Macmillan Davies boosts London HR Recruitment Team

Specialist HR recruitment consultancy, Macmillan Davies, has expanded its London-based team with the hire of experienced recruiter Chris Pestell to the new role of Recruitment Director.

In his new position, Chris is specialising in the recruitment of high-quality, experienced HR professionals, for financial services organisations across London and the South, with reportedly at more than half of businesses (55%) expected to increase their workforce in the next 12 months according to the latest statistics from Lloyds Bank.

Chris Pestell is rejoining Macmillan Davies as a Director, bringing more than 15 years’ experience in recruiting exceptional HR talent across the UK and internationally. A trusted partner to CEOs, HR leaders and investors, Chris has built a reputation for helping high-growth organisations attract senior HR professionals who shape and scale successful people strategies.

His expertise spans the FinTech, SaaS, Media, Consumer and Private Equity-backed sectors, where he has supported clients with both interim and permanent recruitment solutions. Known for his consultative approach, Chris combines deep market insight with a strong network to deliver impactful hiring strategies that go beyond traditional search.

Before returning to Macmillan Davies, Chris held senior leadership roles with several respected recruitment firms, including TalentEdge and KM4HR, where he led HR hiring for high-growth and PE-backed businesses.

Chris’s return to Macmillan Davies reflects his enduring passion for connecting outstanding HR talent with ambitious organisations and his commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for clients and candidates alike.

“With the latest figures confirming that many organisations across London and the South are continuing to invest in senior talent to drive their future growth, returning to Macmillan Davies, a dedicated HR recruitment consultancy with a long-standing reputation for excellence, felt like the natural next step in my career,” says Chris.

“I’m delighted to be rejoining a business that truly understands the value of strategic HR leadership and shares my passion for connecting exceptional HR professionals with ambitious organisations. The culture and values at Macmillan Davies are second to none, and the support I’ve already received from colleagues has been outstanding.

“I look forward to working closely with clients to help them secure the best HR talent in the market, and to one of the most rewarding aspects of our profession, telling a candidate that their hard work and dedication have led to a well-deserved offer.”

Macmillan Davies’ Managing Director Darren Hayman adds: “Confidence in the UK economy is on the rise, with the majority of UK regions and nations experiencing improved business expectations for the year ahead. Employment across private sector businesses has increased by 1.3%, and 16% of trading businesses expect their turnover to rise in October 2025.

“As the UK's longest-established HR recruitment consultancy, Macmillan Davies has recorded double-digit growth, driven by a buoyant market and a commitment to building long-term relationships with clients and candidates.” Darren adds, “Our expert teams provide an outstanding level of service, finding the right fit for both client and candidate, and Chris represents an excellent fit for this culture and our values, and we are delighted to have him rejoin the business.”