Our Values and History

Grosvenor Clive & Stokes was one of the earliest pioneers of the retained executive search industry in London. Since its establishment in the early 1960s to the present day, Grosvenor Clive & Stokes has consistently and proudly displayed the guiding principles enshrined by its founders – Experience, Integrity, Inclusive

Our Values and History

Grosvenor Clive & Stokes was one of the earliest pioneers of the retained executive search industry in London. Since its establishment in the early 1960s to the present day, Grosvenor Clive & Stokes has consistently and proudly displayed the guiding principles enshrined by its founders – Experience, Integrity, Inclusive

 

 

What drives us - No more ‘people wash’.

Experience and Delivery

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Grosvenor Clive & Stokes was one of the earliest pioneers of the retained executive search industry in London. Since its establishment in the early 1960s to the present day, Grosvenor Clive & Stokes has consistently and proudly displayed the guiding principles enshrined by its founders – Experience, Integrity, Inclusive

We regard our integrity and honesty as crucial to our personal and professional reputations. We fully understand and appreciate the trusted position we hold with both our clients and candidates.

Long-term relationships with both can only be established and sustained from a foundation of absolute integrity, discretion and trust.

Albert Einstein
The only source of knowledge is experience

Honesty and Integrity

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There should be no exceptions to honesty and integrity. Integrity is a state of mind and is not situational.

If we compromise our integrity in small situations with little consequence, then it becomes very easy to compromise on the small situations.

Everything we do comes from place of respect and inclusion, this is to ensure that all individuals have an equal opportunity and a fair process.

CS Lewis
Integrity is doing the right thing, even when no one is watching

Committed and Inclusive

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We will use technology to ensure the most inclusive search process and eliminate wherever possible any unconscious or conscious bias. Our commitment is to focus with laser-like intensity on how we can create a symbiotic relationship between exceptional people and constantly evolving technology.

We will remain mindful and respectful of the ethics associated with AI and Machine Learning and will do everything in our power to make this a force for good.

However, we must never take this for granted and ensure that we have the checks and balances to ensure we remain true to the core purpose of our business, to search every corner of the world to find the leaders that will change it.

Verna Myers
Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance

 

 

History

The business was founded in 1959 when John Stokes, who had been in personnel management with ICI and Courtaulds, joined a small recruitment business, Robert Clive Associates. Together, they built a business that led the way in recruiting the leadership of many of Britain’s top companies.

In 2011, Clive & Stokes joined with Grosvenor Wright, a leading independent executive search firm, which supplemented the firm’s strengths in energy, industrial and professional services and added additional capability in the technology, telecoms and management consulting sectors. The next decade saw the combined firm, Grosvenor Clive & Stokes, establish a strong reputation for the successful delivery of senior executive appointments in both the UK and Europe and also, increasingly, a variety of ‘difficult’ international locations, particularly in the emerging markets of Africa, the Middle East and Asia for its clients in the global, ‘capital project’ industry sectors in which it focussed.

Fast forward to 2021, Grosvenor Clive & Stokes began their next chapter led by new Managing Partner – Tony Robinson – who continued the proud heritage of supporting the firm’s clients through Executive Search, Leadership Development and Advisory Services. Grosvenor Clive & Stokes have a privileged position of being one of the longest established search firms in London, with over 50 years of experience.   The firm’s wealth of knowledge and track record, means that it is well equipped to help its clients address the complex challenges they face in today’s ever-changing environment.