Elgin Shaw - Testimonials
Hear what our clients and candidates say about partnering with Elgin Shaw.
Hear what our clients and candidates say about partnering with Elgin Shaw.
At Elgin Shaw, we believe that the success of our clients is the best reflection of our work. Our commitment to excellence, partnership-driven approach, and deep industry expertise have allowed us to support some of the most ambitious transformation journeys across sectors.
Below is a glimpse into the experience of one of our valued clients:
"Partnering with Elgin Shaw during a critical phase of our transformation was one of the best decisions we made. We were facing a significant shift—modernising legacy systems, implementing cloud-first strategies, and building a tech organisation fit for the future. What we needed wasn't just recruitment support, but a partner who understood the nuances of strategic hiring at the executive level.
Elgin Shaw quickly grasped our vision and helped us define what the ideal technology leader for our future looked like. Their process was thoughtful, data-driven, and highly responsive. They didn’t just present candidates—they brought us the right individual who was able to step into the CTO role and lead with impact from day one.
Thanks to Elgin Shaw’s expertise, we’ve built a leadership foundation that has already accelerated our transformation roadmap and reinvigorated our technical teams. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to any organisation looking for true partnership in executive technology hiring.”
“In an industry where transactional relationships have, unfortunately, become the norm, working with Elgin Shaw was a breath of fresh air. From our first conversation, it was clear that this was not just another recruitment agency focused on KPIs and quick wins—they are true consultants in every sense of the word.
What impressed me most was their dual focus: they genuinely cared about our organisation’s strategic goals, and they were equally committed to finding the right opportunities for their candidates. That balance created a rare trust on both sides of the table. Elgin Shaw took the time to understand our culture, our leadership style, and the technical nuances of the roles we were hiring for—resulting in a smooth, efficient process and ultimately outstanding hires.
They went well beyond expectations—from market insight and talent intelligence, to post-placement follow-ups and ongoing relationship management. It’s clear they see this work as a partnership, not a transaction. That makes all the difference in building high-performing teams with long-term impact.
I would highly recommend Elgin Shaw to any business leader looking for a recruitment partner who values integrity, precision, and people.”
“Partnering with Elgin Shaw during a critical period of transformation within our digital division proved to be one of the best decisions we made. As a retail bank, navigating both technological disruption and heightened regulatory demands, we needed to strengthen our leadership bench with senior IT professionals who could not only execute but lead change at scale.
From the outset, Elgin Shaw impressed with their commitment to truly understanding the nuances of our organisation—our culture, strategic objectives, and the specific challenges of digital leadership in a highly regulated industry. Communication was a standout: we were kept fully informed at every stage of the process, with clear timelines, transparent feedback loops, and a collaborative spirit that made even the most complex hiring decisions feel manageable.
When minor challenges arose, they were addressed promptly and professionally. The level of responsiveness and problem-solving they brought to the table made us feel like we had an in-house talent partner—not just an external agency.
The candidates they delivered were of an exceptional calibre, and we’ve already seen measurable impact from those hires. I would not hesitate to recommend Elgin Shaw to any organisation recruiting in the senior IT or digital leadership space. Their diligence, insight, and partnership-driven approach set them apart.”
“As the CEO of a fast-growing fintech scale-up, I’ve worked with more than my fair share of recruitment firms over the years. Unfortunately, many have felt transactional—focused on hitting their own KPIs rather than truly understanding what makes a hire right for our company. Elgin Shaw proved to be the exception.
Their approach was thoughtful, tailored, and strategic. They took the time to dig deep into our needs—not just the job spec, but the context around our growth stage, culture, and future ambitions. This depth of understanding translated into a search process that was both efficient and effective.
We had been trying to fill a critical technical leadership role for over six months with little success. Within just six weeks of engaging Elgin Shaw, we had made a hire—one who has since become a key part of our leadership team. That result speaks volumes.
Their market insight, communication, and ability to balance both speed and quality set them apart. Elgin Shaw is not just another recruitment firm—they’re a genuine partner. I wholeheartedly recommend them to any organisation seeking a professional, high-impact recruitment experience.”
"In an industry often driven by volume and short-term wins, Elgin Shaw has proven itself to be a rare exception. Their approach is balanced, intelligent, and grounded in real understanding—not just of the roles, but of the dynamics between clients and consultants.
What impressed me most was their ability to calibrate both sides of the equation: they took the time to truly understand our technical and cultural requirements while also advocating responsibly for the consultants they engaged. This isn’t just recruitment—it’s relationship management done right.
Their team brings deep market knowledge, strong professional networks, and a pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset. When you need a partner who can deliver on complex needs with clarity and integrity, Elgin Shaw is one of the few names I’d recommend without hesitation."
I’ve worked with a number of recruitment firms across the IT space, but Elgin Shaw—and particularly Shakir Farooqi—has consistently stood out for all the right reasons. Their grasp of the tech talent landscape isn’t just broad, it’s deeply current and commercially relevant.
What sets them apart is their ability to think beyond keywords and job specs. They bring strategic thinking to hiring, translating complex business needs into clear recruitment outcomes. Whether it’s a senior digital strategist or a hard-to-find technical lead, they approach each search with care, insight, and urgency.
I’ve turned to Shakir on multiple occasions—not just for recruitment execution, but for informed, practical advice on market trends and hiring strategies across EMEA. That level of partnership is rare. And it’s exactly why Elgin Shaw remains a go-to for me and my team.