The Search firm we always wanted
Led by real Talent experts
Between us, we've built and led Talent and Executive Search inside companies like Dyson, the BBC and Aston Martin Formula One — hiring some of the most complex, high-stakes leadership positions in the world.
We created Barker Owen to be the external partner we never had as in-house leaders ourselves, inspired by over 40 years of experience. Delivering complex searches cross-functionally and globally - to the standard world-class, internal Executive Search teams expect.
We know what good hiring looks like - because we’ve lived with the consequences of our hiring and can’t help but think like Talent leaders, not recruiters.
-
Leadership Levels
C-Suite, Executive
VP & Director
Functional Directors & Heads
Cross-Functional
Corporate Functions
Design & Engineering
Research & Science
Supply Chain & Manufacturing
Robotics & Software
Digital, Data & AI
Sales & Marketing
The right leader, not the obvious one
We know leaders rarely fail from a lack of technical capability. They come from misjudgement of leadership style, cultural fit, and a leaders ability to help a business achieve its goals.
That's why we challenge assumptions, share honest views, and are happy explaining why an obvious candidate might not be the right one — or why an unexpected candidate is.
We have a deep appreciation for internal complexity, ambiguity and pressure. When you work with us, you have us operating as a trusted and dedicated extension of you, deeply invested in getting every hire right.
Sam Barker (MCIPD) | Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Led Talent and Executive Search at Dyson, Aston Martin F1, BBC Studios, Fortescue-WAE, Colt Technologies and Danone.
Sam has delivered hundreds of highly confidential, high profile Executive and Board placements partnering some of the most innovative business leaders worldwide.
Most recently Sam modernised Talent Acquisition at Aston Martin F1 including hyper-niche hiring such as Aerodynamics.
Dave Owen | Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Executive Search Partner by trade turned Global Head of Talent Acquisition and future of work enthusiast and startup advisor.
Dave has been a Talent Strategy Advisor to the BBC and innovative HR/AI tech startups and is a former VC-backed Founder himself.
Over the last few years Dave has been delivering hyper-niche hiring as well as advising enterprise clients on their HR technology, AI use and operating model.
Get in touch
Interested in working with us? You can connect on LinkedIn or at info@barkerowen.com