Headhunter heading for the capital

His business partner Adrian Hitchenor will remain in Leeds to run the North of England operation and help with the national client base.

They founded Hitchenor Wakeford in 2006 and claim 40 per cent growth year on year to revenues of £6m.

Mr Wakeford told the Yorkshire Post: “The market has been the toughest we have ever known but we are seeing some encouraging signs of growth as people are planning for expansion in 2012.

“We have grown by continuing to focus on emerging markets and aspirational businesses who share our values.”

He said the market for interim directors is extremely buoyant, while finance directors are in huge demand especially from private equity firms ahead of initial public offerings.

“There’s a huge demand for the next generation of main board directors,” added Mr Wakeford, who becomes chief executive.