WHO WE ARE

We believe leadership and organisational capability are not soft considerations. They are among the strongest predictors of sustainable value creation.

OUR STORY

Ellis Mayne was founded on a simple belief: strategy alone doesn't deliver results. Organisations achieve sustainable success when leadership, organisational capability and execution are aligned.

Working with executive teams, investors and high-growth businesses, we repeatedly saw the same challenge. Strong strategies and ambitious growth plans were often held back by unclear leadership structures, capability gaps and an inability to translate vision into action.

We created Ellis Mayne to bridge that gap.

Today, we partner with organisations to strengthen leadership, optimise organisational design and build the capability needed to accelerate growth and create lasting value. Whether supporting leadership advisory, growth acceleration or private equity value creation, our focus remains the same: helping organisations align people, purpose and performance to turn ambition into measurable, sustainable results.

Because strategy creates opportunity. People deliver performance. Organisations determine whether that performance lasts.

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OUR VISION

To build organisations that consistently outperform by aligning leadership, capability and execution to create lasting value.

OUR VALUES

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Extreme Ownership

We take responsibility for outcomes, not just activity. We believe accountability is the foundation of high performance.

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Purpose and Alignment

We help organisations unite people around a clear strategic intent and a shared understanding of success.

Two men interact at a whiteboard in a modern office space. One man, wearing light-colored clothing, is pointing at the board, while the other, dressed in dark clothing, watches attentively. The office has a high ceiling with fluorescent lights, large windows, floral plants, and a computer chair in the background.

Excellence in Leadership

We identify and develop leaders who combine capability, judgement and the ability to inspire others.

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Commercial Impact

Our work is measured by the value it creates - growth, performance, resilience and shareholder returns.

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Integrity and Trust

We build long-term relationships through honesty, discretion and a commitment to doing what is right for our clients.

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Meet our CEO

Tim Hartley, Founder and CEO

At Ellis Mayne, Tim has worked directly with business owners, chief executives, boards and private equity investors on a range of complex assignments. These have included developing a UK and international diversification strategy to create a £1.2 billion logistics business; assembling a leadership team and investment proposition to support the proposed acquisition of a business valued at approximately £700 million; advising the board of Irish Rail on the development of its commercial freight operations and helping the shareholders of a recruitment and consulting business improve performance and prepare for a future transaction.

Before Ellis Mayne, Tim was a Board Director at GB Railfreight, one of the UK’s leading rail freight businesses. Reporting to the Chief Executive, was responsible for delivering commercial growth, sales, bid management, service implementation, marketing, communications, public affairs and HR. He also held full profit-and-loss accountability for the Intermodal Business. Throughout his time at GBRf the business achieved the largest period of sustained growth of both turnover and profitability in the company’s history.

Earlier in his career, Tim was a Senior Client Partner and EMEA Head of Real Assets at Korn Ferry, where he led teams across the UK and Europe and advised clients on organisational design, leadership assessment, talent and senior appointments.

He previously served as an Equity Partner at Odgers Berndtson, within its market leading Industrial Practice and lead prominent searches including chief executive appointments for HS2, Crossrail, the Office of Rail and Road and the British Property Federation.

Tim’s career gives him an unusual breadth of perspective. He has operated as a board director with responsibility for delivering growth, worked alongside investors and management teams to shape strategies for value creation and advised organisations on appointing exceptional leaders. His approach is commercial, candid and execution-focused, with a strong emphasis on clear purpose, capable leadership, accountability and collective ownership of results.

Alongside his executive career, Tim served for 16 years as a trustee of Railway Children, is a long-standing judge of the Rail Business Awards and has held leadership and coaching roles in rugby. These experiences have reinforced his belief that high-performing organisations are built by aligning talented people around a shared goal, creating the conditions for constructive challenge and maintaining relentless focus on delivery.

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What do people have to say about working with Tim?

  • Adrian Stratta

    Transformation Director & Operations Leader

    “A consummate professional with clarity of thought, cross-cultural leadership expertise, and a collaborative approach that made him a trusted mentor and adviser.”

  • Steven Ebel

    Associate Director, Texas A&M University

    “Tim took a truly consultative approach, challenged assumptions constructively, and helped reshape our long-range staffing strategy.”

  • Chris Scoggins

    Principal & Non-Executive Director

    “Proactive in opening doors and creating valuable fundraising opportunities for the Railway Children charity.”

  • Tim Robinson

    Group Strategy Director, GRS Group

    “An extremely professional and thorough headhunter who explores every option and consistently delivers strong candidates.”

  • Richard Graham

    Consultant & Board Director

    “Demonstrates strong industry knowledge, intuitive understanding of people, and a considerate approach throughout the recruitment process.”

  • Philip Isgar

    Strategic Solutions & Non-Executive Director

    “Highly professional, supportive, and encouraging while remaining mindful of the challenges of the business environment.”

  • Brandy Brazell Obvintsev

    Principal, Gallant

    “A sharp and strategic professional who combines insight, integrity, and collaboration to help clients achieve both short- and long-term goals.”

  • Richard Fenny

    Co-Founder, RnR Performance Cars

    “Personable, highly professional, and backed by detailed market knowledge and a first-class network.”

  • Chris Burchell

    Managing Director, SSE plc

    “Tim translates requirements into clear strategies, communicates insight effectively, and achieves strong results.”

  • Howard Chick

    Major Infrastructure & Building Projects Director

    “Highly professional, extremely knowledgeable, and a pleasure to work with.”

  • David Allen

    Chief Financial Officer, Mace

    “Delivered an excellent shortlist of high-calibre candidates to a tight timescale and coordinated an integrated recruitment service.”

  • Stuart Burdess

    Bid Chairman & Strategic Advisor

    “Consistently provided thorough analysis of requirements together with helpful and informative guidance.”

  • Sam Gordon

    Content & Film Director

    “An exceptional consultant with a natural affinity for people, fearless business development skills, and unwavering integrity.”