Sowena Group strengthens team with senior hires

Sowena Group, the Manchester-based specialist recruitment firm for senior finance roles, has made two key appointments as it moves to a larger office. 

Beth Harris joins as associate director and Gemma Quaye as head of executive research, expanding the team to seven.

Founded by Perran Cooke in 2024, Sowena Group works with high-growth, private equity and venture-backed businesses to recruit for chief financial officer, finance director, financial controller, head of finance and newly-qualified roles across multiple sectors. 

Beth will focus on North Manchester and Lancashire, while Gemma heads a new executive research function, supporting the firm’s expansion across the North West.

Beth said: “I’m excited to spearhead Sowena’s presence in North Manchester and Lancashire. 

“Having worked in finance recruitment across the region, I know how much opportunity there is for ambitious businesses and I’m looking forward to connecting them with top-tier talent.

“I’m ambitious by nature and thrive on making things happen, so the ability to help shape the trajectory of Sowena while continuing to grow alongside it is hugely motivating.”

Gemma added: “Building a robust research function is about more than filling roles, it’s about creating insights that help clients to make the best leadership decisions.

“My experience across start-ups, in-house teams and executive search gives me a unique perspective to bring to Sowena.”

Sowena Group is also relocating to a larger Orega serviced office in The Tootal Buildings on Oxford Street, reflecting its rapid growth and increasing demand for senior finance talent.

Perran added: “Bringing in Beth and Gemma as senior hires reflects the calibre of talent that Sowena is able to attract and the journey we are on.

“Their expertise and knowledge significantly strengthen our leadership and executive research functions and will be central to our next phase of growth.

 “Over the past 12 months, we’ve expanded our team, built a solid foundation and strengthened our community of elite finance professionals across the North West.

“This is just the beginning. 

“With a great team, I’m excited for the future of Sowena and we are looking to announce further recruits in the coming months.

“Following our recent hires, we have reached capacity in our current office and, with our headcount due to increase again before the end of the year, we need to relocate to a bigger base which will futureproof the business.

“We are thrilled to remain at Orega serviced offices in The Tootal Buildings, and our new home gives us scope to grow the team to 16.”

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