Who we Are
Paul Haslam
Managing DirectorPaul is a graduate in Sociology and Psychology from the University of Hull, he was sponsored by Goldman Sachs in 2015 to be part of the global 10ksb entrepreneur’s mini-MBA programme.
Paul started his career in 2001 and has worked for a wide range of businesses from start-ups large to Private Equity backed multi-nationals, having set-up and managed headhunting and coaching businesses in the UK, UAE, South Africa, Spain and Portugal.
Founding The Cesium Group www.cesiumgroup.com (a boutique headhunting and coaching practice, focusing solely on the drinks industry) in 2010, Paul and his team deliver a mixture of C-level headhunting, developing and delivering bespoke leadership development programmes and one to one coaching activities, along with often building or restructuring whole organisations, partnering with some of the most iconic businesses and brands within our industry
Paul also chair’s a C-level thought leadership event in partnership with The Drinks Business Magazine, debating key topics facing our industry to share best practice. For content and typical attendees see www.cesiumgroup.com/thought-leadership.
He also supports start-up or early phase craft beer and spirits companies with fundraising, Non-Exec boards and RTM connections, be that as an investor, NED or consultant.
Paul brings to the table a wealth of experience building and coaching high-performance teams and a track record of delivering on high profile international search campaigns and whole company set-ups.
He lives between Hampton and the Algarve in Portugal and enjoys clay pigeon shooting, sailing, classic cars, music production, DJ’ing and playing golf (badly).
Kyle Ovens
Principal ConsultantKyle is an executive recruiter with a strong foundation in the hospitality food and beverage sector. With over 15 years global recruitment experience including sourcing corporate level leadership for new launching cruise lines and international hotel groups.
He started his career in hotels working for luxury hotels and cruise lines with focus on restaurant and food and beverage operations. Moving over to the recruitment sector in 2004 as founder in a leading hospitality search firm.
Kyle lives in Knysna on the Garden Route of South Africa. He loves the outdoors with a passion for fly fishing in locations off the beaten track, fly-tying, avid bird watcher and dj’ing electronic music.
Patricija Ozola
Personal Assistant“Patricija is from Latvia in a city named Riga, which is famed for its beautiful Art Nouveau architecture.
Patricija is a professional swimmer which is good news as it means she doesn’t drown at work! Having competed in sport all around the world, she is a record holder for (in/at) 4x50m Freestyle Relay (05.11.2016). Not a personal record, but hey, that means she is a team player- will always support others and contribute to the common success.
Within Cesium Group, Patricija is the lynch pin Personal Assistant supporting the Directors with all things Cesium.
In her spare time, Patricija likes painting, going for long evening walks and the sweet smell of summer rain, but not too much!”
Mark Whybrow
ConsultantPrior to moving into consulting, Mark had a successful career with a some significant Blue Chip FMCG businesses including Northern Foods, Philips (where amongst other roles, Mark was a Six-Sigma Black Belt), Unilever, Shell and the ABF group in a number of commercial and strategic roles. He has also been a Channel Sales Director within an MBO of a £4bn wholesaler.
Mark started his consultancy career in 2015 as he has a passion for purposeful organisation and Leadership development, and in particular is proficient at delivering capability improvement in commercial teams. He is a mentor for an Entrepreneurial accelerator program, is a licenced practitioner of Insights, and has appeared as an expert witness in the High Court!
Mark lives in a small village in West Sussex with his young family and over-energetic dog, and enjoys sailing, cycling and running (mainly after the dog!).
Max Bagwell
(CDO) Chief Dog OfficerMax is a 6 year old working fox red Labrador and our CDO (Chief Dog Officer). Max focuses on keeping the team entertained / happy and making as much noise as possible when the team are on conference calls.
Max lives with Paul our MD and spends his spare time in the countryside, swimming at every given opportunity and occasionally getting out in the field.
