Stephen has a deep understanding of how to ensure successful senior public service appointments, gained through the combination of his personal experience as a public sector leader, and his extensive executive search track record.

He joined Korn Ferry following six years in Government; initially running an arm’s length body of the MOD and then serving as a Senior Civil Servant in the Cabinet Office, where he worked across a wide range of briefs including national resilience, the national Covid-19 response and leadership development. Stephen was Director of the National Leadership Centre and subsequently the UK Government’s Director of Leadership.

Before his Government career, Stephen spent nine years at a global executive search firm where he was a Partner and head of the UK Education Practice. His experience also covered top team and NED/Trustee appointments across Government, the Affordable Housing sector and major charities.

Stephen’s first career was spent in the British Army, leading soldiers on three operational tours as an officer in the Royal Artillery. He commissioned from the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst and is a graduate of the UK Defence Academy’s Strategic Leadership Programme.

Stephen has a bachelor’s degree in archaeology from Durham University and a master’s degree in Conflict, Security and Development from King’s College London.

He is a Governor of Royal Star and Garter, a specialist care provider for military veterans and their partners.