+971 (04) 410 8200 info@cordell-partners.com

Cordell Partners has originated from an inherent want and desire to do better for our clients, candidates and stakeholders. With over 14 years’ experience headhunting and operating in financial services in the UAE, the founding team from the City of London, live and breathe the ever changing local markets and are constantly adapting to the exponential growth of the GCC region.

Efficiencies and local nuances are key at Cordell Partners – we listen, we search and we execute the brief – we understand the pressure points of building and scaling your human capital in an emerging market. We are an Executive Search team and Head-Hunters who act at pace, without ever compromising on quality of product & service.

The race for excellence
has no finish line.

– Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum

Executive
Search

A retained ‘Exec Search’ service with global market mapping, the option of weekly consultative progress calls, and with a 99% success rate to fill the C-Suite position in your company.

Exclusive Contingent Recruitment

A success based model of contingent recruitment aligned to junior and mid-level management roles.

Cap Intro & Company Set Up

Cordell partners have an extensive market network of Government Institutions, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Private Equity Funds and Family Offices.

Market Insight & Benchmarking

Cordell Partners can provide current and live market intelligence reports, salary & benefit benchmarking exercises, market trends pertinent to the Middle East hiring market for your business.

Cordell partners have an extensive market network of Government Institutions, Sovereign Wealth Funds, Private Equity Funds and Family Offices. We pride ourselves on our commitment to empowering individuals and businesses alike, forging meaningful connections that fuel success. At Cordell Partners, we understand the crucial role human capital plays in driving a company’s growth. Our dedicated team of experts goes above and beyond to identify exceptional financial talent and match them with organizations that can truly harness their potential.

With our extensive network, industry expertise, and personalized approach, we empower businesses to build high-performing teams and individuals to unlock their full professional potential. Trust Cordell Partners to navigate the ever-evolving financial landscape, enabling your business to thrive and succeed in the competitive market.

The team at Cordell Partners attract human capital for some of the largest institutions in the GCC to the newest start up businesses pre-Seed and with incredible ambition to grow the financial services ecosystem.

Latest News & Media

Client Testimonials

Oscar was recommended to me by multiple very senior players who are in, or have worked in the investment industry in the region, and he has shown me why. Very knowledgeable, helpful and effective at what he does with a vast network. I think it is worth mentioning that Oscar also exceeds expectations on the personal side to, helping answer any questions people may have about making the move over to the Middle East.

William, Head of Operations, Abu Dhabi Hedge Fund

It is not everyday that one gets to work with a top recruiter like Oscar. Every step of the way he was very supportive and clearly communicated the role that he was recruiting for. Being very professional and on point with all aspects exactly what one would expect from a recruiter. He has been one of the best recruitment consultants that I have worked with and I would not hesitate to use him again.

Adam, Finance Director, Dubai Single Family Office

Oscar has a keen awareness of recruitment trends within the financial services industry in the Middle East and is among the trusted few I reach out to for insights and guidance. He and his team have been great partners over the recent years in my professional journey, both as a candidate and employee looking to recruit top talent and I have always enjoyed working with him. 

Apurva, Investment Director, Abu Dhabi Family Office

It’s a pleasure to work with Oscar. He’s highly engaging and goes out of this way to understand your business and define your needs, and is always on the end of the phone when needed. We wouldn’t hesitate in using Oscar for future hires or recommending him to other businesses

Mark, CEO, Dubai Private Equity Fund

Oscar is a true partner, he has the unique ability to understand the culture and heartbeat of the firm so that he is able to source the right candidates who can hit the ground running. A true asset to any organization hiring and his professionalism is second to none.
Not only that, but his work in giving back to the financial services community shows how he embraces the new ecosystem and wants to set the ‘gold standard’ in FS recruitment.

Khalid, Co-Founder, Dubai Fintech

I’ve been working with Oscar now for years, and he has been my go to person for all things recruitment, people agendas, market sizing, salaries, global outlooks and is an amazingly responsive person. He restored my faith in the headhunter space. He knows everyone and has a smile for all of them. Top chap and someone who I recommend hugely.

Dr. Bhaskar, Abu Dhabi NED & Senior Advisor

Oscar helped me secure a role almost immediately upon arrival to the UAE with a growing and much sought after firm. He was highly professional, easy to talk to and responsive to all my queries. Most importantly, Oscar made me feel like I was his only client by consistently checked in to advise me on progress of applications and interesting roles. I would highly recommend Oscar to anyone looking for a role in the financial services industry and have already passed his details on to fellow job seekers.

Nora, Senior Associate, Dubai GRC Consultancy

I’ve known Oscar for several years now, mostly as my trusted go-to individual for anything and everything around recruiting and talent management in the region. I admire him for being thoughtful, insightful and knowledgeable on all things recruiting, while being open, honest and succinct in his advice and feedback. Despite having worked with tons of recruiters, Oscar has been a real stand-out and the one I recommend to my network in the HC field!

Naheed, Head of HR, Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund

Oscar is a true business partner. He has a strong understanding of client needs, is able to hear what is being asked, and pays attention to the details. Countless times he has timely and consistently delivered on requests of varying complexity. Highly recommend his services

Karissa, COO, Dubai GRC Consultancy

My experience with Oscar as my recruiter was exceptional! He made each step of the recruiting process positive and fast. I was very impressed with his approach and he always made me feel like I was his number one priority. He was incredibly responsive and gave me great tips to make sure I felt prepared and confident going into my interviews. I would work with Oscar again in a heartbeat. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a recruiter who wants the best experience. Oscar is the reason I am getting to take the next step up in my career!

Ashlie, Operations Manager, Abu Dhabi Commodities Firm

Oscar has supported me over the last few years in recruiting talent in the region. He has provided a seamless service, identifying suitable candidates and always meeting the brief. Oscar has been instrumental both in our ability to quickly identify and hire talent but also helping me personally develop a strong network since moving to the region. Oscar is a true subject matter expert and always goes the extra mile.

Marcus, Head of HR, Dubai Bulge Bracket Bank

Oscar is a very well connected and highly skilled operator in his field, someone who offers far more than transactional flow, he has helped me and my businesses across a multitude of fields.

Sharaz, CEO, Dubai online trading firm 

I was delighted to work with Oscar to close a senior role timely and effectively. Oscar’s understanding of the role coupled with the excellent profiles of high potential candidates that he presented led to a successful hire. Oscar is a pleasure to work with.

Ergham, Head of HR, Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund

I have had the pleasure to interact with Oscar while he and his firm helped recruit staff for our firm in Abu Dhabi. He quickly gets the profile you look for, is super focused and dedicated to his clients and will stop at nothing to deliver. I would strongly recommend Oscar’s expertise for hiring talents in the region.

Christophe, SEO, Abu Dhabi Private Equity Fund

I’ve known Oscar for many years now and he’s always been very helpful, professional and knowledgeable about the local market. Always enjoy a catch up when we bump into each other in the DIFC!

Gita, Head of Compliance, Dubai Fintech

Oscar without a doubt is one of the most genuinely caring, reliable and professional recruiters to work with. He has a detailed understanding of the market and always provides helpful feedback! I never hesitate to recommend him to professional candidates in the financial sector or to other Government entities in Abu Dhabi.

Hanadi, Advisory & Promotions Head, Abu Dhabi Government Entity

Oscar was one of close to a hundred recruiters who contacted me when we announced the opening of our new office. Somehow he was the only one who made the right good impression. Eventually he showed me a candidate which we ended up making an offer to. Oscar found the right way to connect and deliver

Andrei, SEO, Abu Dhabi based International Bank

Oscar arranged a number of high-quality candidates at short notice and also organised all the logistics for interviews and follow-up processes with candidates.  After three full days with Oscar in his offices I had secured senior business management, HR, finance, operations and compliance functions. Consequently, we exceed expectations for office establishment.  This core team has been the backbone of an expanding UAE presence.

Trevor, Abu Dhabi Digital Trade Business

Oscar is an exceptional individual with great enthusiasm and desire to succeed. He always goes above and beyond which sets him apart from many others and peers. It’s been a pleasure to know him, I highly recommend working with him and wish him great success for all his endeavours.

Shriya, Investor Services, Abu Dhabi Hedge Fund

It is always an amazing experience working with you! Your knowledge and expertise is second to none. I value the great that you do, that you are always available for guidance and support and have impeccable timing. All the best from one of your biggest fans.

John, Head of Compliance, Dubai based International Bank

Oscar is a fantastic professional and excels in his field. He communicates well and remains proactive. Strengths that are difficult to find in the UAE which makes him stand out from the rest. Looking forward to working with Oscar again in the future.

Jay, Head of Compliance, Abu Dhabi Fintech

Since moving to the UAE Oscar has been a huge help in navigating the eco system and has assisted us and our portfolio companies in sourcing the best talent for growing the ADGM eco system.

James, CFO, Abu Dhabi Sovereign Wealth Fund

Oscar was outstanding throughout the assignment. He possesses an excellent knowledge of the local market and for my job search he quickly identified positions and target companies. Impressively, he took the time to really understand my experience and aspirations. This enabled a more intelligent and focused approach to the search. He also took the time to consider if I would be a good fit for the potential employer. This approach to recruitment is invaluable as it ensures positive outcomes for both the employee and the employer. Throughout the process he kept me well briefed and was very responsive to my questions. I found Oscar to be very personable and his advice was spot on! He is also professional and a pleasure to work with. Oscar is definitely an effective and driven individual and I have no hesitation in recommending him to others

Brian, Associate Director, Dubai Regulator

Socials

Cordell Partners

Contact Info

info@cordell-partners.com

+971 (04) 410 8200

Souk Al Bahar, Downtown, Dubai

Dubai | Abu Dhabi | London