EXECUTIVE SEARCH FOR TOMORROW’S WORLD

Steve has had the great fortune of learning from top-caliber leaders in some of the most successful companies in the world, including but not limited to Apple, PIMCO and SpaceX. In those organizations, Steve held leadership roles in talent acquisition, broader human capital and other strategic operating roles. Today, Steve leads a broad mandate as CEO of Gram Partners, he leads a dedicated team of professionals committed to building lasting partnerships and delivering tailored executive search solutions that align with an organization’s long-term goals with a focus on Space Tech, Deep Tech, and Defense Tech.

Additionally, Steve is Executive Chairman of the Consulting and Advisory firm, The Gram Group, focused on functional advisory and due diligence for PE and VC-backed companies in Space Tech, Deep Tech and Defense Tech/National Security. There, Steve and his team help founders, CEOs and investors with guidance and advice in multiple areas including; manufacturing, product management, engineering validation, go-to-market strategies, office of CFO goals and broader operational advice.

Tom Kelly is the Chairman of Gram Partners and Co-Founder of EVONA, a company he launched six years ago with his partners. Under Tom’s leadership, EVONA has grown into a thriving business with over 40 employees and has successfully placed over 1,000 candidates across the space, defense, and tech sectors. Tom has collaborated with top companies like HERMEUS, Voyager, and Airbus, helping them build their teams from the ground up. Recently, he expanded EVONA’s reach by opening a new office in Florida, where he relocated with his family to support this growth.

Tom is an active member of the space, defense, and tech communities, contributing to significant industry initiatives, including presenting the Talent Space report at the White House and collaborating with organizations like SmallSat and GEOINT.

Jack Madley is the Vice President of Gram Partners and a seasoned entrepreneur with a passion for driving business success. His journey in the business world began early, working across various industries before earning a degree in Business Management from Swansea University. Jack’s entrepreneurial spirit and strategic mindset have been key to his professional achievements.

In 2018, Jack co-founded EVONA with three like-minded partners, transforming a startup into a multi-million-dollar enterprise with a team of 40. The company has grown through organic success without external investment, positioning itself as a leading Human Capital Partner for the Aerospace, Defense, and Deep Tech sectors. Jack plays a crucial role in guiding EVONA’s strategic direction, particularly in leading the EVONA RAAS and Client Paid Advertising divisions.

Jack’s commitment to innovation and excellence continues to drive Gram Partner’s growth, ensuring it remains at the forefront of talent solutions in the industry.

Wendy Nicholls is the COO of Gram Partners, bringing over 25 years of leadership and operational expertise to the team. Wendy began her career leading high-performing sales teams at a global FTSE 100 company in London, specializing in talent acquisition solutions. Her ambition to transition into operational leadership led her to earn a Level 7 CIPD HR qualification and Prince2 certification. Over the past 15 years, Wendy has worked with businesses scaling through both organic growth and acquisition.

Before joining Gram Partners, Wendy spent four years running a regulated pension business, where she also led the M&A strategy. She is committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement, ensuring a client-centric approach remains at the heart of Gram Partners’ service offering.

Kerry Hopper is the CFO of Gram Partners and a seasoned finance professional with 18 years of experience in accountancy. As a Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant (FCCA) and a Member of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT), Kerry began his career providing accounting and audit services to SMEs and medium-sized businesses.

In 2017, Kerry established his own consultancy business, offering fractional Finance Director support. Notably, he scaled a UK-based utilities and construction company from £9m to £60 million in turnover within four years, leading to a successful exit. Kerry also has experience in the Space sector, having worked within the finance team of an AIM-listed entity in the US.

Chloe Jakeways is the Chief Recruiter at Gram Partners, specializing in connecting top-tier sales and business development professionals with leading companies in the space and deep tech industries. With over 13 years of sales experience and more than 7 years in recruitment, Chloe focuses on roles in sales, operations, and marketing, offering a deep understanding of these fields’ unique challenges and opportunities.

Chloe is committed to shaping the future of the space industry by matching exceptional professionals with roles that drive significant growth for both businesses and careers. Her mission is to foster long-lasting relationships, helping companies build stellar teams and guiding professionals to fulfilling careers in the space economy.

Chris Farish is a Senior Recruiter at Gram Partners, specializing in placing C-level engineering leaders across the US Space sector. With a focus on senior-level engineering managers, Chris uses bespoke recruitment techniques to build relationships with passive and exclusive candidates who prefer to avoid the open market. He is skilled in conducting stealth searches for discreet and sensitive hires within the sector.

Chris is dedicated to placing senior professionals in pivotal roles while ensuring a high-quality experience for both candidates and clients. With a proven track record in placing retainers and conducting exclusive searches, Chris prides himself on forging lasting relationships that lead to repeat business and referrals.

Ryan Widdicombe is a Managing Consultant at Gram Partners, specializing in senior hires across the space economy. His focus areas include Software Development, Data Science, Cybersecurity, DevOps, and Product Management. Ryan plays a critical role in identifying and placing professionals who will shape the future of space exploration and technology.

Ryan is passionate about fueling the growth of the space industry by matching exceptional talent with impactful roles. His mission is to deeply understand the unique needs of both clients and candidates, ensuring a perfect fit that leads to mutual success. He takes pride in helping companies build stellar teams and guiding professionals to careers that are truly out of this world.

Ash Mace is the Marketing Executive at Gram Partners, known for their data-driven approach to marketing. Ash has a knack for uncovering trends and turning numbers into insights, helping to connect top talent with cutting-edge companies. Passionate about data and innovation, Ash leverages AI to keep Gram Partners’ insights at the forefront of technology, driving the connections that shape the future of the industry.

Natasha Fletcher is the Operations Executive at Gram Partners, bringing a strategic and data-driven approach to optimizing business processes. With a passion for efficiency and innovation, Natasha is dedicated to enhancing operational excellence across the organization. She leverages advanced analytics and cutting-edge technology to streamline workflows, ensuring that Gram Partners consistently achieves high performance and productivity.