About us

FOUNDER

My exec search career over the last 20 years spans finance, tech, extractives and risk. The turning point came in 2013. It was clear that the markets were waking up to the devastating impact of tropical deforestation through initiatives like the Soft Commodities Compact.

For me, it signalled a shift: money was moving towards natural capital and nature based solutions. We would need specific leadership to bridge science, policy, strategy, tech and finance, in order to mobilise investment at the scale and pace needed.

I’ve spent the last ten years delivering on that vision, working with investors and companies to build high-performing, commercially grounded teams. As an active investor and coach to female founders, I am committed to supporting the next generation of purpose-driven leaders.

For downtime, it’s kids, music, and marathons. Twin mum and avid cellist, I am a trustee for the brilliant Sussex Symphony Orchestra, and have been running marathons since my twenties (still in training, although slightly less smug about it these days as I get slower!) I live by the sea, and head back to the New Forest—my real roots—whenever I can.

CLENT DIRECTOR

My path into nature finance began with a degree in Marine Science, followed by a Masters in Entrepreneurship in the Marine environment —an academic foundation that shaped my interest in the people and systems connecting ecology, capital, and innovation.

I started my career in executive search with a focus on supply chain, before moving to nature finance six years ago. I really value creating long term partnerships with our clients, as we support them at the early stage build out through to later stage growth and successful exits.

I bring a blend of scientific grounding and commercial pragmatism to every search and am deeply embedded in the natural capital space - It’s important to me that I’m a useful ally to candidates in their search for leadership roles that enable them to scale solutions to deliver impact and returns.

I also do a great job of being a mildly stressed but very proud dad to two young kids—which means my main cardio these days is chasing scooters uphill. When I can carve out time, I run on the Downs, surf badly but enthusiastically, ski when I can, and recharge anywhere there’s salt water or mountain air. That sea-to-summit connection keeps me grounded—and reminds me exactly why this work matters.

RESEARCH DIRECTOR

I bring a slightly unusual route into nature finance—via the West End. Before joining Sillman Thomas, I spent two decades as a professional performer, producer, and artistic director, working on everything from Phantom of the Opera to independent immersive, award-winning productions. That career gave me a deep appreciation for storytelling, discipline, and what it takes to bring big ideas to life.

Since 2017, I’ve brought that same energy to executive search—supporting clients with the operational backbone needed to deliver seamless, high-impact hires. Whether coordinating complex global searches, managing candidate experience, or creating calm, I focus on the detail so our clients can focus on the bigger picture.

I'm passionate about structure, relationships, and getting things done well. Behind the scenes, I help make the whole engine run—managing data, streamlining systems, and ensuring the right people end up in the right rooms at the right time.

When I’m not wrangling with research and logistics, you’ll find me organising musical theatre productions or swimming in the sea. I never miss a chance to bring a little drama (the good kind) into everything I do.