At Mercury Hampton, we’ve always been fueled by ambition, innovation, and a commitment to excellence. Our Co-Founder and Managing Director, Chris Hickey, embodies these values to the fullest. Last year, we were ecstatic to announce that the British Made Awards recognised Chris as the International Executive Search Business Leader of the Year 2024.
This incredible honour reflects Chris’s visionary leadership, his unwavering dedication to advancing talent acquisition in STEM fields, and his significant role in transforming Mercury Hampton into a global leader in talent intelligence and development.
Leading with Vision
A seasoned leader with 20 years of experience in STEM talent acquisition, Chris Hickey is no stranger to the challenges and opportunities of connecting top talent with businesses in fast-paced, high-stakes industries. From the beginning, Chris sought to redefine how organisations approach recruitment—not as a transactional process, but as a strategic, relationship-driven collaboration.
Under his guidance, Mercury Hampton has grown into a company operating in more than 20 countries worldwide, partnering with engineering powerhouses, groundbreaking manufacturers, and innovative private equity-backed firms.
Chris’s unique approach combines data-driven tools, market intelligence, and tailored strategies with a human touch, ensuring that every talent acquisition decision aligns with our clients’ business goals and culture. This ability to foresee industry needs while remaining adaptable has set Mercury Hampton apart and positioned us as a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.
Building Something Bigger
For Chris, growing Mercury Hampton has always been about more than just scaling the company; it’s about creating a lasting impact. It has been about building something meaningful, not just for the organisations we serve but also for the employees who make it happen every day.
“Our culture is what makes us stronger,” Chris often says. Hard work, humility, teamwork, and well-being form the foundation of Mercury Hampton’s ethos. This focus on building a supportive workplace fosters employee engagement and loyalty, ultimately leading to improved client results. Chris actively promotes these values, ensuring the team is motivated, valued, and equipped to perform at their best.
A Commitment to Innovation
One of Chris Hickey’s most impactful contributions to Mercury Hampton is his emphasis on innovation and future-ready solutions. Whether through advancements in psychometric assessments, the launch of cultural alignment tools, or the introduction of post-hire coaching initiatives, he has consistently pushed Mercury Hampton to explore uncharted territory in talent acquisition.
Chris’s leadership at Mercury Hampton is clear in his work on the PAX Performance Accelerator Programme. This initiative reflects both his vision and the company’s commitment to driving measurable business growth. Developed in partnership with Softools and hosted at Henley Business School, this immersive programme gives ambitious leaders, entrepreneurs and managers the strategies, tools and artificial intelligence insights they need to deliver transformation within a single financial quarter.
With Chris’s guidance, Mercury Hampton continues to tackle key market challenges, such as scaling operations, improving profitability, and building resilient, high-performing teams, by providing practical and effective solutions. The PAX Performance Accelerator Programme demonstrates Chris’s ability to identify emerging needs in the business world and his passion for helping others achieve lasting success.
Raising the Bar Across Industries
Chris Hickey’s recognition as International Executive Search Business Leader of the Year 2024 celebrates not only his achievements but also Mercury Hampton’s collective accomplishments as a company. By leading with innovation, fostering a strong organisational culture, and ensuring continually exceptional client outcomes, Chris has set the bar for what a talent acquisition leader can achieve.
Partner with a Visionary
Chris’s philosophy permeates every aspect of Mercury Hampton’s operations, ensuring that when you partner with us, you align with a team committed to your success. Work with an award-winning team led by an award-winning leader.
Contact Chris Hickey and Mercury Hampton today to experience innovative talent solutions that drive transformation and growth for your business.
Visit mercuryhampton.com or reach out directly via email at chris.hickey@mercuryhampton.com.