Our PeopleTest

Image of Denis Spearman

Denis Spearman

Managing Director, Head of Compliance & Financial Crime, EMEA

(Executive & Permanent)

Denis joined Danos Associates in February 2010 before becoming a partner in 2014. Denis has successfully placed compliance candidates at all levels across financial services both in the UK and Internationally.

He commenced his compliance recruitment career at an AIM listed recruitment firm in 2005. Starting as a researcher he quickly progressed to heading up the team and establishing himself as one of the leading recruiters in the compliance industry.

Denis is a marketing graduate from the Dublin Institute of technology.

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Edward Wacher

Director, Head of Buy-Side Compliance

(Executive & Permanent)

Edward joined Danos Associates in February 2015 having started his recruitment career in 2007 at a boutique compliance specialist in the city where he covered Asset Management (including Hedge Funds & Private Equity) and Investment Banking focusing on mid to senior level appointments. After six years he moved to build a compliance function at a Legal search business.

Edward graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc in Geography.

Image of Isabel Anchebe

Isabel Anchebe

Director, Head of Compliance, Europe

(Executive & Permanent)

Isabel joined Danos Associates in December 2019, having started her recruitment career in 2017 at a global recruitment organisation, where she specialised in Compliance roles across Europe.

She quickly made her mark, establishing a proven track record in Europe by successfully placing numerous Senior Compliance professionals across both the buy and sell side. In 2024, Isabel was promoted to Director, Head of Compliance (EU) at the Danos Group.

Isabel graduated from the University of Warwick with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

Image of Georgina Housden

Georgina Housden

Associate Director, Compliance

(Executive & Permanent)

Georgina joined the Danos Group in 2023 as Associate Director, specialising in Compliance with the focus of placing Compliance and Financial Crime professionals predominately across FinTechs, Payments, Cryptocurrency, Insurance and Professional services.

Having started her recruitment career in 2017, she progressed within leading recruitment firms in the compliance space. Georgina brings specialist knowledge combined with a strong network of clients and candidates.

Georgina has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Oxford Brookes University.

 

 

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Bradley Handelaar

Director, Head of Consulting

(Interim & Consultancy)

Bradley started his recruitment career in 2016 and joined the Danos Group in 2019. He specialises in Compliance, Financial Crime, and Legal consulting and interim recruitment solutions. He leads significant projects, managing the sourcing and placement of contract professionals into short- or fixed-term assignments across Financial Services and industry regulators, while also nurturing client relationships and driving new business development.

In 2024, Bradley was promoted to Director, Head of Consulting, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to the business.

Bradley graduated with a degree in Real Estate from Birmingham City University.

Image of Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson

Principal of Danos Consulting

(Interim & Consulting)

Jamie joined the Danos Group in 2023 as Principal of Danos Consulting, bringing a wealth of experience in sales and business development across various industries such as financial services, recruitment, and property. With a proven track record, Jamie possesses the unique ability to swiftly establish credibility with senior decision-makers in diverse business environments and supports them with their company growth and market share.

In his role, Jamie is dedicated to delivering cost-effective solutions that empower businesses to maintain their competitiveness while upholding their brand image and reputation – by identifying and addressing skill gaps and ensuring adaptability to rapidly changing market conditions.

Jamie collaborates with our clients across Compliance, Financial Crime, Risk, and Legal, with a deep understanding of their specific needs, he excels at selecting and deploying suitable resources in a fast and efficient manner, enabling our clients to thrive.

Image of Georgie Ashby

Georgie Ashby

Consultant, Compliance

(Executive & Permanent)

Georgie joined the Danos Group in 2022 as a Compliance and Financial Crime Researcher.

In 2021, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychosocial Studies from Birkbeck University.

In her spare time, Georgie enjoys cooking, reading, and watching films.

Image of Denis Spearman

Denis Spearman

Managing Director, Head of Compliance & Financial Crime, EMEA

(Executive & Permanent)

Denis joined Danos Associates in February 2010 before becoming a partner in 2014. Denis has successfully placed compliance candidates at all levels across financial services both in the UK and Internationally.

He commenced his compliance recruitment career at an AIM listed recruitment firm in 2005. Starting as a researcher he quickly progressed to heading up the team and establishing himself as one of the leading recruiters in the compliance industry.

Denis is a marketing graduate from the Dublin Institute of technology.

Image of Edward Wacher

Edward Wacher

Director, Head of Buy-Side Compliance

(Executive & Permanent)

Edward joined Danos Associates in February 2015 having started his recruitment career in 2007 at a boutique compliance specialist in the city where he covered Asset Management (including Hedge Funds & Private Equity) and Investment Banking focusing on mid to senior level appointments. After six years he moved to build a compliance function at a Legal search business.

Edward graduated from the University of Leeds with a BSc in Geography.

Image of Isabel Anchebe

Isabel Anchebe

Director, Head of Compliance, Europe

(Executive & Permanent)

Isabel joined Danos Associates in December 2019, having started her recruitment career in 2017 at a global recruitment organisation, where she specialised in Compliance roles across Europe.

She quickly made her mark, establishing a proven track record in Europe by successfully placing numerous Senior Compliance professionals across both the buy and sell side. In 2024, Isabel was promoted to Director, Head of Compliance (EU) at the Danos Group.

Isabel graduated from the University of Warwick with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology.

Image of Georgina Housden

Georgina Housden

Associate Director, Compliance

(Executive & Permanent)

Georgina joined the Danos Group in 2023 as Associate Director, specialising in Compliance with the focus of placing Compliance and Financial Crime professionals predominately across FinTechs, Payments, Cryptocurrency, Insurance and Professional services.

Having started her recruitment career in 2017, she progressed within leading recruitment firms in the compliance space. Georgina brings specialist knowledge combined with a strong network of clients and candidates.

Georgina has a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) from Oxford Brookes University.

 

 

Image of Bradley Handelaar

Bradley Handelaar

Director, Head of Consulting

(Interim & Consultancy)

Bradley started his recruitment career in 2016 and joined the Danos Group in 2019. He specialises in Compliance, Financial Crime, and Legal consulting and interim recruitment solutions. He leads significant projects, managing the sourcing and placement of contract professionals into short- or fixed-term assignments across Financial Services and industry regulators, while also nurturing client relationships and driving new business development.

In 2024, Bradley was promoted to Director, Head of Consulting, a well-deserved recognition of his exceptional leadership and contributions to the business.

Bradley graduated with a degree in Real Estate from Birmingham City University.

Image of Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson

Principal of Danos Consulting

(Interim & Consulting)

Jamie joined the Danos Group in 2023 as Principal of Danos Consulting, bringing a wealth of experience in sales and business development across various industries such as financial services, recruitment, and property. With a proven track record, Jamie possesses the unique ability to swiftly establish credibility with senior decision-makers in diverse business environments and supports them with their company growth and market share.

In his role, Jamie is dedicated to delivering cost-effective solutions that empower businesses to maintain their competitiveness while upholding their brand image and reputation – by identifying and addressing skill gaps and ensuring adaptability to rapidly changing market conditions.

Jamie collaborates with our clients across Compliance, Financial Crime, Risk, and Legal, with a deep understanding of their specific needs, he excels at selecting and deploying suitable resources in a fast and efficient manner, enabling our clients to thrive.

Image of Georgie Ashby

Georgie Ashby

Consultant, Compliance

(Executive & Permanent)

Georgie joined the Danos Group in 2022 as a Compliance and Financial Crime Researcher.

In 2021, she obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychosocial Studies from Birkbeck University.

In her spare time, Georgie enjoys cooking, reading, and watching films.

Image of James Franklin

James Franklin

Managing Director, Head of Legal, EMEA

(Executive & Permanent)

James Franklin joined Danos Group in August 2024 as Managing Director and Head of our EMEA Legal Practice. He brings a wealth of experience from his 16-year career in recruitment, where he has successfully developed and led legal teams within both Plc and PE-backed environments.

Before transitioning into recruitment with Robert Walters Plc in 2008, James spent eight years as a practising criminal lawyer. Since then, he has recruited, built, and led large legal recruitment teams across Private Practice and In-House within Financial Services, covering Banking, Investment Management, Fin-Tech, and Insurance.

A graduate from BPP University Law School and the University of Greenwich.

Image of Jamie Anderson

Jamie Anderson

Principal of Danos Consulting

(Interim & Consulting)

Jamie joined the Danos Group in 2023 as Principal of Danos Consulting, bringing a wealth of experience in sales and business development across various industries such as financial services, recruitment, and property. With a proven track record, Jamie possesses the unique ability to swiftly establish credibility with senior decision-makers in diverse business environments and supports them with their company growth and market share.

In his role, Jamie is dedicated to delivering cost-effective solutions that empower businesses to maintain their competitiveness while upholding their brand image and reputation – by identifying and addressing skill gaps and ensuring adaptability to rapidly changing market conditions.

Jamie collaborates with our clients across Compliance, Financial Crime, Risk, and Legal, with a deep understanding of their specific needs, he excels at selecting and deploying suitable resources in a fast and efficient manner, enabling our clients to thrive.

Image of Jack Johnson

Jack Johnson

Consultant

(Executive & Permanent)

Jack joined the Danos Group in 2024 as a Consultant within the Legal practice, bringing a wealth of experience in legal recruitment from his time at Robert Walters plc. Specialising in In-House Legal hires for Financial Services, Jack has successfully partnered with clients across the Banking, Investment Management, FinTech, and Insurance sectors.

With a sharp focus on identifying top-tier legal talent, Jack is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in the workplace. His approach is centred on delivering exceptional service and building long-lasting relationships with both clients and candidates, while staying ahead of industry trends.

A First Class Bachelor of Laws graduate from the University of the West of England, Bristol, Jack’s legal expertise and dedication to excellence make him a valuable asset to our team.

Image of Peter Umesi

Peter Umesi

Director, Head of Risk Analytics, EMEA

(Executive & Permanent)

Peter has a proven track record in leading cross-sector projects across EMEA. He is a specialist in Model Risk Management and Internal Audit and has delivered on mandates for leading Management Consulting Firms, Financial Services Institutions and Global Conglomerates.

He leads the Risk Division across Europe with a team focused on Credit and Market topics such as Model Development and Validation, Stress Testing and FRTB.

Peter graduated from Brunel University with a degree in Politics.

Image of Conor Taylor

Conor Taylor

Senior Consultant, EMEA Risk

(Executive & Permanent)

Conor joined the Danos Group in 2024 as a Senior Consultant in the EMEA Risk practice, focusing on expanding our analytics offering within the Buyside and Commodities sectors in London. With over six years of recruitment experience across various disciplines, including Financial Risk, Management Consulting, and most recently, Quantitative Risk in the commodities sector, Conor brings a wealth of expertise to the team.

He has a strong track record of working with major banking institutions, as well as building risk businesses across diverse markets and localities. His strategic and long-term approach to recruitment enables him to cultivate global relationships, anticipate industry trends, and consistently connect his clients with the right talent.

Conor is a Politics graduate from the University of Kent, where he studied Political Science and Government.

Image of Georgina Danos

Georgina Danos

Owner & Director

Georgina Danos is the owner and Director of the Danos Group, a role she has held since 2022. She assumed leadership following the passing of her late husband, Dominic Danos, who founded the business in 2004. A graduate of the University of Exeter, Georgina built a successful career in recruitment and sales, working with Knightsbridge Recruitment, part of the Angela Mortimer Group, and serving as a senior manager at the renowned luxury brand Links of London, before taking a career break to focus on her family.

Today, Georgina leads the Danos Group with a commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with a supportive company culture that prioritises the growth and well-being of all staff. She plays a pivotal role in maintaining the company’s strong culture and values, ensuring that the Danos Group continues to deliver high-quality services and innovative solutions trusted by clients and candidates alike. Her strategic focus on sustainable growth and the firm’s excellent reputation reflects her vision of the Danos Group as not only a best-in-class service provider but also a place where people can thrive, grow, and feel valued. Passionate about creating an empowering environment, Georgina fosters a workplace where employees are supported, enjoy their roles, and deliver exceptional results.

Working alongside an experienced board, Georgina ensures that every decision aligns with the company’s mission to uphold its high standards, support staff development, and deepen its positive impact on clients and candidates through the expertise, experience, and knowledge of the entire team.

Image of Denis Spearman

Denis Spearman

Managing Director, Head of Compliance & Financial Crime, EMEA

(Executive & Permanent)

Denis joined Danos Associates in February 2010 before becoming a partner in 2014. Denis has successfully placed compliance candidates at all levels across financial services both in the UK and Internationally.

He commenced his compliance recruitment career at an AIM listed recruitment firm in 2005. Starting as a researcher he quickly progressed to heading up the team and establishing himself as one of the leading recruiters in the compliance industry.

Denis is a marketing graduate from the Dublin Institute of technology.

Image of James Franklin

James Franklin

Managing Director, Head of Legal, EMEA

(Executive & Permanent)

James Franklin joined Danos Group in August 2024 as Managing Director and Head of our EMEA Legal Practice. He brings a wealth of experience from his 16-year career in recruitment, where he has successfully developed and led legal teams within both Plc and PE-backed environments.

Before transitioning into recruitment with Robert Walters Plc in 2008, James spent eight years as a practising criminal lawyer. Since then, he has recruited, built, and led large legal recruitment teams across Private Practice and In-House within Financial Services, covering Banking, Investment Management, Fin-Tech, and Insurance.

A graduate from BPP University Law School and the University of Greenwich.

Image of Tom Harvey

Tom Harvey

Associate Director, Head of Research

Tom joined the Danos Group in September 2021 to head up the Danos Group Research function, supporting all three divisions of the business. Prior to joining, he was a director at specialist Risk & Compliance agency that focused on mid to senior level placements within Financial Services, having joined as a graduate in 2011.

Tom graduated from the University of London with a BA in Philosophy and completed the Graduate Diploma in Law at The College of Law.

Image of Jennifer Paterson

Jennifer Paterson

Global Head of Marketing

Jennifer is a CIM professional with more than 20 years’ experience. She graduated from Kingston University in 1996 with a BA Hons Degree in Business Administration specialising in Marketing, and went on to achieve the Post-Graduate Diploma in Marketing from the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM). 

She has worked for leading organisations within the healthcare, science and technology sectors, creating and delivering integrated marketing strategies that have driven financial performance and connected businesses with their customers and stakeholder, as well as holding senior leadership roles that have significantly influenced at Board level.  

Jennifer joined the Danos Group in 2019, as the Global Head of Marketing to support our continued growth.     

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Veronika Vlahova

Head of Finance

Veronika is a FCCA qualified professional accountant with 14 years of experience in both SME and corporate environments, particularly in the recruitment industry, including financial and management reporting, working capital management, financial planning, financial modelling, re-financing to support growth, assisting in opening overseas offices and hive-up of companies.

Veronika joined the Danos Group in 2021, as the Head of Finance she is responsible for running the Danos Group finance functions for our EMEA, the Americas and Asia Pacific regions.

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Annie Katich

Global Head of Operations

Annie joined Danos Group in 2023 as Global Head of Operations. Annie works with the senior management team to streamline and improve processes and systems across the business.

She has a breadth of operations experience within the recruitment sector, having worked in both high volume contingent recruitment and executive search companies.

Annie holds a Bachelor’s in International Relations from the American University of Rome and a Master’s from London School of Economics.

 

Image of Marija Gjosheva

Marija Gjosheva

Operations Coordinator

Marija joined the Danos Group in 2024 as Operations Coordinator. As part of the operations team, Marija works closely with Annie Katich, Global Head of Operations, and the wider operations team.

She has a background of working in the staffing and recruiting industry, as well as in the civic & social organisation industry. She has a breadth of experience working as project coordinator and programs specialist including administration, project coordination and contractor care.

Marija holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Language and Translation from the University “Goce Delchev” in Shtip, North Macedonia.