Hugh Nickerson - Managing Director
Hugh founded Conundrum in 1994 (with fellow
director Rachel Goulding) and continues to take
an active hands-on role in all our projects and
assignments, leading the small dedicated
Conundrum team in the delivery of bespoke
solutions across a range of sectors.

Hugh has vast experience of working with
company owners, boards, management teams
and external investors to improve business
performance and address their often complex
and challenging people related issues.

email hugh

Rachel Goulding - Finance Director
After an early career in finance and administration at Deloittes, Rachel went on to join the Sutton Company, managing the leveraged buyout office in New York and London. Following 3 years as a Business Researcher at Palladine Private Equity, Rachel established Conundrum with Hugh Nickerson in 1994.

email rachel

Vicky Standing - Head of Research
Vicky began her career in Film PR and Marketing and went on to join the BBC in 1990 where as a journalist, researcher and ultimately producer at Radio 4, she was involved with a wide variety of programmes including 'Today' and 'Woman's Hour'. Since joining the Conundrum team in 2001 Vicky has played a key role in leading the research on behalf of all our clients and works closely with the Managing Director across all of the Conundrum service areas.

email vicky

Anne Gradwell - HR Consultant
With over 7 years experience in Human Resources consultancy, Anne has worked within both regulated and non-regulated industries with large corporations including Network Rail and Bank of Ireland Group as well as smaller start-ups and creative industries. Since joining the Conundrum team in 2007 she has been working with clients on all aspects of Human Resources management.

email anne

Mardeen Willows - HR Advisor
Mardeen started her career as a Sports Journalist, following her BA in English and Politics at the University of Cape Town. She went on to work in a variety of administrative and customer service roles within Publishing, Marketing and Communications. Mardeen has since had a progressive career in generalist HR, working with a UK Charity for 8 years. Currently working towards a postgraduate qualification in HR, she joined the team at Conundrum in 2010.

email mardeen

Katie Blake - Head of Learning & Development
Katie has 20 years of experience managing and delivering learning & development services to both technical and non-technical staff in the private and public sectors. Before joining Conundrum in December 2010 as Head of Learning & Development Katie worked for organisations including IBM, Symantec and Prince and her blue chip client base included Andersen Consulting, Guinness Plc, the NHS and Department of the Environment..

email katie