“Cat helped me as a candidate, providing good advice and regular updates throughout the process, and I was particularly impressed with her knowledge and understanding of the industry and the technical compliance roles. I was so impressed with Cat that when I needed to hire, I turned to her to help source some candidates. She proved excellent at that also and I don't exaggerate when I say that she helped me find one of the best hires I have made in my career.” (client and candidate)
Global Asset Manager: $600bn AuM
Compliance Director, SM16/17
“Catriona was brilliant at introducing me to and preparing me for a role I had never previously considered. She was efficient, super knowledgeable, personable, and made me feel as though she was working for me, rather than my subsequent employer!” (candidate)
Global Asset Manager
Head of Compliance, Risk, Senior Counsel, Ireland
“Cat was a trusted consultant to me over a number of years and this built a basis of trust. This relationship maturing throughout my career, meant that when the right role came up I was delighted to have her representing me, as I knew she understood me and my career objectives. I was impressed by how much of a trusted and strong advocate she was, on my behalf as a candidate. Throughout the process Cat kept me updated, gave me realistic feedback and made great representations to the target firm, supporting my candidacy. I would not hesitate to use Cat again as a candidate or a hiring manager. She is one of a kind.” (candidate)
Credit focused Asset Manager: $5bn AuM
Chief Compliance Officer
“Cat has recently conducted two senior searches for us, a senior Credit Compliance specialist in London and Compliance Director role in Singapore. The quality of candidates she provided was excellent, she knows the London market inside out, is professional in her approach and stands out from the sea of recruitment consultants in the market. We will continue to use her services for further growth and I would be happy to recommend Cat to others looking to conduct searches in compliance.” (client)
Global Private Equity firm: $70bn AuM
Global Head of Compliance
“I recently worked with Avenell Search in relation to the recruitment of our new Head of Compliance and am delighted to provide a reference. Ms Golden was always a pleasure to deal with and I was particularly impressed not only by the range of candidates that she found for us but also by her knowledge of the candidates themselves. It was clear that she had worked as hard to get to know them as she did to get to know our organisation and to understand our requirements. The result was that she introduced an excellent range of appropriately qualified and experienced candidates while avoiding bombarding us with unsuitable ones. I would certainly engage her again should the need arise.” (client)
Long only Asset Manager: $5bn AuM
Partner, General Counsel
“I have worked with Cat on a number of Compliance roles over the years. She always takes the time to fully understand the brief and uses her very broad network of compliance professionals to good effect.” (client)
Private Debt Manager & Global Private Equity firm
Head of HR
"Unlike other recruiters I have come across, Cat takes a genuine interest in helping you find the role that is right for you. She is very personable and will take the time to get to know you, offering tailored guidance and insightful tips as she is well respected in the industry. She will help you define a long-term career strategy and maximise your potential. I am confident you will want to stay in contact with her over the years just as I did!” (candidate)
Financial Advisory firm
Head of Compliance
“Cat helped me secure my current position as Compliance Director and I was impressed by her work. She has excellent Industry knowledge, is very well connected and aware of the latest trends in the Industry. She has been very helpful during the whole interview process and beyond and always made an effort to keep me informed. I can only highly recommend her.” (candidate)
Global Private Equity
Compliance Director
“I connected with Cat on LinkedIn several years ago. We have stayed in contact over the years, and Cat has recently placed me in a new role, as Head of Legal and Compliance, which she felt was the perfect fit for me – and she was right! Cat takes time to really get to know the people she puts forward to companies, both in terms of their personalities, working styles and working wish-lists. She wants to ensure that the match works for both sides. Cat is straight-talking and no-nonsense; she takes care not to waste anyone’s time. I have thoroughly enjoyed working with Cat, and very much intend to stay in contact throughout my career!” (candidate)
Brokerage Firm
Head of Legal and Compliance
“Cat successfully helped us recruit for a newly created senior Compliance position. This was our first permanent Compliance hire and ensuring the right personal fit was essential. Cat was very attentive, she shared good candidates with us and was professional throughout. She knows her market very well.” (client)
Private Equity: $2bn AuM
Managing Partner
“It was great to work with Cat during my job search, she found me roles that were exactly what I was looking for at a number of high quality firms. Communication was clear throughout and she was fantastic in helping me prep for the interviews themselves, would highly recommend her. Thanks again Cat!” (candidate)
Private Equity: $100bn AuM
Compliance Associate
“I have known Cat for a number of years and she is pleasure to work with. Cat placed me in my current role as Head of Compliance. She is professional, straight forward and consistent in her approach. She is very open and honest and will keep you updated throughout the process (whether you are the hiring manager or she is hiring for you). Cat knows the market very well and ensures she gets a good understanding of what a candidate is looking for in a move. She has your best interests at heart and will do her best to help you achieve your long term goals.” (candidate)
Private Debt Manager: £10bn AuM
Head of Compliance