Chief People Officer & People Leadership

Where Strategy, Culture and Leadership Meet

The strongest organisations understand that people strategy and business strategy are inseparable. Today’s Chief People Officers and Human Resources Directors play a critical role in shaping culture, strengthening leadership capability and ensuring organisations are equipped to achieve their ambitions.

They influence far beyond the People function, acting as trusted advisors to CEOs and Boards on organisational effectiveness, leadership succession, workforce planning and cultural transformation.

Landmark Scottish institution representing talent development, leadership excellence and organisational culture. Livingston James specialises in Chief People Officer executive search and People Leadership recruitment, connecting organisations across Scotland and the UK with high-calibre HR and people leaders.

At Livingston James, we help organisations identify People leaders who understand both the human and organisational drivers of success.

A Changing Leadership Mandate

The profile of the Chief People Officer has evolved significantly. Whether supporting growth in a founder-led business, professionalising a family-owned organisation, scaling an investor-backed company or leading transformation within the public or third sector, exceptional People leadership can have a profound impact on performance.

Looking Beyond Functional Expertise

Great People leaders bring more than technical HR knowledge; they influence decisions, challenge thinking and help leaders navigate complexity. They understand that culture cannot simply be defined by statements or values; it is shaped through behaviours, leadership and organisational design.

Livingston James has successfully appointed Chief People Officers, HR Directors and senior functional leaders across Talent, Organisational Development, Reward, Talent Acquisition, Learning & Development, Internal Communications and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

Impactful People leaders bring:

  • Strategic workforce planning
  • Leadership and succession expertise
  • Culture and organisational development capability
  • Change and transformation leadership
  • Executive and Board-level influence
  • Talent attraction and retention expertise
  • Diversity, Equity & Inclusion leadership
  • Employee experience and engagement insight

 

Leadership That Shapes Organisational Performance

The best People leaders create environments where individuals, teams and organisations thrive. They strengthen culture, increase capability and help organisations achieve their ambitions through their people.

Livingston James is trusted to identify People leaders who combine strategic insight, leadership credibility and the ability to create lasting organisational impact.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Get in touch directly...

To find out more about our CPO executive search services, please contact the following consultants.

Recent Case Studies...

Appointing two pivotal senior leadership roles for Albyn School

Glasgow 2026 Case study: Appointing the Executive team to deliver a new kind of games.

J.W. Filshill Case Study: Advising a Scottish headquartered wholesale business to embrace technological advancements and maintain its position as a market leader

Bute Energy Case Study: Supporting an investment backed onshore wind developer attract industry leading talent

Featured Assignments...

Famous for excellence.

Our dynamic team has experience advising in a wide range of industries and sectors.  We have led and developed businesses from board level, managing people and processes across countless specialisms and geographies. We can bring a unique perspective to your business needs.

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GROUP CHAIR

JAMIE LIVINGSTON

At Livingston James, an unwavering focus on the impact of our appointments is at the heart of everything we do.  We work in partnership with our clients and candidates to bring together leadership teams that transform organisations and careers for the better. 

Jamie Livingston

Together we achieve more.

Livingston James Group comprises two bespoke sub brands: Livingston James – our executive search and leadership advisory practice, and Rutherford Cross – our specialist finance recruitment practice. This wider group structure complements our robust search and assessment process, allowing clients to access our deep-rooted network and expertise.

Contact Our Executive Search Specialists

We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.

Livingston James Partners with Inspiring Scotland to Appoint Board Trustees

Livingston James is delighted to be partnering with Inspiring Scotland to appoint Trustees to its Board as the organisation embarks on an exciting new chapter.

Since 2008, Inspiring Scotland has worked towards a Scotland where everyone, no matter where they live or the circumstances they are born into, is given the chance to enjoy a happy, healthy life free from poverty or disadvantage.