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End/Beginning of an Era

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Yes, it’s true. Roger Hawkins has realised his dream and sold his Oriel Selection specialist recruitment business in order to live the dream in Spain. I fully expect to see him working harder than ever.

The lucky acquirer is none other than our friend Aston Sinfield at Synergy Selection. As many of you know, both are evergreens in the market data / electronic trading recruitment space – and very useful people to know. Led by managing director Sinfield, Synergy specialises in recruitment services within the financial information / technology arena. We first met Hawkins just as he was about to leave Reuters, around 1988/89. He’s run Oriel ever since. According to the two of them, the enlarged group will benefit from the combined databases of the two companies and a heavy investment in new technology. Synergy will continue to provide and expand its professional recruitment service with the Oriel brand being used for senior retained search assignments. Hawkins will be a shareholder in the combined group and remain as a consultant. He reckons that “the natural fit of the two companies, combined with further investment in staff and technology will enhance further our service to our customers. I am very happy to be involved with the group at this exciting time in its development and I am sure that it will be of major benefit to clients recruitment needs going forward.” Sinfield describes the acquisition as “a significant step forward in our plan to become the leading provider of quality executives to the marketplace. Oriel will form a significant part of our strategy moving forward and will mean that we can offer a complete service across the full spectrum of market disciplines.” So now you know who to call.

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