Meet the team

Ventula Consulting was formed in 2013 to connect ambitious digital talent with the organisations who are changing the world as we know it. Harnessing advanced search technology and digital attraction techniques, Ventula are leaders in highly personalised recruitment strategy. Our team make us. Meet the industry-leading experts who deliver exceptional results for our clients and candidates every day

Our Differences Make Us Stronger

At Ventula, every person brings a little something different to the table. Adding their own unique experience and specialism to our blend. This diversity of experience makes us stronger. Helping us to build innovative talent solutions and sourcing strategies.

A Passion for Tech

We share a passion for tech and teamwork. Working with the latest recruitment technology and pooling our wide experience and talent networks to deliver outstanding service for every client and candidate.

The Next Generation of Tech Recruitment

At Ventula, we don’t settle for ordinary. Every voice is heard and no idea is too big. We want to do more than meet targets and quotas. We want to create the next generation of tech recruitment.

Andrew Shaw - Founding Director

With more than a decade of experience with one of the UK’s leading recruitment firms, Andrew understands the tech talent market inside and out.

Alongside co-founder, Tom Breese, he has led technology recruitment campaigns for some of the world’s leading organisations and put together teams for groundbreaking start-ups.

Andrew is passionate about new technology and exploring the latest tools to improve candidate attraction. Outside of the office, you’ll usually find him on the tennis or squash courts.

Founding Director

Andrew.Shaw@ventula.co.uk

020 3757 0372

Connect With Me

Follow Me

Thomas Breese - Founding Director

Co-founder of Ventula, Tom has over a decade of experience recruiting across the full spectrum of the UK tech market.

With a reputation for forging strong relationships and delivering exceptional results, Tom has led recruitment campaigns for clients across the digital spectrum, from blue-chip companies to innovative technology start-ups.

When he isn’t discovering incredible talent, Tom can often be found exploring the English countryside on his bike or trying to improve his tennis skills.

Founding Director

thomas.breese@ventula.co.uk

0203 757 0371

Connect With Me

Christian Kenny - Director - Technology Contracts

Christian has spent nearly a decade working in IT and Business Change recruitment. His hands-on approach and commitment to doing everything possible to support his candidates and clients have seen him deliver successful hires at every level.

For Christian, there is no brief too challenging and no detail too small to overlook. He has supported a huge range of tech-focused companies from start-ups to FTSE 100 organisations.

Christian’s passion outside of tech talent is football, whether on the pitch himself or cheering on his beloved Liverpool FC.

Director - Technology Contracts

christian.kenny@ventula.co.uk

0203 757 0373

Connect With Me

James Mackie - Director - Permanent Recruitment

Since 2010, James has been connecting leading clients in the Financial Services, Retail and Professional Services sector with IT, Analytics and Business Change professionals across the UK.

With an extensive client management and resourcing background, James is responsible for the Permanent recruitment teams at Ventula.

Outside of recruitment, James is a talented horseman who once considered a career as a jockey. He remains an avid follower of horse racing and other sports, including rugby, football, and golf.

Director - Permanent Recruitment

james.mackie@ventula.co.uk

0203 757 035

Connect With Me

Rachel Mayne - Client Director

After jumping straight into recruitment after graduation, Rachel spent nearly a decade sourcing and placing exceptional Business Change & IT Transformation specialists across the UK and Europe.

Rachel remains focused on the Technology and Business Change markets, and is responsible for developing new and existing client relationships across the business. She has a strong track record in delivering outstanding results.

In her downtime, Rachel loves to explore the East London cultural scene, whether that’s adding to her growing art collection or attending local events and gigs.

Client Director

rachel.mayne@ventula.co.uk

0203 757 0378

Connect With Me

Tom Couchman - Finance Director

Tom joined the Ventula team in 2018 and is a qualified accountant with almost 20 years experience both in practice and industry.

A former professional pool champion, when he’s not crunching numbers or looking after our contractors, Tom can often be found enjoying a round or two on the golf course.

Finance Director

tom.couchman@ventula.co.uk

0203 757 0377

Connect With Me

Jon Hitchenor - Non Executive Director

Jon has worked in the recruitment sector for more than 35 years and has been personally responsible for the development of several highly successful sales teams and the hiring of over 750 staff.

Jon joined the team in 2018 as Non-Executive Director and offers strategic direction, coaching and mentoring of the Ventula team. When he’s not helping businesses grow, Jon can be found climbing mountains or walking in the Lake District.

Non Executive Director

Connect With Me

James Leyden - Senior Consultant

James has been part of the Ventula team for over 5 years, joining in 2014 with no prior recruitment experience. He has continued to progress and develop within the business and now heads up our Professional Services practice.

When he’s not at work, you can find James telling anyone willing to listen how he once came second on ITV’s daytime game show Tipping Point (he still thinks he was robbed of victory). You might also find him pulling his hair out watching Arsenal fail to win major silverware but ultimately secure a top-four finish.

Senior Consultant

james.leyden@ventula.co.uk

0203 757 0374

Connect With Me