Success Stories
Hiring a visionary AI leader to build and scale a high-impact AI function.
- EdTech
- PE-Backed
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The Challenge
Burns Sheehan were introduced to Everway through Five Arrows, as one of their portfolio companies, after demonstrating the depth of our network in the data space.
Everway needed a visionary AI leader to build and scale a high-impact AI function. The bar was high: they wanted an EVP of AI with deep ML expertise, experience deploying models at scale, and the ability to embed GenAI and LLMs into product strategy.
Time was critical and they needed a recruitment partner who could grasp the niche requirements and access high-quality passive talent.With another agency already engaged, much of the active market had been covered — making our access to passive, hard-to-reach talent the key to success
The Solution
Warm network outreach
We activated our existing community to secure passive candidates quickly — 85% of interviews came via warm introductions.
Targeted, high-calibre shortlist
Our initial shortlist of six was sourced within days, with tailored outreach continuing to improve the pipeline throughout the search.
Executive collaboration
We worked directly with the CEO, CTO, and investor stakeholders to align on candidate quality and market realities.
"I’ve worked with countless recruiters over the years, but Nick Wright stands out. He’s personal, professional, and genuinely supportive, never pushy, always thoughtful.
Nick helped me secure a fantastic role and guided me through the process with insight and care. As a female leader in AI, I appreciate his tailored, respectful approach and his genuine interest in the space. A real pleasure to work with."
Lee Frankel, Executive VP of AI/ML
The Results
Burns Sheehan worked with Everway to hire a female AI leader with experience at Microsoft, Meta, and Monzo, now spearheading their Generative AI expansion.
Key outcomes:
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Time to fill: 31 days
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9 CVs submitted → 8 first interviews → 5 second interviews
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Diverse pipeline built through targeted, warm outreach
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The successful hire had been part of the Burns Sheehan network since 2021 — a previous candidate, event attendee, and guest trainer who once delivered a Machine Learning session to our Data team.
31
Days to fill
1
.1:1
CV to 1st interview ratio
40
%
Of pipeline came from diverse backgrounds
1
Female AI Executive hired
Industry
EdTech
Location
London
Company stage of growth
Growth stage
Get in touch
Speak to an Account Manager to see how we can find you the right talent for your team.
Nick Wright
Senior Director, Head of Data, AI & Engineering
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