Case study: Chief Executive recruitment | Ygam
We were delighted to support Ygam with the recruitment of their new Chief Executive. Read on to learn more about the process.
Candidate reflection
Emily Tofield said:
“Ygam has reached record numbers of young people as part of its critical mission to protect children and young people from gaming and gambling harms and to help safeguard their digital futures. As a passionate advocate for the benefits of prevention, it is a huge privilege to take on the role of Chief Executive of such a respected national education and prevention charity whose work already makes a difference to so many. High-quality, inclusive, evidence-based, preventative education around gaming and gambling harms remains as important today as when Ygam was founded, and I’m looking forward to working with the impressive Ygam team to further grow its reach, partnerships and impact in the years ahead.”
On her experience of working with Peridot:
“Peridot properly understands the mission and purpose of the organisations they are recruiting for, but also what skills they might need to ensure their future success. You get the impression that Peridot has really done the work on their briefs and know what skills, breadth and ideas the organisations they are supporting might need for future success. This allows Peridot to cast its net wider than the usual suspects, speaking to candidates with deep, senior cross-sectoral experience who might not have thought of some of these roles before. Peridot’s consultants are open and accessible, and properly guide candidates through the process, so by the time you reach the later stages you feel extremely well briefed.
What sets Peridot apart is their deep understanding of mission-driven organisations – their hopes, challenges, and the leadership capabilities they’ll need next. Their rigorous approach broadens the field beyond the obvious candidates, bringing fresh senior perspectives into play. The consultants are accessible and exceptionally well briefed, making the whole process both thorough and supportive. I can’t recommend them highly enough.”
Category: Case studies
Consultant in charge
James Hunt
Director | Membership & Development
James Hunt is a senior executive search specialist with over two decades of experience connecting exceptional leaders with purpose-driven organisations. As Head of Not for Profit Appointments at Peridot Partners, he has led 300 specialist, senior and board-level searches across the UK's charity, membership and higher-education sectors.
His portfolio spans appointments for organisations as wide-ranging as the Chartered Insurance Institute, Stonewall, University of London, IOSH and Migrant Help. James is trusted for his insight, rigour and empathy when working with boards navigating complexity or transition.
Inclusive recruitment is central to his approach. As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, neurodivergent and an immigrant who has made the UK home, James draws on lived experience to embed fairness and belonging into every search. He is a Trustee and sits on two Committees of a large charity, and is a member of Peridot's EDI, L&D and People Committees. He actively challenges assumptions, opens space for underrepresented voices and builds transparent, psychologically safe recruitment journeys.
James believes that great leadership is grounded in vulnerability, creativity and empathy. These values shape his work with candidates and clients alike, helping to build long-term relationships and leadership teams that reflect the societies they serve.
