James Curtis

Practice Lead | Executive Search

About:

James is the Practice Lead for Operations and Commercial at Allura Partners, with 15 years of experience and a proven track record in appointing transformative CEO, COO, and senior executive leaders across a range of industries. From supporting rapidly growing founder-led technology disruptors into new markets, to guiding multi-site distributed workforces in healthcare, and industrial businesses looking to scale and optimise production capabilities. 

Leveraging a deep understanding of the global talent landscape, James delivers tailored solutions for private equity-backed investments and high-growth companies. With a people-focused approach, he advises on hiring strategies, team development, succession planning, and organisational growth, while providing insight on new investments.

Interests:

Most sports, anything with a ball or bat. Family, friends and travel. Not necessarily in that order…

Specialities:

Executive Search, Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer & Private Equity

  • "James and Ange were engaging, honest and forthright through a fairly long and complicated hiring process which could easily have tripped others up. I would recommend them to anyone looking to fill a senior leadership role in their business."

    Vito Guarrera, CRO, Digital Matter

  • "From the first contact, from my perspective as a CEO candidate, James impressed through direct and clear communication delivered in an engaging style. Through the entire engagement, his interactions were professional delivered in a warm and personable manner. Communication, updates and feedback were timely, instilling confidence in the opportunity. Many thanks James for the support and encouragement throughout the process."

    Alex Foster, CEO at Barbeques Galore

  • "James was super responsive and professional, with clear communication, consistent support and coaching. James is a credit to the profession."

    Lloyd Prescott, Southern Star - CEO

  • "James was patient, supportive and professional through the whole process. James was able to balance views of both parties for a good outcome."

    Nicholas Pouki, Head of Soteria

  • "I highly recommend James and the recruitment team at Allura. James listened attentively, grasped our needs, and their team swiftly identified strong COO candidates. The entire process was efficiently managed, resulting in the successful placement of an outstanding candidate. A testament to their expertise and dedication."

    Will Creedon, CEO & Founder

  • "James has provided clarity and support through the whole recruitment process. He has been excellent to work with."

    Daniel Black, Chief Commercial & Customer Officer

  • "James did a great job of keeping me abreast of the process in a timely fashion. He also was able to identify the skills that matched the role from my LinkedIn profile and approached me directly so I owe my new role to this ground work."

    Samantha Breust, General Manager

  • "I found James to be very easy to communicate with as he was able to explain role and business background succinctly to gain my immediate interest."

    Stuart Mccullough, Commercial Director to CEO

  • "From beginning to end of the recruitment process James was proactive, responsive, and most importantly delivered at every stage in line with the proposed timetable. We have ended up with a great hire for the role and am very satisfied with the engagement from Allura to achieve this."

    Tomás Chubb, CEO

  • "Working with James Curtis from Allura Partners was a truly positive experience during my recruitment to the role of COO at VetPartners. His communication, support, and genuine understanding of the role and culture were exceptional. I’m grateful for his guidance and highly recommend him to any executive exploring new opportunities."

    Lynne Gallucci, COO, VetPartners

  • "James is a true professional - a leader in his field, as he truly works to understand his candidates and position them in the right environments to truly flourish. I am so excited for my future, and the thank James for the careful thought he has put into connecting me with the perfect leaders to take the next step in my career."

    Michael Lyon, COO, Eden Academy

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