Leading industry player committed to realising the vision of a £100m talent supergroup
Taranata Group, formed last year by the bringing together of four leading recruitment brands under one roof, has announced that Simone Lockhart will be joining the business in April as Director of Strategic Development.
Simone, who has almost 30 years’ experience in the recruitment industry, was formerly the managing director of Search in Scotland, having joined in 1998. She joins Taranata Group from Barclays Bank, where she has been fulfilling the role of Head of Resourcing – Scotland.
Taranata Group currently comprises Head Resourcing, Change Recruitment, Head Medical and Atkinson Macleod; employs almost 150 people and turns over around £65m. Brought together by entrepreneur Paul Atkinson, the Group is embarking on an ambitious strategy to supersize via organic growth and further acquisition – of as many as four other specialist recruitment brands over the next few years. The aim is to achieve a £100m business by 2020, with the potential to move towards a market listing in the future.
Paul Atkinson, Group Executive Chairman, considers Simone’s appointment integral to this vision. He commented: “Simone is an outstanding individual with proven abilities in the talent sector. She is a collaborative leader, quick thinker and an innovator and is exceptionally well placed to drive the Taranata Group forward, alongside the existing board.”
Based in Scotland, but with international reach through the Group companies, Simone’s focus will be on developing new strategies and initiatives to maximise the potential of group companies, current and future, and ultimately grow market share. Her task will encompass all areas of the business, working with and developing strategies for clients, partners and teams at all levels and exploiting new technologies, investments and sector opportunities to achieve significant growth.
Simone, who was presented with the ‘Collaborator Award’ at the inaugural Scottish Women in Business Awards in 2017, commented: “I can’t think of a better challenge than to be a part of growing Scotland’s first talent supergroup. Working alongside respected specialist brands with a truly international reach and a clear vision, the role with Taranata Group offers a fantastic opportunity. It will allow me to work at a strategic level within a talented team to deliver growth, acquisitions and game-changing innovation. This is a truly unique role that will allow me to shape the future of a dynamic business.”
Simone is also Chair of the Glasgow Local Advisory Board of Career Ready, a national charity that links Local Authorities and their schools with employers to help prepare young people for the world of work.
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