Meet Our Team

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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]

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Amy Osterley
Head of Development

As Head of Development, Amy supports the Managing Director in developing the business, both internally and externally.

She handles Searchlight’s internal recruitment, managing and training researchers and junior consultants, as well as continuing to recruit for our clients across the TV, film and arts industries.

Amy runs Searchlight’s Corporate Social Responsibility projects, which include regular collaborations with organisations such as the Royal Television Society, BAFTA, The Media Trust, the Princes Trust and the National Film and Television school. This is an area close to Amy’s heart and is something which Searchlight is committed to supporting.

Little known fact: Amy has an obsession with restoring mid-century furniture.

Email:[email protected]

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Victoria Lugg
Senior Consultant

Victoria worked in both TV production and post production for a number of years, gaining valuable knowledge of the industry as a result.

She now handles a broad range of searches within the media sector, with a particular interest in creative and production positions.

Prior to joining Searchlight, she worked with television and commercial clients providing them with background artists for both short and long form projects. She also worked as a professional actor, dancer and singer for over 10 years.

Little known fact: Victoria is a freelance fitness instructor and has been teaching in London and Kent for over 8 years.

Email: [email protected]

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Suzanne Boast
Managing Consultant – Advertising

Suzanne has worked in media recruitment for over nine years and has specialist expertise of recruiting for positions in post production, broadcast operations, advertising and creative.

She joined Searchlight in 2017 and now covers a range of junior to senior level roles within the industry and has an excellent little black book of contacts! She is passionate about building strong relationships and helping clients to find their perfect employees and candidates to find their perfect roles!

Little known fact: Suzanne is a bit of a coin collector. She especially loves unusual 50p’s and has about 30 in her growing collection!

Email: [email protected]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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]