Ms. Sherilyn Shackell

biography

Sherilyn Shackell started her commercial life at the age of 16 when she took over responsibility for her parents’ retailing business.

This retail experience was augmented with a retail management position at the Sears group subsidiary Wallis. Sherilyn then embarked on a recruitment career in 1987 first with Link Connections and then at Highfield, (at that time a division of Realm Holdings), which she joined in 1993. After her promotion to Account Director, Sherilyn managed to both have her first baby and become head of research for the global executive search firm within Realm Holdings in 1995.

The following year saw Sherilyn continue to build the research organisation as well as having her second child. In 1997 she returned to Highfield as regional director south and embarked on establishing an executive search capability within Highfield, which is now the major part of the company’s business. She then devised a strategic vision for the business, which was followed with promotion to managing director in 1998.

Following a cultural change to shift the business from a sales focus to a delivery focus and the establishment of the Knowledge Centre – which remains at the heart of the business - the company was rebranded in 2000 and Sherilyn Shackell bought the business on 4 July 2001.

Sherilyn’s goals for Highfield include a five year growth plan, the establishment of the company as a benchmark for excellence within human resourcing and a reputation for innovation, as witnessed by new service introductions such as the company’s recently launched adfocus.

Sherilyn’s spare time is taken up with her family and an extensive circle of friends.