Newport-based Acorn has strengthened its high-level executive search division with an overseas appointment in response to increasing demand for its services in this area.

Executive search partner Stephanie Nestaval joins the leading UK recruiter as a specialist head-hunter in executive search, direct search and interim projects.

She brings more than a decade of experience within the automotive industry and expertise in managing high-level assignments for supply chain clients with her, having transferred from Acorn’s parent company Synergie’s office in Prague, Czech Republic.

Based in Acorn’s Exeter branch, Stephanie will work with businesses UK-wide specialising in the search and selection of C-suite executives, board members, directors and plant managers for the automotive industry.

Acorn, which has its head office at Celtic Springs, Newport, offers international recruitment support to professionals worldwide, with Stephanie’s appointment set to prove key in increasing Acorn’s collaboration with its European network and offer clients seamless access to top senior professionals in the process.

Since its launch in March 2015, Acorn’s Executive Search division has otherwise placed more than 100 senior professionals into leading positions - including CEO, finance, sales and marketing director, and executive and non-exec board member roles – UK wide.

Synergie initiative Global Cross Sourcing uses a shared platform to search candidates from the 16 European countries in which it operates, increasing access for UK businesses to a skilled talent and senior management pipeline through Acorn Recruitment.

Acorn operations director Karen Sharpin, who leads the specialist executive search team, said: “It is absolutely fantastic to have Stephanie on board here in the UK, bringing a wealth of international knowledge with her, and adding value to the services we are increasingly providing clients nationally.

“We continue to be encouraged by the success and progress Acorn has already made in this area to-date, particularly regarding the quality of feedback and levels of repeat business we’re attracting from clients and I have no doubt Stephanie’s appointment will serve to bolster this even further.”