About Us
Bringing real value to your strategy with our rich, broad and established network of finance leaders.
Whether you’re embarking on a turnaround, raising capital for growth, scaling faster than budgeted for, or you have changed ownership structure, we will work with you to find your first or next CFO, FD or FC on a permanent or interim basis.
Our Story
Pitch Hill Partners was founded in May 2021, just as we all started to emerge from one of the most disruptive periods in recent history.
2021 felt like the ideal time to start up our own venture. The lockdown years underscored the value and quality of the relationships that had been built over Ray’s recruitment career. Stepping into a recovering economy with an offering which was now more relevant than ever has positioned Pitch Hill Partners well ahead of the competition.
Pitch Hill is in the Surrey Hills and became a key destination during lockdown for running and family walks. The dual meaning of ‘Pitch’ from a fundraising perspective and an emotionally connected destination, felt like the best fit for our brand.
Most people in recruitment aren’t really like us. We love our job. Meeting new and interesting businesses that are growing and breaking records or helping companies that have gone slightly off track and need help to get back on plan. We treat everyone that we work with, with the same respect, level of service and honesty. We are very aware that as people go through their careers, they will change seats and the service they need from us will also change. Today’s candidate is tomorrow’s client and vice versa.
The other thing that we have in abundance is the ability to listen. We want to hear your story, your context, your hopes and fears so that we can tailor our partnership accordingly. You are the expert in your business as we are in ours.
Ray Nicholls - Founder
Ray has over 20 years of experience placing senior finance executives into high growth companies across the whole of the UK. Throughout his career he has placed a broad range of experienced and talented finance leaders at different stages of their career. Often the relationship between candidate and client blurs and therefore the relationship is the most important part of his dealings. Everyone is treated the same and should expect the same high level of service.
All of Ray’s network connections have high expectations of him as their trusted recruiter, whether they are looking for an interim assignment, their next executive role, a new ‘deal’ and business to grow or they are hiring for their own team.
Personal service, honesty and speed of response sets him apart from his peers.
Annemarie Nicholls - Finance & Operations Director
A science graduate from the University of Exeter, Annemarie started her career qualifying as a Stockbroker with Killik & Co in London before pivoting into Accountancy, gaining her ACMA qualification working for Hymans Robertson Actuaries in the City of London. Following a period of travelling the world Annemarie joined Trinity College London, business partnering senior management before graduating into the illustrious world of entrepreneurship with Pitch Hill Partners.
With an unwavering eye for detail, Annemarie keeps the PHP Ship on course for success and growth.
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“Ray is a top-class recruiter with a unique approach of engaging clients and candidates with the same level of energy and enthusiasm. He is very thorough and spends time to understand the perspectives of employers and candidates, which results in a very close match of mutual requirements. I highly recommend him to employers and candidates.”
Dindo Sy Chu – VP Finance
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“I found Ray to be a pleasure to deal with as a candidate. Ray's approach is that he is a problem solver and matches the needs of the companies that he has relationships with to a candidate's skills. This business-centred and mature approach translates into excellent opportunities for his candidates and I would recommend Ray to high-quality professionals who will deliver for their clients.”
Oliver Bond – Private Equity CFO
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“Ray has always been an extremely personable recruiter who is straight and honest with you from the moment you meet him. He encourages candidates and clients alike to consider alternative options and possibilities to achieve their desired goals. Ray's unique energy and enthusiasm always leaves you upbeat when working with him.”
Shirley James – Finance Director
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“Over the many years that I have known Ray Nicholls he has been a great sounding board for career and assignment related questions, always offering quality advice. He regularly contacts me about Interim CFO opportunities and a couple of these have resulted in interesting roles. I would highly recommend Ray as a recruiter for senior end finance roles into SME, PE and PLC businesses.”
Paul Bergin – Interim CFO
Our Credentials
Pitch Hill Partners is led by a founder with over 20 years of experience successfully recruiting finance leaders into growth companies.
Reputation and discretion are the cornerstone of Pitch Hill Partners.
Industry Insights
Our blog is a mix of career and job search advice, entrepreneurial and start up reports, venture capital and private equity news plus networking tips.
“Character makes trust possible, and trust is the foundation of leadership.”
— John C. Maxwell