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Executive professional working on a laptop in the digital infrastructure sector
GLOBAL EXECUTIVE SEARCH
WHO WE ARE

Leadership Search Built on Industry Experience.

Portman Partners is a full-service Executive Search consultancy specialising in the Digital Infrastructure industry, with searches aimed exclusively at leadership level appointments globally.

Operating throughout North America, LATAM, EMEA and APAC, Portman Partners combines international reach with specialist knowledge of the data centre, cloud and digital infrastructure markets.

Founder and industry veteran Peter Hannaford received the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Datacloud EMEA Congress in Monaco and was subsequently included in the 2019 Power 200 list recognising influential leaders shaping the data centre and cloud sectors.

Since 2018, Portman has brought together people from diverse professional and cultural backgrounds. Their individual histories, insight and perspectives contribute directly to how we understand organisations, leadership challenges and potential.

Our reputation has been built on personal relationships, exceptional service and successful delivery. As a strategic search partner, we provide real-time market intelligence and practical hiring advice to help organisations secure the right leadership at the right time.

North America LATAM EMEA APAC
Digital infrastructure professional reviewing technology and market information
DIGITAL INFRASTRUCTURE
WHAT WE DO

Specialist Search for a Specialist Industry.

Portman Partners focuses exclusively on the Digital Infrastructure industry, with particular expertise across the global data centre sector.

Our market knowledge and first-hand industry experience enable us to support investors, hyperscale operators, regional colocation providers, designers, construction businesses, plant manufacturers, OEMs and technology companies worldwide.

Our clients are not simply looking for a CV that meets a specification. They want intellect, values, motivation, leadership ability, capability and the potential to create measurable impact.

By understanding the organisation, culture, objectives and strategic direction behind every appointment, we identify and attract leaders capable of delivering the strongest long-term fit for both client and candidate.

01
UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES Looking beyond experience to understand leadership potential.
Executive search professional using digital recruitment technology
SEARCH & ASSESSMENT
OUR PROCESS

Talent Doesn’t Just Come Knocking.

Portman Partners identifies established leaders and emerging talent by looking beyond career history to understand capability, potential and likely organisational impact.

Proven ability matters, but capability can be equally important. Using bespoke assessment tools and market intelligence, we develop insight into a candidate’s natural strengths, leadership characteristics and potential impact.

Establishing this relationship between potential, role and organisational culture helps improve candidate engagement, reduce avoidable turnover and support better long-term hiring decisions.

Our specialist industry knowledge and experience in senior-level executive search allow us to approach every assignment with context. We understand the market, the leadership landscape and what successful delivery requires.

01 Understand

Organisation, culture, role and strategic need.

02 Identify

Proven and emerging leadership talent globally.

03 Assess

Capability, impact, motivation and fit.

04 Deliver

The right leadership for long-term success.

Global digital infrastructure executive using technology and data
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
WHAT WE OFFER

Senior Talent Where It Matters Most.

Portman Partners is a niche Data Centre and Digital Infrastructure Executive Search firm built around an exceptional international network of relationships.

We specialise in senior appointments across NED and board roles, C-suite leadership, finance, technology, sales, legal, marketing, operations, engineering, construction, sustainability and human resources.

Recent assignments have included CEOs, CFOs, Managing Directors, Presidents, Operating Directors, Commercial Directors and senior vice presidents across the UK, Europe, Nordics, North America, Africa, EMEA and APAC.

Our track record spans private equity portfolio companies, global hyperscale providers, data centre operators, manufacturers, consultancies and infrastructure businesses. From boardroom strategy to commercial growth, our focus remains consistent: delivering senior talent capable of making a meaningful impact.

Board & NED C-Suite Finance Sales Operations Engineering Construction Sustainability
OUR TEAM

Leadership Behind Portman Partners

Experienced leaders with first-hand knowledge of digital infrastructure, executive search, business transformation and international growth.

Mike Meyer, CEO and Managing Director at Portman Partners
CEO & Managing Director

Mike Meyer

Digital infrastructure entrepreneur and executive with more than 25 years of international leadership, growth and board experience.

Dave Pye, Portman Partners leadership team
Leadership Team

Dave Pye

A member of the Portman Partners leadership team supporting the firm’s international executive search and advisory work.

Sanjeev Khanna, Board Advisor at Portman Partners
Board Advisor

Sanjeev Khanna

Global digital infrastructure strategist with more than 30 years across Oracle, Microsoft, Intel and cloud infrastructure.

OUR PARTNERS

A Global Network of Experience

Our partners bring decades of experience across executive search, digital infrastructure, leadership, human resources, technology and international business.

Ben Wilkes, Global Partner at Portman Partners
Global Partner

Ben Wilkes

More than 25 years aligned with the global data centre industry and its evolving leadership landscape.

Dr Terri Simpkin, Partner and thought leader at Portman Partners
Partner & Thought Leader

Dr. Terri Simpkin

International academic and consultant specialising in leadership, workforce change, inclusion and organisational development.

Gary Buckley, Partner at Portman Partners
Partner

Gary Buckley

Executive search specialist with 25+ years advising founders, boards and investors on senior leadership appointments.

Julie Tan, Asia Pacific Partner at Portman Partners
Asia-Pacific Partner

Julie Tan

HR and recruitment specialist with over 25 years’ experience across Asia-Pacific leadership, recruitment and rewards.

Paul Cutcliffe, Executive Search Specialist at Portman Partners
Executive Search Partner

Paul Cutcliffe

Executive search specialist with 25+ years’ headhunting experience across technology, energy, consumer and international markets.

Peter Hannaford, Founder of Portman Partners
Founder

Peter Hannaford

Award-winning data centre industry veteran, entrepreneur and executive search pioneer with a career spanning five decades.

Pieter Meissenheimer, Partner at Portman Partners
Partner

Pieter Meissenheimer

Global finance and cloud solutions professional bringing extensive experience building technical, multicultural teams across international markets.

PORTMAN PARTNERS

Finding Leadership That Moves Industries Forward.

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