Zoe has worked in the field of executive recruitment since 2005 securing both permanent and interim executive leaders for clients across a broad range of sectors. In the latter part of her career, she has specialised in candidate engagement and strengthening pools for some of the most challenging appointments. Previously she has led on the recruitment of numerous appointments including Chairs, NEDs, Chief Executive Officers and Directors. Zoe prides herself on her strong principles and strives to deliver high-quality results for every client; she has a demonstrable track record of building strong and long-lasting relationships with clients and candidates while adapting to the changing demands of her markets.
Parna has specialised in strategic counsel and communications across the political and non-profit worlds, working with a wide variety of organisations including international non-profits, government-funded agencies and family foundations. She has completed diagnostics of teams and structures and advised extensively on complex relationships and networks. She previously helped to establish the Tony Blair Faith Foundation, spending seven years as its Director of External Affairs. During this time, she established strategic partnerships with the UN Security Council’s Counter Terrorism Directorate and US State Department, and worked with the governments of Kosovo, Italy, Indonesia and the Philippines. Parna spent three years as a Special Adviser at Downing Street, and another two as Vice President (Public Affairs) at international advisory firm FTI Consulting, where she worked with clients including Starbucks, KPMG, and Sport England.
Juliet specialises in executive and non-executive leadership appointments within charities and public policy and also leads our Board Practice. She partners with clients from different sectors to review Board capability and effectiveness and specialises in working with them to make strong and diverse senior appointments. Juliet has a deep personal commitment to advancing candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in leadership and has built a strong reputation for the quality of her advice and support to clients and candidates. She holds exceptionally longstanding relationships with organisations and people she has worked with.
Nnenna holds a masters degree in International Management specialising in Human Resource Management from Teesside University. She has extensive experience in delivering outstanding customer service and developing strong communication, as well as excellent problem-solving skills.
Whilst a student, Nnenna worked as a Student Ambassador and Student Engagement Assistant, actively supporting the Student Recruitment and Marketing department and the Student Life department, using her communication skills to build relationships and support the university’s outreach and diversity goals.
Kathryn joined Starfish Search as an admin assistant in July 2023. Graduating from Leeds Beckett University with the Master of Laws (incorporating the LPC), and first-class honours in Law with Management, Kathryn has significant experience in providing excellent customer service. She has invested time participating in pro bono work and volunteering with Citizens Advice Leeds to advise and support the public across a variety of areas, including property, commerce, and immigration. Kathryn has recently embarked on the Level 3 Business Administration Apprenticeship and hopes to develop and utilise her skills to support the team at Starfish Search.
Rob has been a qualified Chartered Accountant for 18 years working in a variety of businesses across different sectors, including pharmaceuticals and logistics. With a Law and Business Studies degree from the University of Birmingham, for the past 10 years he has been a Financial Controller in the recruitment sector. In addition to dealing with all things financial, Rob’s expertise extends to IT, Legal and HR.
Luke joined the Starfish team in the Leeds office in May 2022 as a Finance Assistant supporting the Finance Director. Undertaking a level 3 apprenticeship in accounting, and with a passion for finance, Luke is committed to supporting the smooth running and development of the finance department.
Elisha, known as El, joined Starfish Search in Spring 2024 as a Consultant in the Board Practice. El brings experience of forward thinking non-executive appointments across a breadth of mission driven organisations operating across the domestic and global non-profit space, arts and culture, education, sports, research and innovation and the public sector. Furthermore, they bring first-hand board experience as Co-Chair of an LGBTQ+ Mental Health charity.
A vocal advocate for EDI initiatives with a track record of ensuring board appointments are reflective of the communities that our clients serve, El led on board shadowing initiatives, the creation of an LGBTQ+ Employee Network and neuro-inclusion efforts in their previous role in executive search and they bring the same passion for inclusive recruitment to Starfish. Notable appointments of El’s include Chair of the University of York, Lay Council Members of the Nursing and Midwifery Council, Vice-Chair of AQA and a range of Trustees/Non-Executive Directors for the British Red Cross, Joseph Rowntree Charitable Trust, Freedom Fund and the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra.
Tom has partnered with public sector organisations including all forms of local government for over ten years. In his previous firm, Tom was responsible for senior interim recruitment across corporate services, later developing an executive search practice. He joined Starfish in 2025 and remains dedicated to the delivery of high-quality search through clear, credible and honest communication.
Penny has worked closely with local government members and chief officers to recruit to their leadership teams for 20 years. Her genuine interest and desire to understand local authorities and the communities they serve has secured her reputation as a trusted partner across the sector. Penny’s knowledge of the market across London and the South East in particular is second to none and clients value her candid advice about when and how to recruit. Penny’s encouraging and authentic style means her feedback and interview advice is highly sought-after and she thrives on helping people recognise their personal qualities and strengths and how to articulate them. Prior to joining Starfish Search, Penny focused on top-team local government recruitment for three established search firms.