After over a decade of experience in senior and executive recruitment within the finance sector, Perran Cooke has taken a leap to establish his own company. The Sowena Group, aimed at recruiting senior finance professionals, marks Cooke’s ambitious foray into the competitive landscape of financial recruitment. Meanwhile, his track record with firms like PSD Group and Axon Moore underscores his expertise. “Over the years, I’ve worked very closely with senior leadership teams, private equity investors, corporate finance firms, and boards to identify the highest calibre of individuals,” Cooke said. Sowena Group is primed to make a significant impact, focusing on roles such as chief financial officers, finance directors, and heads of finance across various sectors in the North West and London.
Perran Cooke’s New Venture
Perran Cooke, with over 11 years of experience in senior and executive recruitment within the finance sector, has launched a new company called Sowena Group. This new enterprise aims at recruiting senior finance professionals for high-growth, private equity, and venture capital-backed businesses. The company will focus on roles such as chief financial officers, finance directors, and heads of finance, serving various sectors in the North West and London regions.
Professional Journey
Cooke has a rich background in recruitment, having held senior positions at several well-known firms. He was the regional Managing Director for PSD Group in the North, a director and shareholder at Axon Moore, and a senior consultant at Frazer John Recruitment. Cooke’s extensive experience has equipped him with the skills and insights necessary to understand the recruitment landscape deeply. “Over the years, I’ve worked very closely with senior leadership teams, private equity investors, corporate finance firms, and boards to identify the highest calibre of individuals”, Cooke said.
Mission and Goals
The main goal of Sowena Group is to assist senior finance professionals in finding their next career move and to help businesses hire top talent for their expansion plans. Cooke emphasises the importance of transparency and advice in the recruitment process. He believes that both the clients and candidates should understand the task at hand before making any decisions. “Companies want and need their new senior finance professionals to be a success and to add long-term value to their business,” he explained.
Data-Driven Approach
Cooke is committed to using a data-driven approach and other advanced techniques to find and match the right talent. He believes this is crucial for both businesses and candidates. “It is crucial we take a data-driven approach and use other techniques to find and match the right talent,” he stated. This approach aims to provide a high-end, tailored service to help each client and candidate succeed in achieving their long-term goals.
Market Activity and Growth
There has been a noticeable increase in market activity since 2023, especially with private equity deal volumes rising. Cooke has already secured several retained searches and is negotiating further exclusive assignments. His business plans include organic development and brand evolution over the coming years to recruit for roles in operations, technology, sales, and marketing, in addition to finance.
Initial Success and Future Plans
Despite being in its early stages, Sowena Group has several offers of investment on the table. Cooke is optimistic about the future and is excited to develop the business further. “Even at this early stage, I have a number of offers of investment on the table to support my business strategy,” he said. The focus will be on helping more high-growth companies by recruiting for various senior roles.
Roots and Personal Life
Cooke is originally from Cornwall and moved to the North West in 2011. Alongside Sowena Group, he owns a mortgage company, Cooke Mortgages, with his wife, Michelle. His personal and professional background provides a strong foundation for his new venture. “I’ve been lucky enough to build and scale several successful recruitment brands,” Cooke mentioned, reflecting on his past achievements and future aspirations.
Success Factors
One of the key factors behind Sowena Group’s early success is Cooke’s extensive network and deep understanding of the market. His ability to identify and attract top talent has been instrumental in getting the business off the ground quickly. “My experience, knowledge, and understanding, as well as my network, are crucial to building an offering based around providing a high-end, tailored approach,” Cooke explained.
Client and Candidate Focus
Cooke aims to offer something different in the market. He wants to provide a service that addresses the needs of both senior candidates and business founders. Companies often struggle with transparency in the recruitment process, and Cooke aims to fill this gap. “Transparency, advice, and clear goals are so important,” he said, emphasising his approach to matching the right talent with the right opportunities.
In conclusion, Perran Cooke’s launch of Sowena Group signifies a pivotal moment in the financial recruitment landscape. His extensive experience and innovative approach set a new benchmark for the industry. The early success and the promising future of Sowena Group highlight the potential for growth and excellence in recruiting senior finance professionals. By focusing on transparency, data-driven methods, and a client-centric approach, Cooke aims to redefine recruitment standards. As market activity continues to rise, Sowena Group is well-positioned to meet the growing demands of high-growth, private equity-backed businesses, making a lasting impact on the industry.
