Hanson Search is delighted to announce the appointment of Amanda Dowie as Search Director for the MENA region, further enhancing our executive search offering across the Middle East.

About Amanda Dowie

Amanda brings over 20 years of international recruitment experience, with more than 15 years living and working in the UAE. An entrepreneur at heart, she successfully built and led a headhunting firm in the region, working across sectors including legal, marketing, and business services. Her deep knowledge of the Middle Eastern market, coupled with her track record in placing senior leadership talent, positions her as a trusted partner to both local and international organisations.

Hanson Search’s Growth in MENA

The past year has marked a period of rapid growth for Hanson Search MENA. We have been working with leading businesses, sovereign wealth funds, family offices, consultancies and private equity-backed firms across diverse industries. Our approach sets us apart: combining the hands-on expertise of our partners with a strong local and international network, we deliver senior search mandates grounded in deep market knowledge and personal relationships. As we continue to build a best-in-class search practice, Amanda’s experience and entrepreneurial spirit will be central to driving our expansion.

Alice Weightman, CEO of Hanson Search and Regional Head of MENA, commented: “Amanda’s extensive experience in the region, her entrepreneurial background and her passion for executive search make her an exceptional addition to our team. At a time when the Middle East is experiencing unprecedented growth and diversification, our clients need strategic talent partners who understand the nuances of the region while bringing global perspective — Amanda delivers exactly that.”

Amanda Dowie added: “I am thrilled to be joining Hanson Search at such an exciting time. Having spent over 15 years building a career and a business in the UAE, I am passionate about helping organisations across the region secure the leadership talent they need to achieve their ambitions. Hanson Search’s values, international reach and commitment to excellence resonate strongly with me, and I look forward to contributing to our continued success in MENA and beyond.”

Amanda’s appointment strengthens our Middle East executive search offering as we continue to partner with sovereign wealth funds, family offices, private equity-backed firms and consultancies across the region.

Introducing
Our Experts

With a network spanning the UK, Europe, USA, and the Middle East, our team of recruitment consultants are experts in sourcing the best talent globally.

  • Global CEO, Regional Head of MENA

    Alice Weightman

    Alice Weightman: CEO, Global Executive Search Leader, and UAE Market Expert: Alice Weightman is the Founder and CEO of Hanson...
  • UK & Europe Managing Partner, Global Head of Public Affairs

    Janie Emmerson

    Janie Emmerson: Janie leads Hanson Search’s UK & European based teams. From the London office, she guides and supports their...
  • Principal consultant, Sales & Marketing

    Nils Gerardin

    Nils Gerardin: Nils Geradin is a seasoned executive search and recruitment consultant with nearly ten years of experience placing senior-level...
  • Managing Partner, Global Head of Corporate Affairs

    Katie Simpson

    Katie Simpson: Having previously spent 10 years in communications, Katie brings real industry insights into the hiring process. Taking her...
  • Partner, Global Head of Healthcare & Communications

    Amy Hayer

    Amy Hayer: Amy brings over 15 years of experience in executive search, with a focus on healthcare communications and international...
  • Partner, European Head of Public Affairs and Communications

    Barbara Ozanon

    Barbara Ozanon: With over a decade of experience in recruitment, executive search, and headhunting, Barbara Ozanon leads Hanson Search’s European...
  • Managing Consultant, Public Affairs & Policy, UK & USA

    Peter Ferguson

    Peter Ferguson: As a Managing Consultant in the Public Affairs Practice, Peter advises and supports some of the world’s most...
  • PA to CEO & Business Support

    Sam White

    Sam White: Sam joined Hanson Search in 2016 as an internal recruiter, bringing prior experience as an independent headhunter. Today,...
  • Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion

    Robyn Field

    Robyn Field: As Associate Director of Operations & Inclusion, Robyn is responsible for all business and administrative operations at Hanson...
  • Consultant, MENA

    Lexi Smith-Muller

    Lexi Smith-Muller: Lexi has over 10 years’ experience of recruitment & talent acquisition, and over 6 years’ experience working in...
  • Principal Consultant, Communications & Marketing

    Helena Ranger

    Helena Ranger: Helena is the Principal Consultant leading the Consumer division across PR and Marketing. She plays a pivotal role...
  • Advisor

    Nicholas Watkins

    Nicholas Watkins: Nicholas has over 30 years of business leadership experience that combines successful careers in the media, leisure and...
  • Senior Consultant, Corporate Affairs & Sustainability

    Allyson Kurian

    Allyson Kurian: Allyson is a specialist in corporate affairs and sustainability communications, working at the mid-to-senior end of the market,...
  • Senior Consultant, Communications, Europe

    Camille Chevallier

    Camille Chevallier: Having started her career as a comms professional, Camille spent 20 years in senior roles within leading agencies...
  • Business Support

    Mirjana R.Dejanovska

    Mirjana Dejanovska: Mirjana is Talent Strategist & Customer Success Manager at our sister company, The Work Crowd. Mirjana joined Hanson...
  • Internal Recruitment & Operations Lead

    Katie Cubbon

    Katie Cubbon: Katie manages internal recruitment at Hanson Search, while also overseeing office management and business operations. With experience across...
  • Senior Researcher

    Arlena Butt

    Arlena Butt: Arlena is a valued senior researcher at Hanson Search, supporting the team across Public Affairs, Corporate Communications, Health...
  • Partner, Global Head of Sustainability

    Johnny Goldsmith

    Johnny Goldsmith: Johnny leads the global Sustainability & ESG practice at Hanson Search. He has over 8 years’ experience in...
  • Senior Consultant, Corporate & Financial Communications, UK & USA

    Rachel L’Estrange

    Rachel L’Estrange: After spending six years in Corporate PR and Marketing, Rachel made the move into recruiting for the industry...
  • Business Support

    Ivana Stevanovska

    Ivana Stevanovska: Ivana is Community and Marketing Executive at our sister company, The Work Crowd. As well as being highly...
  • Head of Interim Communications

    Ben Mitchell

    Ben Mitchell: Head of Interim Communications Ben is Head of Interim Communications and works across both Hanson Search and our...
  • Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment Services

    Madeleine Weightman

    Madeleine Weightman: Madeleine is Head of Interim Marketing and Management Recruitment and co-Founder of The Work Crowd, the sister company...
  • Search Director, MENA

    Amanda Dowie

    Amanda Dowie: Amanda Dowie is an accomplished executive search specialist with over 20 years of global recruitment experience, including more...
  • Researcher

    Fani Mateska

    Fani Mateska: With over four years’ experience in recruitment consultancy, Fani joined Hanson Search in July 2025, bringing expertise from...

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