Specialist Recruitment — Africa

Placing exceptional talent across Africa's financial markets

Walker Phillip is a privately owned recruitment firm based in Cape Town. We conduct discreet search assignments for Asset Management, Private Equity & Management Consulting firms operating across Africa.

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8,500+
Registered Candidates
Since 2016
Established in Cape Town
3
Core Sector Specialisms
Pan-Africa
Regional Coverage
Who We Are

Your trusted recruitment partner for Africa's financial sector

We generate exceptionally accurate information on the talent force that enables us to act as true consultants to our clients, ultimately ensuring they hire great people who can deliver significant returns on investment. In a highly competitive talent war, an experienced Recruitment Partner ensures your company stands out as an employer of choice.

Discreet Search

Confidential executive-level assignments managed with complete professionalism.

Market Intelligence

Deep salary data and talent mapping across Africa's financial services landscape.

Advisory

Strategic HR consulting on remuneration structures and succession planning.

Pan-African Reach

Specialist knowledge of labour markets across the African continent.

Our Expertise

Sector Specialisms

01

Asset Management

We partner with asset managers across the full investment lifecycle — from portfolio management and research to operations and distribution. With 8,500+ registered candidates, we hold some of the most accurate salary and market data in the sector.

Portfolio Managers Analysts Distribution Operations Compliance
02

Private Equity

Covering private equity, investment holding companies, corporate finance houses, private credit, and venture capital firms. We identify top-tier investment professionals who can drive value creation and deal execution across the continent.

Investment Professionals Corporate Finance Private Credit Venture Capital
03

Management Consulting

We recruit for strategy, operations, and implementation consulting firms seeking experienced professionals to serve clients across Africa's rapidly evolving markets — from Big Four to boutique advisory.

Strategy Operations Financial Advisory Risk Consulting
How We Work

Our Services

Retained Search

Business-critical executive appointments managed with exceptional detail and big-picture thinking. We identify, target, and place the right talent for your organisation.

We conduct search assignments for clients who require business-critical appointments. Our detail is exceptional, and with big-picture thinking, we pride ourselves on identifying and targeting the right talent for your business.

During the interview stage, we gather feedback and manage candidate expectations—serving as your trusted advisor throughout the process.

Market Mapping

Tailor-made intelligence on the candidate pool in your market. A cost-effective way to assess talent for succession planning or future expansion.

Market Mapping provides our clients with tailor-made in-depth intelligence of the candidate pool in their market, and is a cost-effective way of assessing potential candidates without conducting a full search.

It's an excellent solution for clients that may:

  • Be focusing on succession planning, and wanting to identify ideal candidates should the need arise.
  • Have no immediate recruitment requirements, but be well placed to move quickly if required.
  • Be intending to expand into new territories, and deciding between recruiting new talent or deploying existing staff.

Salary Benchmarking

With 8,500+ registered candidates in financial services, we hold exceptionally accurate salary data. We also publish an annual salary report each February.

Remuneration is one of the most hotly debated topics in business, and a lack of reliable data means there simply isn't an industry benchmark in the Asset Management sector. With 8,500+ registered candidates on our database, all in the same industry, we have exceptionally accurate salary data and are well placed to advise on your remuneration structures.

Additionally, we publish an annual salary report each February, which is available to clients upon request.

Interim & Contract

Proven professionals for turnarounds, projects, reporting seasons, or M&A. Our database of interim specialists allows us to move quickly when your business needs it.

The modern interim professional is much more than someone filling a gap at short notice. The needs of our clients typically require a professional who can fill a specific short-term skills gap—such as a Business Turnaround Specialist or interim CFO.

As an organisation evolves, so does its requirement for human capital. An interim appointment is often a perfect solution during company turnarounds, projects, reporting seasons, or mergers and acquisitions. Our database of proven interim professionals allows us to move quickly to help your business keep moving.

Our People

Meet the Team

A dedicated team of recruitment specialists with deep financial services expertise.

Gavin Walker

Gavin Walker

Managing Director

After 10 years as Director of an international search firm living in London and Dubai, Gavin established Walker Phillip in 2016.

Gavin continues to manage his own portfolio of clients who utilise his expertise of labour markets, HR advisory, and discreet professionalism in managing confidential appointments.

He lives in Cape Town with his wife and two children, and is a keen rugby fan and self-appointed braai master!

Craig French

Craig French

Recruitment Consultant

Craig brings over 20 years of experience across global financial markets, combining deep investment expertise with a strong track record in business development and strategic advisory.

He previously served as Head of Business Development at Visio Fund Management, which he joined in 2012 after returning from the US and UK. During his tenure, he was a board attendee and a member of the Executive Committee, as well as the Risk & Compliance and Credit Committees.

Based in Cape Town, Craig lives with his wife and two children. He is an active networker, a dedicated runner, and serves on several boards, including education-focused NGOs.

Cindy Campbell

Cindy Campbell

Research Associate — Financial Services

Cindy has 17 years of experience in HR and Recruitment, with a strong focus on Financial Services. Her approach is people-centric, and she is committed to building meaningful relationships with both candidates and clients.

Outside of work, she is a dedicated family person, married with two young boys who keep her on her toes. Cindy loves camping and spending time outdoors, making lasting memories with her family and friends.

Heidi Templeton

Heidi Templeton

Research Associate — Asset Management

Heidi joined Walker Phillip in August 2023, bringing asset management industry knowledge from her 13-year corporate career at a global Asset Manager.

She maintains close relationships with candidates and clients to gain market insights and ensure a seamless recruitment process. Heidi enjoys using her research, project management and consulting skills to make successful placements.

She lives in Cape Town with her husband and son, and enjoys nature, travelling and family time.

Catherine Woodhead

Catherine van der Merwe

Research Associate — Private Equity

Catherine completed her Business Science Organizational Psychology degree at UCT and has combined her passion for people and business through a career in investment recruitment.

Catherine specifically manages all private markets recruitment, covering private equity, investment holding companies, corporate finance houses, private credit, and VC firms.

When not engaged in all things private markets, Catherine is a keen water sports enthusiast and enjoys spending time with family and friends.

Jessica Smuts

Jessica Smuts

Business Assistant & Research Associate

Jess joined Walker Phillip in February 2025 after finishing her studies at the University of Cape Town, completing a Postgraduate Degree in Entrepreneurship.

She works closely with Gavin to streamline operations, enhance efficiency, and drive growth in the business through strategic projects.

Jess has lived in Cape Town her whole life and enjoys horse riding, travelling and playing tennis.

Our Vision

The recruitment partner of choice for Africa's financial markets

We continually improve our knowledge of the macro and micro economic issues across Africa so that we can act as true advisors to our clients.

Time and again a confidential recruitment partner is proven to deliver high calibre candidates. In a highly competitive talent war, an experienced Recruitment Partner will ensure that your company stands out as an employer of choice to top talent, whilst maintaining credibility and confidentiality for all parties.

Let's discuss your next appointment

Whether you're hiring or exploring opportunities, we'd love to have a confidential conversation about how Walker Phillip can help.

Phone +27 21 035 1402
Email information@walkerphillip.com
Office Brookside Office Park, 11 Imam Haron Road
Claremont, Cape Town 7700
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