Portraits • Members
"We also want to deepen our role as a strategic partner to French and European companies entering or expanding in the UK."
We interviewed Valéryane Elphick, Co-Founder of Mind Partners UK, who shared the story behind her business, from its creation and expansion into the UK to how it has adapted to an ever-changing market. She discussed the growing demand for flexible leadership solutions, the launch of their Interim Management offer, and the company’s plans for future growth. As a long-standing member of the French Chamber, Valéryane also reflected on how the Chamber has supported her journey and helped strengthen Franco-British business connections.
1. Valéryane, could you tell us a bit about what inspired you to set up your business in the UK?
I have a background of over 25 years in commercial real estate and executive search. I began my career in Paris, then moved to Melbourne, Australia, where I spent seven years working in the executive search sector. During that time, I collaborated with several French and European companies establishing subsidiaries in Australia. I quickly realised how challenging it was for these organisations to navigate the local market and culture, especially when it came to identifying the right leadership talent.
When I relocated to the UK in 2013, I saw similar challenges facing continental European businesses entering the British market. That insight became the foundation for my vision: to create a headhunting service specifically tailored to French and European organisations looking to establish or grow their presence in the UK and Ireland.
Together with my business partner, Louis-Marie Simoneau, we launched the UK branch of Mind Partners in 2018. For the past eight years, we’ve been partnering with cross-border organisations to identify their C-suite and senior leadership appointments. In essence, Mind partners UK is a bridge between cultures, markets, and leadership visions.
2. How did you approach launching the business, and what particular advantages and challenges have you experienced operating in the UK market?
When I launched Mind Partners UK, my greatest asset was—and still is—my international and cross-border network of senior professionals. During my time in Melbourne, I had already supported numerous French and European companies in setting up subsidiaries abroad. So when I arrived in London, I saw a clear opportunity to create a headhunting service specifically designed for French and European organisations looking to establish or grow their presence in the British market.
Operating in the UK has many advantages. It offers a dynamic and diverse business environment, with flourishing sectors such as manufacturing, FMCG, HealthTech, and more. However, it has also come with significant challenges. In recent years, Brexit and the COVID-19 have considerably reduced the availability of European senior talent in the UK. Many professionals returned to their home countries and today, visa requirements make it much more difficult for European executives to come and work in the UK.
We’ve also observed a shift in the market over the past two years. Many organisations have scaled back their hiring plans, are more cautious with investment, and the rising cost of living—especially in London—has made the city less attractive for senior managers.
3. In light of recent national and global developments, how are you ensuring your business remains resilient and adaptable?
We’ve expanded our services beyond permanent appointments to include Interim Management asa fast and flexible solution for organisations facing sudden transitions, urgent leadership needs, or periods of transformation.
Our clients need agile support during times of growth, mergers, crisis management, or business development... Our interim managers are experienced, cross-border and multicultural professionals who can step in quickly to stabilise operations, execute strategic decisions, and guide teams through change.
An Interim manager is also a team coach, they share their expertise to help teams grow, strengthen company culture, and build critical skills. They always come from the same field as the teams they support, ensuring relevance and impact.
With permanent hiring slowing down across sectors and organisations favouring flexible workforce models, interim management allows our clients to maintain momentum and leadership continuity.
Our strength lies in our international network, our understanding of business challenges, and our ability to operate across borders. We help building resilient leadership teams that can thrive in today’s complex and evolving environment.
4. What opportunities do you see emerging in the British market, and how do you plan to grow Mind Partners in the coming years?
Despite a cautious economic climate, the UK market continues to have opportunities. In 2025, the UK executive recruitment sector is valued at about £43 billion, with interim management now representing one in five executive appointments. This reflects a growing demand for flexible leadership solutions, especially in sectors undergoing transformation such as financial services, healthtech, digital infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing.
I see strong momentum in industries aligned with innovation and sustainability. The UK governments has identified sectors, including clean energy, advanced manufacturing, and creative industries, all of which are attracting significant investment and talent. Additionally, the UK-France Industrial Strategy Partnership launched in 2025 has unlocked over £1 billion in cross-Channel investment, reinforcing the UK’s position as a strategic hub for French and European companies.
We plan to grow Mind Partners UK by reenforcing our presence in these sectors and expanding our Interim Management offer. It’s particularly valuable in today’s market, where permanent hiring has slowed and organisations are prioritising agility and resilience.
We also want to deepen our role as a strategic partner to French and European companies entering or expanding in the UK. We’re investing in talent mapping, cultural onboarding, and hybrid leadership models to help our clients navigate these complexities.
Our growth strategy is built on flexibility, sector specialisation, and our international reach.
Mind Partners is also a proud member of France Invest. It reflects our commitment to excellence and innovation in executive search. We actively collaborate with Private Equity funds and Family Offices, supporting their portfolio companies with strategic leadership appointments and interim management solutions. This partnership-driven approach allows us to deliver high-impact talent strategies tailored to the unique needs of investment-backed businesses.
5. How has the French Chamber supported you and your business journey so far?
I’m a big fan of the French Chamber—it has played a key role in supporting Mind Partners UK since the very beginning. The Chamber gave us the opportunity to connect and build meaningful relationships within the Franco-British business community, which has been invaluable to our growth.
Their events and networking opportunities have had a real impact. I’m thinking in particular of the recent Franco-British Business Conference, which brought together senior leaders to discuss pressing topics like defence, energy transition, and AI innovation. It was a powerful example of how bilateral cooperation can drive resilience and growth.
On a more personal note, as someone from Brittany and a sailing enthusiast, I’m especially excited about the upcoming Women’s Business Circle dinner with Pip Hare, the renowned Vendée Globe skipper. Thanks to the Chamber, I’ll have the chance to hear her speak about resilience, leadership, and personal growth through ocean racing—an experience I’m truly looking forward to.
Mind Partners UK is the British subsidiary of Mind Partners Group. Based in London, we specialise in executive search and interim management for C-level appointments, senior management, and expert roles. We offer tailored executive search, aligned with your strategy, culture, and market, as well as Interim management solutions for leadership during transitions, transformations, or urgent needs. We support French mid-caps and SMEs expanding into the UK and Europe, and partner with private equity and family offices to secure the right talent for critical phases, such as restructuring, international growth, and M&A, for their portfolio companies. Mind Partners is B Corp-certified and a member of France Invest.