Meet Our Team
Cathy Alford
Managing Director – The Searchlight Group
Cathy is the Managing Director of Searchlight Group Ltd.
Under her leadership, Searchlight has become one of the leading providers of Recruitment and Executive Search services to the media and entertainment industries.
She has significant experience of working closely clients to help shape their requirements, and is an expert at handling complex, senior-level searches right across our specialist sectors.
Cathy joined Searchlight from the BBC where she managed large, multiple-site teams of creative, operational and commercial staff & a significant P&L. In this key role she was instrumental in transforming the company into a commercial, outward-facing, client-focussed business.
Backed by an outstanding team, Cathy has helped build deep-rooted foundations in media & entertainment and she has ensured Searchlight can always be relied upon to assist with both recruitment & executive search in these sectors.
Little known fact: She was once a contestant on the Crystal Maze.
Email:[email protected]
Amy Osterley
Deputy Managing Director
With proven experience in leadership, Amy plays a key role in day to day management, and oversees the development of our very talented team.
She also leads all our corporate and social responsibility projects and has forged long lasting relationships with the Royal Television Society, BAFTA, the Media Trust, the Prince’s Trust and the National Film & Television School.
Amy has a superb track record in recruitment & executive search within the media and entertainment space. She specialises in commercial and corporate roles across all Searchlight’s sectors with a particular interest in production, distribution and the arts.
Little known fact: Amy has an obsession with restoring mid-century furniture.
Email:[email protected]
Georgia Williams
Account Manager
Georgia joined us in 2022 as one of our Researchers – in her time with Searchlight Georgia has grown her knowledge and experience in the industry. Georgia brings her proactive, driven and adaptable working style to the team – covering a range of roles, but specialises in Account Management positions across junior to senior level.
Little known fact: Georgia studied for a year in LA. During her time in LA, Georgia was an audience member for the Jimmy Kimmel show.
Email: [email protected]
Melanie Hill
Senior Administrator
Melanie joined Searchlight as Office Manager in 2001, moving on from a financial role at the BBC. Initially with a broad range of duties from administration, finance and research, she left to have twins, returning in 2010 to support the consultants with research and resourcing.
Little known fact: She trained as an actor, singer and dancer, and tap dances and sings at charity galas.
Email:[email protected]
Seth Cohen
Researcher
Seth joined Searchlight in 2022, having not long graduated from the University of Kent with a First in English and American Literature. With strong analytical skills acquired during his time at university, he supports our consultants with research, company mapping and administration.
Little known fact: Seth was a member of his university’s Drama society often donning his acting skills.
Email: [email protected]
Naren Chapaneri
Researcher
Naren graduated in Forensic Science and thereafter obtained a MA in Criminology. He has a long history of research experience, which he brings to the team, giving his input and nuances to help with the task at hand in a unique and timely manner. He brings his knowledge and steely determination, which helps get to the crux of the objective and get things done to a high degree.
Little known fact: Naren has a deep passion for poetry and has even been published.
Email: [email protected]
Tom Murphy
Group Marketing Manager
Tom is our Marketing Manager. Our company voice and ethos are of the utmost importance to us. Tom has come in looking to breathe new life into our social channels, supplying candidates and clients alike with refreshing and relevant content, industry updates and more. Tom studied marketing at the University of Plymouth and has gone on to work in the recruitment and telecoms industries, now turning his hand to the media industry.
Little known fact: Tom bakes on the weekends supplying local cafes in the Bournemouth/Christchurch area.
Email: [email protected]
Hayley Henry
Group Finance Director
Hayley is a Chartered Tax Adviser and Fellow Chartered Certified Accountant. With over 18 years experience in both practice and industry, Hayley is an exceptional accountant who oversees and directs the company’s financial operations.
Prior to working in Searchlight, Hayley has worked as an accountant in many different industries including, property, finance, retail, events and marketing. She has also been accountant to some of the UK’s top musicians & stars.
Little known fact: Before Hayley decided to become an accountant she was considering joining the Royal Ballet School of London.
Email: [email protected]
Dan Grant
Financial Controller
Dan joined the Searchlight team in late 2023 as our Financial Controller, having worked for the Searchlight Group since 2016. Dan has grown exponentially in his role with the group, his knowledge and skills have become invaluable to us and our clients.
Little known fact: Dan is the proud owner of a WWE tag team wrestling belt.
Email: [email protected]
