UK-based specialist recruiter Nakama Group (NAM: AIM) announced that it has appointed Robert Thesiger as CEO.

Thesiger will join the Board of Nakama on 1 April 2019. He has worked in the recruitment sector for more than 25 years and was most recently founder and CEO of UK-based FISER Group and also held leadership roles in Ludgate Search and Fraser Dove International. He was previously CEO of Imprint PLC and Morgan Mckinley Limited.

At the same time, previous CEO Andrea Williams will reassume the role of Non-Executive Director, the position she held before becoming the group's Chief Executive Officer in January 2018.

Tim Sheffield, Chairman of Nakama Group plc, commented, "We are delighted to appoint someone of Robert Thesiger's calibre and track record. I have known Robert for many years and look forward to working together to grow and develop Nakama. Over the past year, Andrea Williams and the management team have made much-needed changes to the business, streamlining the operating businesses and improving financial controls. After a challenging period, we now look forward to implementing a strategy that delivers top-line growth with acceptable profit margins.”

Thesiger commented, "I am pleased to join the Board of Nakama as Chief Executive. This is a business that is well positioned for growth but has previously struggled to compete in challenging market conditions. I look forward to working with the Board and management team, bringing my many years' experience of driving growth, creating a culture that we will be proud of, and delivering value to shareholders."

Andrea Williams, Chief Executive Officer of Nakama Group plc, also commented, "I am very pleased to welcome Robert to Nakama. His background and track record growing recruitment businesses will stand Nakama in good stead as it embarks on the next phase of its development. I look forward to continuing my involvement with the business and working with Robert in my capacity as Non-Executive Director."

Nakama Group reported revenue for the six months ending 30 September 2018 of £8.0 million, a decrease of 2.7% when compared to the previous year.

In 2018, the group’s Australian subsidiary had entered liquidation, and Nakama Group closed its Melbourne Office. The group said this allowed it to focus on core markets and contributed to a turnaround in H1 2018 as costs were cut.

Last year, the company’s CFO Angus Watson stepped down due to the group’s Australian subsidiary’s difficulty in meeting a payment due to the Australian Tax Office.

Nakama operates in the executive search, technology, creative and design, media, client services, analytics and data science, and innovation and transformation sectors from offices in the UK, Europe, Asia, Australia and North America.