Perran Cooke, a former regional managing director at PSD Group, has launched a new recruitment venture, Sowena Group. The firm targets senior finance positions in high-growth and private equity-backed businesses. Operating in the North West and London, it aims to fill key roles such as chief financial officers and finance directors.
Cooke is leveraging his extensive experience of over 11 years in senior and executive recruitment. His new venture has already started working on several significant assignments. The goal is to provide a high-end, tailored recruitment service.
New Recruitment Focus
Perran Cooke, a former regional managing director at PSD Group, has launched his own recruitment venture called Sowena Group. The new firm is targeting senior finance posts in high-growth businesses and companies backed by private equity and venture capital in the North West and London regions.
Positions they aim to fill include chief financial officers, finance directors, financial controllers, and heads of finance. These roles are available on a permanent, interim, or portfolio basis, reflecting a wide range of needs across various sectors.
Extensive Experience in Recruitment
Perran Cooke brings over 11 years of senior and executive recruitment experience to Sowena Group. His career journey includes roles as PSD Group’s regional MD for the north, director and shareholder at Axon Moore, and senior consultant at Frazer John Recruitment.
Already, he is engaged with several retained assignments and is negotiating with potential investors to support Sowena’s growth plans. Perran’s background allows him to leverage a wealth of knowledge and a robust professional network in his new venture.
Strategic Goals and Objectives
Perran aims to help senior finance professionals advance their careers. At the same time, he wants to assist founders and CEOs in hiring top talent to fuel business growth. The firm also supports private equity investors by making key appointments in their portfolio companies.
“Over the years, I’ve worked closely with senior leadership teams, private equity investors, corporate finance firms, and boards to find high-calibre individuals,” he says. This experience drives him to offer a tailored recruitment approach that aligns with each client’s long-term goals.
Unique Market Offering
Perran believes now is the ideal time to use his extensive experience and network to introduce a high-end, tailored recruitment service. Sowena Group aims to provide transparency and the necessary advice to help both candidates and companies make the right decisions.
Companies need their new senior finance professionals to be successful and add long-term value, especially if an exit strategy is in mind. Perran insists on a data-driven approach coupled with other techniques to find and match the right talent.
Market Dynamics and Growth
The surge in market activity since 2023, combined with an increase in private equity deal volumes, has heightened the demand for strong operational and commercial finance leaders. Perran has capitalized on this trend by securing several retained searches on the first day of Sowena Group’s operations.
He is also negotiating additional exclusive assignments, aiming to grow the business organically. Future plans include evolving the brand to address roles beyond finance, such as operations, technology, sales, and marketing.
Perran expresses his excitement about the future: “Even at this early stage, I have a number of investment offers to support our business strategy.” This backing will help Sowena achieve its ambitious growth plans.
Plans for Organic Growth
Sowena Group’s strategy involves organic growth by gradually expanding its service offerings. Initially focusing on senior finance roles, the firm plans to broaden its scope to cover other critical areas like technology and sales.
Perran’s vision is to develop the brand over the coming years, helping high-growth companies recruit for a wide range of roles. By doing so, Sowena aims to become a comprehensive recruitment service provider in the market.
Support and Investment Opportunities
Perran has already secured several offers of investment to support Sowena Group’s business strategy. This financial backing will enable the company to grow and evolve, enhancing its ability to deliver high-quality recruitment services.
With strong market demand and a clear growth strategy, Sowena Group is well-positioned to succeed. Perran is enthusiastic about the future and committed to helping businesses and finance professionals achieve their goals.
In conclusion, Perran Cooke’s launch of Sowena Group signifies a promising addition to the recruitment landscape. His extensive experience and strategic vision are likely to contribute significantly to high-growth and private equity-backed businesses. As the firm broadens its scope beyond finance, it is well-positioned for a robust future.
Perran aims to continue leveraging his network and expertise. With substantial investment offers already on the table, Sowena Group is poised for noteworthy success.
The company’s focus on transparency and tailored recruitment aligns well with the evolving needs of today’s businesses.
