A wealth of experience

Magellan was formed in 2019 as a global Asset Management Executive Search and Advisory business, with offices in Europe, Asia, and North America. Harnessing over 77 years of sector-specific experience, our capabilities span Executive Search, Strategic Advisory, and M&A operations. By leveraging our industry insight, we identify and resolve our clients’ fundamental business needs, improving efficiency, enhancing performance and supporting corporate growth.

Its origins trace back 19 years to Godliman Partners, where Magellan’s founders, James Smith and Edward Walton, worked as co-owners of the business prior to a company demerger in 2019, during which the Godliman business was dissolved.

During their time at Godliman, James and Edward helped build a global Asset Management Executive Search platform covering all asset classes across EMEA, Asia and North America. By combining this global capability with substantial research operations spanning the entire asset management market, Magellan offers clients market-leading advice and assistance on significant and complex hires, strategy, and M&A activities.

Meet the team

Strategic Partnerships

Magellan Advisory Partners, the global asset management executive search, advisory and M&A specialists, and Winterberg Partners, specialist providers to the German-Speaking market and Private Equity Industry, have formed a strategic partnership providing complimentary services in public and private markets across EMEA, North American and Asia.

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Meet the team

  • James Smith

    Partner

    James co-founded Magellan in 2019, where he is a Director leading the Search practice. Prior to this he spent 15 years at Godliman Partners, where he was a co-owner until the firm’s demerger in 2019. James graduated with a BSc in Business Management from the University of Surrey.

  • Edward Walton

    Partner

    Edward co-founded Magellan in 2019, where he is a Director leading the global Advisory and M&A practices. Prior to this he spent 12 years at Godliman Partners, where he was a co-owner until the firm’s demerger in 2019. Edward studied Economics at Oxford Brookes University.

  • Toby Francis

    COO

    Toby is the Chief Operating Officer at Magellan. He has 20 years experience having held global leadership & development roles with leading executive search firms. Toby holds a Masters in War Studies from King’s College London.

  • Millie Ratcliff

    Associate Consultant

    Millie is an Associate Consultant, focusing on Executive Search research and execution. She has worked across all major asset classes and functions and collaborates on Magellan’s Diversity Project. Millie has a first-class degree in Mathematics from the University of Surrey.

  • Prem Panesar

    Associate Consultant

    Prem is an Associate Consultant, focusing on Advisory and M&A operations. He leads all bespoke strategic projects including industry analysis, employee incentivisation, and compensation reviews. Prem studied History and International Relations at Coventry University.

  • Hannah Kempster

    Senior Researcher

    Hannah is a Senior Researcher, focusing on global distribution roles. She also leads Magellan’s internal diversity & inclusion initiative, highlighting the importance of cultural diversity in the workplace.

  • George Windsor

    Consultant

    George is a Consultant, focusing on alternative asset classes. He was previously a Consultant at Valentine Thomas & Partners. Before that, he spent six years at Sheffield Haworth in their Hong Kong office. George studied Philosophy at the University of Nottingham.

  • Kemal Okan

    Associate Consultant

    Kemal is an Associate Consultant, focusing on Private Markets. Kemal has a first-class degree in Business Management from the University of Surrey.

  • Andrew Lavelle

    Associate

    Andrew is an Associate Researcher, focusing on Executive Search research and execution. Andrew studied Music at the Royal College of Music.

  • Cassie Hendrix

    Research Associate

    Cassie is a Research Associate, focusing on Executive Search research and execution. She works across all major asset classes and functions. Cassie has a Bachelor's in English from Olivet Nazarene University.

  • Freya Chichester

    Research Associate

    Freya is an Associate Researcher, focusing on Executive Search research and execution. She is currently reading Liberal Arts at Durham University.

  • Emma Stevens

    Research Associate

    Emma is an Associate Researcher, focusing on Executive Search research and execution. She is currently reading Psychology at University of Southampton.

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Years of experience

Our talented team combines a wealth of sector-specific experience and diverse expertise.

48

Countries served

With offices located in London, New York & Hong Kong, we are well-placed to address your global needs.

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Client relationships

As a team, we have worked in partnership with over 50 clients during the past five years.

Strategically located across multiple continents.

With offices strategically located in London, New York & Hong Kong, our network is extensive, and means we are well-positioned to address your global needs.