiple jurisdictions, and travel internationally. As the role was a true “one-person band”, the brief called for someone equally comfortable setting strategy, managing media relations, handling issues and crisis communications, engaging stakeholders, and producing hands-on content.

Communications Recruitment in Mining and Natural Resources

This search required a nuanced understanding of the mining and natural resources market, where communications leaders must combine technical sector fluency with strong reputational judgement.

The role sat at the intersection of corporate communications, stakeholder engagement, media relations, crisis management and portfolio support. It therefore demanded someone who could communicate confidently around complex assets, global operations, investment activity and sector-specific sensitivities.

The Search Process: Retained Executive Search for Senior Communications Leaders

Hanson Search delivered the assignment on a retained executive search basis, ensuring full market coverage and a highly consultative approach.

The search began with detailed market mapping across mining, natural resources, private equity, investment, and adjacent sectors. This enabled us to identify senior communications leaders with the right blend of technical sector understanding, reputational judgement, and global communications experience.

A comprehensive longlist was developed, followed by rigorous competency-based interviews to assess each candidate’s strategic capability, sector fluency, stakeholder management experience, and ability to execute in a lean, high-accountability environment.

From this, a tightly curated shortlist was presented to the client, supported by detailed candidate insights, suitability assessments, and risk analysis.

Recruiting Senior Communications Talent for Complex Global Portfolios

Given the international nature of the firm’s portfolio, it was essential to identify candidates who had operated across multiple jurisdictions and could advise senior stakeholders with confidence.

We assessed each candidate’s ability to balance firm-wide strategic communications with the hands-on requirements of supporting portfolio companies, managing external reputation, preparing content, engaging with media, and responding to complex issues as they arose.

The Outcome: Global Corporate Communications Search in the Mining Sector

Hanson Search managed the full interview process through to final stages, advising the client on assessment, cultural alignment, and candidate motivation.

We also handled offer negotiations on the client’s behalf, resulting in the successful appointment of a candidate who met all core criteria: sector credibility, global experience, strong corporate communications capability, and the ability to operate autonomously.

The appointed candidate accepted the role and is now leading communications across the firm and its international mining portfolio.