Global Retail Recruitment is an international retail executive search firm specialising in Heads of, Director and C-level appointments across the Middle East, Asia and Europe since 2008.
We operate internationally:
• Middle East: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait
• Asia: Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, China
• Europe: EU markets and cross-border retail leadership appointments
Global Retail Recruitment is an international retail executive search firm focused exclusively on senior leadership hiring within the retail and consumer sectors. We support regional and global retailers with Heads of function, Director-level and C-suite appointments, delivering discreet, partner-led search across complex and high-growth markets.
We provide retained executive search services for retail organisations seeking experienced leadership across commercial, operational and strategic roles.
Our mandates include:
Retail CEOs and Managing Directors
Chief Commercial, Operations and Financial Officers
Regional and Country Heads
Retail Directors and Heads of Function
We are experienced in market entry, regional scale-up and transformation hires, supporting both international brands and locally owned retail group.
Clients work with Global Retail Recruitment for:
Retail-only executive search expertise
Direct partner involvement on every mandate
Discreet access to passive senior leadership talent
Cross-border search capability across emerging and established markets
We operate as a specialist boutique retail headhunter, offering speed, focus and sector depth alongside international reach.
Alongside large global executive search firms, we provide a specialist alternative for organisations seeking senior retail leadership with deep regional knowledge across the Middle East, Asia and Europe.
Organisations engaging Global Retail Recruitment typically require senior retail leadership where sector expertise, discretion and international experience are critical to success.
Current vacancies for international executives in the following functions: Retail Operations, Digital, E-commerce, Buying, Merchandising, VM, Marketing, Real Estate, Supply Chain, Logistics, HR, Finance, Brand, Franchise and more at senior managerial to Country, GM, C Suite
Due to the confidential nature of some vacancies we may not list these on our website so please get in touch.
Chief Executive Officer / Board of DirectorsThe Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) will lead and optimise all HR operations across the organisation,...
VIEW DETAILSCandidates must be Arabic and English fluent, have previous experience in transactional e-commerce (i.e., a platform that sells physical products, not...
VIEW DETAILSChief People Officer (CPO)Location: Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | Nationality: Saudi National | Sector: Banking / Financial ServicesWe are seeking a visiona...
VIEW DETAILS“I have had the pleasure of working with Neil during the course of my current job search. He is a breath of fresh air in the recruiting world….Neil understands the importance of customer service to both his retained clients and the candidates he contacts on their behalf. Neil provides top notch follow up and helpful insight and has an intimate knowledge of the retail world and the contacts to back it up. I would highly recommend him!”
Business Director – USA – Fashion“Neil is a pleasure to work with. He has excellent communication skills, is always totally supportive and offers valuable guidance. He is an expert in his field, and can be trusted to do the best for his clients and candidates.”
COO – Fashion – Russia“The high level of service Neil delivered was second to none, the detail and information he provided was excellent and he guided the recruitment process on behalf of adidas consistently with consummate professionalism and expertise. I would highly recommend Neil and Global Retail Recruitment.”
Marketing Director – lifestyle fashion – Europe“In these very difficult times many recruiters/agents are guilty of not providing an equal and balanced service to both client and candidate, this is not true of Neil. I have no hesitation in stating that Neil has always operated with the utmost integrity and professionalism, he has always delivered what he promised and has always been accurate, honest and timely in his feedback. I strongly recommend Neil to both potential clients and candidates. One of the best out there.”
COO – Fashion -UAE“Neil Oviatt is an excellent, dedicated and thorough professional who recognised my skill sets and desired next stage of development and matched me with a great company. He has an instinctive feel for what makes a good match for both candidate and recruiter and he endeavours the best results for both parties. Throughout the process, he was very helpful and reliable and was always available for advise. His contribution and support through all stages of the recruiting process has been invaluable thanks to his commendable guidance, understanding and great communication and negotiation skills. I would definitely recommend Neil to anyone and I wish him every success in the future.”
Head of Merchandising- Fashion lifestyle – Spain“Neil Oviatt was the consultant who found me a role working in the Middle East. Neil’s integrity and honesty were first class and his communication was excellent. The whole process was dealt with in a truly professional manner. Neil is the best consultant I have ever worked with”
Supply Chain Planning Manager“I would like to express my sincere appreciation for the support and coaching towards my recent offer. Your preparation, advice, 24-hour fostering and encouragement helped to build an enjoyable process and relationship”
Regional Manager“As an ex Tesco colleague I know many people who equally hold Neil in the highest regard and equally pull on his services. A great communicator who is highly effective and self-driven, a superb character with a wicked sense of humour. A pleasure to do business with and know!”
Country Director – Food“I worked directly with Neil and he is quite frankly the best retail recruitment agent that I have ever dealt with.”
Sales Director – Fashion“It is an absolute pleasure doing business with Neil! He has a great network, is very responsive, flexible and gets client needs. Working with him feels like working with an immediate extension of the recruiting department.”
Vice President – HR – Global Luxury Fashion“Several recruitment assignments in Saudi were handled by Neil Oviatt. He is very professional and hardworking and invariably produces a good shortlist of candidates. His speed of response to urgent assignments is exceptional and he will happily work weekends and evenings to get the job done. What a difference a day makes!”
CEO – Saudi Arabian Retailer“With Global Retail Recruitment, if an ‘on-demand’ recruiting service is what you’re looking for…you’ve found it.”
Head of Recruitment & Organisational Development – Large fashion retail in 10+ countries“Global Retail Recruitment has delivered exceptional service at a reduced cost. This is an agency with service, communication and honesty at the core. They produce excellent results through productive methodology whilst ensuring all parties are consistently updated. They will always be my first port of call.”
Business Director – Fashion“Finally a recruitment consultant that you would actually have a beer with! Its always a difficult balance in the recruitment industry as the client is paying you and the candidate is mostly incidental and there you are, as the agent, stuck in the middle between the unrealistic expectations of both parties, however, Neil managed to do this. Highly communicative, supportive and with a great deal of integrity. For Neil, it seems to be about relationship building and matching…quality versus quantity or the perfect candidate for the perfect opportunity. I’ve been a candidate and in the future, I will definitely be a client as well as soon as the first opportunity arises”
Chief Operating Officer – Food Retail – India“Global Retail Recruitment has delivered exceptional service at a reduced cost. This is an agency with service, communication and honesty at the core. They produce excellent results through productive methodology whilst ensuring all parties are consistently updated. They will always be my first port of call.”
Consumer Electronics – Middle EastGlobal Retail Recruitment is an international retail executive search firm focused exclusively on senior leadership hiring within the retail and consumer sectors. We support regional and global retailers with Heads of function, Director-level and C-suite appointments, delivering discreet, partner-led search across complex and high-growth markets.
We provide retained executive search services for retail organisations seeking experienced leadership across commercial, operational and strategic roles.
Our mandates include:
Retail CEOs and Managing Directors
Chief Commercial, Operations and Financial Officers
Regional and Country Heads
Retail Directors and Heads of Function