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Alka is an Associate Partner in our Consumer Practice. She specialises in recruiting senior leadership positions across the UK within the commercial, marketing, digital, and operational functions. Alka is supported by her PA Lisa Waite.

Alka has over 20 years’ executive search experience working across a wide range of consumer, retail and leisure businesses, including blue chip organisations and family and privately owned businesses. Prior to joining Berwick Partners, Alka held senior management positions within boutique executive consumer and retail search organisations.

I am passionate about working with candidates and organisations, acting as an advisor to both. I see my role as one that helps organisations achieve success (not just financial) through the appointment of inspiring leaders.

Alka graduated from Kingston University with a 2:1 Honours Degree in Business Studies. Away from work, she loves to travel and experience different cultures, and particularly enjoys visiting historical cities and sites and reading about some of the most influential dynasties of the past. A good autobiography is also a must for Alka, as well as spending time and sharing good food with family and friends.

TESTIMONIALS

Alka took the time to thoroughly understand the dynamics of this 240 year old family company and supported us from Job definition through selection to successful appointment. The brief was interesting as the appointment was to be the the first non-family leader of the organisation after 8 generations of close family stewardship. With a royal warrant and strong brands in numerous sub-niches of the textile industry, the successful candidate has to be a great combination of technical, commercial and managerial skill. The challenge was met and the company is enjoying success through re-investment and exciting product development.

Alka was perceptive and always helpful. The process of defining the person spec was well done and we got a good short list as a result. The two final candidates were great and we were able to appoint very well with no fuss.

Managing Director, AW Hainsworth

My Articles

How Leadership Expectations Have Evolved
Over the past two decades, the expectations placed on retail leaders have undergone significant transformation. From the traditional routes to…
Sarah Findlater, Group HR Director at Marks & Spencer talks Flexible Working
In the latest episode of Berwick Partners’ and Odgers Berndtson’s Leadership Series, Alka Gandhi, Head of Retail in our Retail, Consumer & Leisure Practice was…
Leadership & Transformation - delivering significant change
Post-pandemic many leaders continued to wrestle with a number of constantly changing economic challenges and delivering transformation, innovation and leadership against this…
Transformational Leadership: An Interview with Ann Steer, CEO at online retailer Freemans
In our latest Transformational Leaders Interview series, Alka Gandhi, Head of Retail at Berwick Partners executive search firm recently interviewed Ann Steer, Chief Executive…
Transformational Leadership...Five minutes with Ian Watson, CEO of the Unbound Group
In our latest Transformational Leaders interview, Berwick Partners’ Alka Gandhi speaks to Ian Watson, CEO of the Unbound Group about leadership, lessons and the advice gained…
Sustainability: Cost, challenges and courage
Jo Whitfield joined the Co-op in 2016 as Finance Director for Co-op Food Group and became Chief Executive in 2017 making her the first female CEO of a British food retailer.…
A focus on Diversity & Inclusion: Helen Webb, Chief People Officer, The Co-Op Group
Berwick Partners were delighted to speak with Helen Webb about The Co-Op Group’s commitment to delivering diversity and equality, as well as the importance of holding its…
The legacy of leadership in times of crisis with Steve Murrells, CEO of The Co-Op Group
Steve Murrels became Co-op Group CEO in March 2017 having previously led the Co-op’s food business. He was a key part of the executive team who rescued and turned around the…
From operational to strategic leadership: Nick Collard, Chief Customer Officer at Holland & Barrett
Berwick Partners were delighted to speak with Nick Collard, Chief Customer Officer at Holland & Barrett. Alka Gandhi spoke with Nick about his transition from operational…