Background: Ian played professional sport from an early age and has used his competitive edge, absolute discipline, tenacity and desire to be the best in his field to position a highly regarded firm that he has developed over the last 20 years.

Expertise: Ian is connected at the highest level and has moved some of the industries star performers and remains the ‘go to’ recruiter when hiring Main board, Divisional or Regional Directors.

Greatest achievement at TGL: The team ! Great group of people that Ian looks forward to working closely with everyday and seeing them evolve.

Outside of work: Family fun, travel, fund raising challenges & sport of course!

Background: Having graduated from Leeds University, Matt worked in Corporate Hospitality before joining Thomas Gray in 2014 as a Junior Consultant and developing with the business / forging his career in Search.

Expertise: Matt’s role is broadly split across three key areas. He works closely with our MD, Ian, to produce and execute strategy for planned organisational development and growth. He manages service and delivery through our team of specialists and develops key business relationships whilst remaining hands-on to handle senior recruitment for Foundation Clients.

Having originally cut his teeth recruiting Site Managers, Matt has an excellent track record of delivery across all functions of Housing, Construction and Fit Out – now primarily at Senior Manager, Head of Department and Director level.

Matt’s understanding of our client’s organisational structures allows him to be consultative and solution driven when it comes to advising on recruitment strategy.

Greatest achievement at TGL: As a collective he is proud of our reputation and being a trusted partner of our clients and candidates alike. Personally, his track record of delivering on repeat mandates per year for clients, forming authentic relationships and genuinely helping businesses grow / careers flourish.

Outside of work: Matt can be seen playing or watching rugby, out with the dogs or failing to catch fish with a fly rod in hand.

Background: With over two decades of professional experience, Joanna spent the first 10 years of her career in estate agency transitioning into construction recruitment, successfully covering both temporary and permanent recruitment.

Expertise: Leveraging her extensive industry experience and well-established network, Joanna specialises in providing tailored contract hire and interim solutions. She is committed to meeting the unique needs of both existing and new clients within the construction sector, building strong, lasting relationships with clients and candidates alike.

Outside the Office: When she’s not working, Joanna enjoys walking her Chihuahua-Pug mix, Tyson, baking a variety of sweet treats, or staying active at the gym.

Background: Having previously worked in Hospitality and Marketing, Dani joined Thomas Gray in 2017 initially on a 3-month contract to refresh the website. After a successful and enjoyable few months working with the team, Dani’s role was made permanent with a focus on marketing and then developing into a leadership role working closely with our Managing Director and Operations Director.

Expertise: Implementing structure and process, supporting and fostering the growth of the wider team and overseeing marketing strategies, all of which contribute to enhancing business operations.

Greatest achievement at TGL: Being apart of an evolving company and seeing the changes made since joining.

Outside of the office: Depending on Dani’s mood, you will either find her on a long walk with her fur baby, Millie, sat on the sofa in PJ’s or out with her favourite people with a glass of fizz always in hand!

Background: Before joining Thomas Gray in 2021, Sam previously worked within Supply Chain for a leading builders’ merchants, gaining valuable knowledge in procurement and materials.

Expertise: In addition to leading on advertising and marketing strategies, Sam provides industry intelligence while focusing on supporting our Business Manager and the wider team to generate hires and new business leads.

Greatest achievement at TGL: Successfully leading the refresh of our website and new content.

Outside of the office: Sam can be seen booking a flight, to experiencing new cultures, cocktail in hand, or roaming the countryside on her horse.

Background: Prior to joining TGL in 2006, Stuart enjoyed twelve years’ service in the Royal Engineers within topographical ‘Map Making’ and representing the RE, Army and Combined Services at Rugby. A move into personal training at Wentworth Club proved both successful and timely as he met and trained his now MD, Ian Gray.

Expertise: Offering a broad exposure to most development disciplines, Stuart is well connected and generally focuses on Technical, Commercial and Construction and has placed many middle management and Director level personnel across the country.

Greatest Achievement: Making the move North to the Sheffield area in 2020 and expanding his knowledge and client base whilst maintaining and supporting many years’ of connections in the South East.

Outside of work: Family, occasional Golf and staying fit and healthy. Stuart is in the gym 3 or 4 days each week and is a father of three young adults that are making their way in the world; perhaps not necessarily listening to their Dad’s advice.

Background: Andrew Joined Thomas Gray in 2015 after a decade in executive search operating within Wealth Management and Private Banking covering Europe & MENA.

Expertise: Andrew specialises in the Real Estate and Property related sectors with a particular passion and expertise in early-stage development encompassing finance, land, planning, and design.

Greatest achievement at TGL: Having worked collaboratively with a valued client for the last 5 years during which time Andrew has personally introduced and placed over 25 people, amounting to 50% of the team, subsequently impacting the culture, profit and profile of this recognised leader in their field.

Outside of work: Andrew can be found supporting one of his Daughter’s playing netball for club and country, playing golf or walking his 2 pugs.

Background: George joined Thomas Gray in 2021 following 8 years across Sales and Marketing within the FMCG sector for the likes of Red Bull and Diageo.

Expertise: With a network of clients and candidates that incorporates the Thames Valley, South Coast, and South West Regions, George has successfully introduced candidates across all functions within the sector, from Assistant level up to Head of Department.

Greatest achievement at TGL: Aside from his national Geographical skills improving beyond recognition, George is most proud of the relationships he has built through his time with the business, not only with clients but also becoming a trusted consultant to a wide network of industry leaders and candidates – offering career advice and support across all aspects of the industry.

Outside of work: Having been forced to retire from club rugby due one injury too many, George is committed to his role as Chairman of the Treeline Golf Society or can be found travelling around the country in his converted Campervan with his fiancé and their Cocker Spaniel, Hank.

Background: Alex started his career with Thomas Gray in 2017, working closely with Matt to develop his knowledge of the housebuilding sector. Following 2 years of estate agency experience in between, Alex returned to the firm in 2022 to manage key accounts and generate new client opportunities in the South East.

Expertise: Alex is often in the Kent, Sussex and Essex areas either meeting clients or connecting with candidates across the Technical, Commercial and Build functions. He also boasts a strong network of Sales and Customer Care contacts, primarily supporting our client base from middle management to Head of Department level.

Greatest achievement: Keen on growing his online presence and industry reputation, Alex is proud of putting himself out of his comfort zone for LinkedIn and marketing content!

Outside of work: When he’s not head-first in a toolbox trying to renovate his first home, Alex can be found on the golf course with his pals attempting to bring his handicap down – much to his partner’s delight…

Brandon has joined Thomas Gray as a Research Consultant, bringing a fresh perspective from his recent graduation at the University of Exeter where he studied Finance, Business and Economics. Prior to and during his time at University, Brandon worked at Costa Coffee where he progressed into a managerial role and enjoyed building relationships with both suppliers and customers.

Having started his journey with us at TGL in 2024, Brandon’s focus is connecting with industry professionals to support the wider team and gain valuable knowledge regarding the sector and functions within to enable him to become one of our specialist consultants.

Outside of the office: When not 3 putting on the golf course, Brandon can be seen out with his friends and family attempting to put behind his university antics or losing his family dog in the woods, much to his parents’ worry.

Mia has joined our team as a Research Support, where she will collaborate closely with our marketing department and provide valuable assistance to Senior Consultants in promotional activities and candidate screening.

Having graduated from the University of Sussex with a 2:1 degree in Law with Business Management, she successfully launched and manages her own online clothing brand, where she designs and sells unique clothing items, demonstrating her entrepreneurial spirit and creativity.

Recently, she spent five months travelling through Southeast Asia, gaining new perspectives and experiences, before starting with Thomas Gray towards the end of 2024.

Out of office: In Mia’s spare time she loves working on her online clothing brand whilst also trying to find a good balance between going to the gym and spending weekends with family or going out with friends.

Meet Millie, our dedicated Head of Employee Well-Being! With a wagging tail and a heart full of love, she is always on the lookout for ways to boost team morale and keep stress levels low.