In late 2025, we invested in a new executive search startup, Praeva Partners. Founded by former Drax Chief Executive Mark Sherman, Praeva combines technology-led service with a unique pod operating model and a genuine investment in its people, aiming to deliver a faster, more consistent experience for clients.

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Our co-founders, Michael and Graham Goodwin, have joined Praeva as financial director and chairman, while our associate advisor, John Toppin, joined as Chief Operating Officer.

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We sat down with Michael, Graham and Mark to find out more about the story behind the launch.

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‍Congratulations on making this exciting new deal! Tell us more about how it all came to happen.

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‍Mark: I'd been thinking about launching my own venture for a while. I'd spent years in senior roles and had seen across the market what worked – and what didn't. Too many firms make unsubstantiated claims, but behind the scenes, they're not set up to deliver on those promises. I'd started sketching out a different approach when I met Graham and Michael, and with their experience, we shaped it into something I'm genuinely proud of.

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‍Michael: Investments always take longer than you expect, and this was no exception. We were in discussions with Mark a while before the launch was announced, working together to strengthen the business plan and get everything in place. Mark brought a clear vision – particularly around how to attract and develop great consultants through genuine investment in people. We brought the experience to help him get there. It's exciting to have the business up and running, and the early reception has been super positive.

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‍What were your first impressions of one another, and have they been accurate? ‍

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Graham: I was drawn to Mark straight away – I saw something in him that I recognised from when I launched my own search firm nearly 25 years ago. That same ambition and drive. And it's definitely proven to be true.‍

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Mark: Graham and Michael make a great team. Graham's been there and done that – his experience building and selling a search firm has been invaluable. Michael brings the financial and investment experience that turns plans into reality. When they then introduced me to John, I knew we had a really strong team in place.‍

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Michael: From the start, Mark immediately struck me as commercial, well-connected, and clear on where he wanted to take the business. That hasn't changed. Combined with the experience and backing from Jigsaw, he's got everything he needs to make Praeva a success.‍

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So, what’s the long-term plan for Praeva? ‍

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Mark: We want Praeva to be the go-to partner for fast-growth private companies in Britain and Europe. I've spent years watching search firms claim to do things differently, but behind the scenes, it's smoke and mirrors – they're not set up to deliver.

We're taking a different approach: investing in technology to accelerate delivery, building a robust development programme so our consultants continue to improve, and structuring the business so our team genuinely shares in the success of our clients and Praeva. Get those things right, and the results follow.

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Graham: Praeva has high ambitions, and we are all really excited about what the future holds. Building a business equipped for success from day one requires careful planning and strategy; Praeva is designed around three core elements: clients, candidates, and colleagues. It’s going to be really important that we have the strongest team possible on board, so the pay and reward structure is set up to entice the best fee earners. Our internal culture and how we treat our people will ensure they stay with us for the long term. Clients and candidates benefit from this approach – the result will be that they know they’re working with the top people in the field.

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Tell us about the plan for 2026 ‍

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Mark: We’ve already kicked off the year with a strong start, having brought our first Principal on board at the start of January. Daria Koren has joined us to support the growth of our consumer practice, but she’ll also be instrumental in helping me shape the direction of the business in the first year.‍

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Michael: We all want big things for Praeva, but it will be just as important to get the foundations in place, so we build a strong business. A lot went on behind the scenes last year to get everything ready for launch, and the first year will be about executing those plans and positioning the business for an incredible finish by the end of 2026.

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Read more about the launch of Praeva Partners.