Talent specialist amplifies offering with Higher deal

A people services group has expanded its executive search capabilities with the acquisition of an AI and engineering recruitment specialist.

London-based Amplified People Group has purchased Higher, which specialises in AI and engineering leadership hires, as demand for technology talent continues to grow.

Higher will be merged into JBM, Amplified’s executive search brand, which focuses on fractional and permanent general management, operations and go-to-market leadership roles.

Bosses say the deal will provide Higher with access to Amplified’s operational platform and wider search capabilities, while adding specialist AI and engineering expertise to the group.

Andrew Richardson, co-founder and chief executive of Amplified People Group, said: “We have witnessed a massive demand for AI talent over the last eighteen months, with our clients clamouring for AI and engineering leaders. 

“We have worked with Higher and its founder Kelly Gauthier for a number of years, and no one comes close to their understanding of search in this sector. 

“Their service and expertise are unrivalled, and we are incredibly excited to be bringing this business under the Amplified umbrella.”

Founded in November 2023, Amplified supports technology companies from inception through to initial public offering and has developed a portfolio of specialist people and talent businesses.

Alongside JBM, the group owns Foundation Partners, which provides embedded people, HR and talent support, and Unleashed, which delivers leadership and management development programmes.

Amplified and Higher have previously worked together with AI productivity business Fyxer during a period of growth, supporting its people strategy and engineering recruitment.

Kelly Gauthier, founder and managing Director of Higher, added: “For over a decade, Higher has helped the world’s most innovative companies hire the very best AI and engineering leaders.

“We’re beyond excited to join Amplified and have the platform to scale our impact with both existing and new customers around the globe.”

Richard Hollingsworth, founder and chief executive of Fyxer, added: “Our team is our strongest asset, and I will forever be proud of the work we are doing with Foundation Partners, JBM and Higher to put our people strategy in place. 

“This deal makes sense – it is the perfect symbiosis of the skills they both bring. 

“If our experience is anything to go by, it will be mutually beneficial for both parties, and great for their clients.”

The acquisition forms part of Amplified’s strategy to build a group of specialist brands offering complementary services to growing technology companies.

Andrew added: “This deal builds on the successful acquisition of other companies into the Amplified portfolio. 

“We are firm believers in maintaining distinct brands because it empowers each one to deliver a bespoke service from a team of experts.”

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