Insights

Q&A: Women in Leadership: Insights from Perrett Laver’s Global Senior Partners

Lead Author
Dr Sinéad Gibney and Arabella Chichester
Published
02 Apr 2025
Industry
Location
Global

We sat down with our two Global Senior Partners Arabella Chichester and Dr Sinéad Gibney to discuss women in leadership – from the role of executive search in promoting equality in senior appointments to their own personal journey as leaders within Perrett Laver.  

What’s the role of executive search in promoting diversity and supporting women in leadership positions? 


Arabella: Executive search is fundamentally about more than just filling roles – it’s about upholding critical values in leadership selection. In recent years, we’ve observed a concerning trend of diminishing focus on Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) across various sectors. This makes our role even more pivotal. We’re not just identifying candidates; we’re championing a more inclusive approach to leadership recruitment. 

Our approach goes beyond simple representation. We’re committed to ensuring that the women we place in leadership roles aren’t just hired, but are set up for long-term success. This means providing comprehensive support throughout the entire recruitment and transition process. We create space for candidates to explore opportunities from multiple angles, address personal considerations – especially in complex scenarios like international moves – and critically, we work to bolster their confidence. 

 

Sinéad: To add to Arabella’s point, our work is about sustainable leadership. It’s not just about the number of women we place in senior roles, but about their sustained success and impact within organisations. We’ve developed a holistic approach that focuses on long-term achievement, including proper onboarding, induction, and ongoing mentorship. 

How has Perrett Laver approached female leadership internally?


Sinéad: Over time, Perrett Laver has transformed significantly, with the majority of senior management roles now held by women. This isn’t by accident, but through intentional culture-building. We’ve created an environment of inclusivity and support that enables women to not just participate in leadership, but to excel. 

 

Arabella: Our core values of collaboration, collectiveness, and mutual support have been instrumental. We’ve implemented role modelling from all leaders, which has been crucial in building a strong pipeline for future women leaders. Crucially, our reputation for advancing EDI has become a key reason why many organisations choose to work with us. 

Executive search has a huge part to play in making sure that values are a key part of the conversation

Sinead Gibney
Sinead Gibney

Dr Sinéad Gibney

Perrett Laver

Global Senior Partner

Perrett-Laver-Our-People

How have you looked to develop culture and support work-life balance?


Arabella: Our approach to workplace culture has evolved significantly. We’ve recognised that supporting leaders means supporting their entire life experience. We’ve enhanced support for parents and carers, introduced more flexible working arrangements, and implemented improved benefits like enhanced maternity pay. 

 

Sinéad: It’s about understanding that professional success isn’t achieved in isolation. By creating a more holistic approach to work, we’re enabling our colleagues – especially women – to balance their professional aspirations with personal responsibilities more effectively than ever before. 

What drives you to continue this work?


 

Arabella: Ultimately, our responsibility extends far beyond recruitment. We’re actively shaping the leadership landscape, ensuring that diversity remains a priority. By supporting women leaders, advocating for EDI and fostering inclusive workplace cultures, we’re contributing to more equitable and effective leadership across all sectors. 

 

Sinéad: The knowledge that each leader we support is breaking new ground. We’re not just filling positions – we’re opening doors, challenging existing paradigms and creating pathways for future generations of women leaders. 

Learn more about Our Approach here

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About the Lead Author

Dr Sinéad Gibney and Arabella Chichester

Global Senior Partners

As Global Senior Partner, Sinéad and Arabella are responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.

During her ten years at Perrett Laver, Sinéad established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe.

Sinéad’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.

Arabella has been at Perrett Laver for over twelve years and was Global Head of the Social Impact and Environment Practice for 8 years. Arabella scaled and diversified Perrett Laver’s Social Impact and Environment Practice to become one of the leading advisors on leadership recruitment in the sector.

Arabella’s experience at Perrett Laver includes senior Chair, Board and Chief Executive appointments across the Social Impact and Environment Sector. This includes working with INGOs, Foundations, domestic non-profits, the UN, research institutes, social enterprises and at the intersection of the social impact and private sector.

Sinéad holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.

Arabella holds an MA (Hons) in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh and a PG Dip in Psychology at the Institute of Education, University of London.