Sophie is Director at Livingston James, supporting C-Suite and Chair / Non-Executive appointments for businesses across the UK. She is an executive search expert offering comprehensive search & selection and leadership consulting services, with a particular track record supporting private equity firms and their portfolio companies. Sophie is also responsible for the growth of the firm’s energy offering and presence across Scotland.
Sophie is hugely passionate about, and well-networked within, the start-up / scale-up market of Scotland and building relationships with Founders and Entrepreneurs to bring impactful leadership solutions to help unlock future growth. Along with the Livingston James team, Sophie has built a community of Fractional C-Suite talent to help facilitate introductions to further support this ecosystem.
Sophie was appointed as Group Commercial Director in January 2024 and is responsible for the Group’s commercial and marketing initiatives across Scotland.
In addition to search, Sophie offers a steady pipeline of strategic introductions, curated thought leadership and tailored people advisory services. She looks to develop long-term strategic partnerships that build winning leadership teams and create substantial value. Sophie also founded “No Diversity, No Deal”, a movement and event series created to empower the next generation of female founders / operators / investors within the private equity and deals communities of Scotland.
Sophie is a graduate of Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen with a BA (Hons) in Management with Marketing and attended University of Michigan, gaining a distinction in Communications & Event Management and Recovery Management. She also completed a year-long internship with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Upon graduating, Sophie was a key member of an FTSE 250 listed business in Aberdeen before joining Livingston James Group in 2015.
Originally from Ireland, Sophie is a well-travelled individual, attending 12 schools across the world. She takes an active part in her community and is a Trustee for Outward Bound (Scottish Council), an educational charity that inspires young people to believe they can achieve more than they ever thought possible. For 9 years, Sophie also sat on the committee of the Wooden Spoon Charity, a charity which supports disadvantaged children across the UK & Ireland.
Sulmara is an international, private equity-backed business operating in a growth-oriented and evolving market. The role requires an individual who can balance financial discipline with commercial awareness, and who is capable of contributing meaningfully to both the day-to-day operation and the long-term strategic direction of the business.
Livingston James Director, Sophie Randles, explores how CPOs navigate private equity environments, and why well‑judged leadership appointments are central to value creation.
Last month, No Diversity, No Deal (NDND) celebrated its 10th event in style. NDND has always been a movement grounded in a simple truth: diverse teams make better decisions, better deals, and a better ecosystem for founders and leaders. The conversations at this event reinforced that mission at every turn.
Livingston James was delighted to run the latest instalment of our NED Forum series yesterday, bringing together aspiring, new, and experienced NEDs for an energising and practical discussion on what it really takes to be an effective Non Executive Director within a family owned business.
Our latest newsletter is live! We have featured our recent news, views and key job opportunities, as well as our events programme.
Highlights from Livingston James’ latest Future CEO report, produced in association with EY, were featured in an exclusive article by The Scotsman.
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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.
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.
We’d be delighted to provide further information. Get in touch with our team to find out how we can help you.
Despite possessing skills increasingly valued in modern leadership, such as emotional intelligence, change leadership, and organisational capability, HR leaders rarely progress to CEO roles. Livingston James Director, Ali Shaw recently shared insights from our latest research report in association with EY: The Future CEO Report, and how these findings can support succession planning for HR leaders.
East Park is a well‑established Scottish charity delivering specialist education and care services for children and young people with complex support needs. The organisation has a long history of providing safe, nurturing environments that enable young people to develop, grow, and prepare for adulthood.
The Chief Executive will lead the organisation overall, setting clear strategic direction and overseeing day‑to‑day delivery, while working closely with the Board to secure East Park’s long‑term sustainability and positive impact.
Acrux Gold is a vertically integrated precious metals business and the parent company of SGZ Cononish Limited, operator of Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine, with operations in the UK and South Africa.
Acrux Gold is appointing a Head of People & Culture to establish and lead the people function, supporting international growth and building the capability, culture and infrastructure required for long‑term operational success.
Despite possessing skills increasingly valued in modern leadership, such as emotional intelligence, change leadership, and organisational capability, HR leaders rarely progress to CEO roles. Livingston James Director, Ali Shaw recently shared insights from our latest research report in association with EY: The Future CEO Report, and how these findings can support succession planning for HR leaders.
East Park is a well‑established Scottish charity delivering specialist education and care services for children and young people with complex support needs. The organisation has a long history of providing safe, nurturing environments that enable young people to develop, grow, and prepare for adulthood.
The Chief Executive will lead the organisation overall, setting clear strategic direction and overseeing day‑to‑day delivery, while working closely with the Board to secure East Park’s long‑term sustainability and positive impact.
Acrux Gold is a vertically integrated precious metals business and the parent company of SGZ Cononish Limited, operator of Scotland’s only commercial gold and silver mine, with operations in the UK and South Africa.
Acrux Gold is appointing a Head of People & Culture to establish and lead the people function, supporting international growth and building the capability, culture and infrastructure required for long‑term operational success.
