Olivia Roberts

Senior Director

VAE

Olivia is an executive search specialist leading our B2C practice across the Middle East.
She focuses on a broad range of sectors including retail, eCommerce, FMCG, telecommunications, travel and tourism, and entertainment. Olivia recruits top-tier talent in sales, marketing, communications, digital, and eCommerce functions.

With a career in recruitment dating back to 2012, she brings deep industry knowledge and regional expertise, having worked with a prominent UK-based recruitment firm and extensively across the Middle East. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Textile and Fashion Design from the University of Leeds.

Olivia's Insights

Interview with Susie Maher: how AI is reshaping legal talent and business development

  • Posted August 4, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Susie Maher is Head of Business Development – AI and Technology at Winston Taylor, a transatlantic law firm, where she leads their go-to-market strategy across the AI sector and their broader technology, media and communications practice. Susie connects market signals, where AI investment, regulation and disputes are heading, to concrete client […]
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How to become a Head of Communications

  • Posted Juli 29, 2026
Contents Share Key insights A Head of Communications plays a key role in shaping how an organisation communicates with employees, customers, stakeholders and the wider public. From developing communication strategies and managing crisis communication to protecting brand reputation and leading internal and external communications, the role combines strategic leadership with strong communication expertise. There is […]
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What does a Sales Director do?

  • Posted Juli 29, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Across Europe, Sales Directors play a critical role in driving business growth. They are responsible for developing sales strategy, leading high-performing teams and ensuring the organisation achieves its revenue targets. Whether you’re exploring and individual sales role or looking to progress into leadership, understanding the responsibilities of a Sales Director can […]

Relocation guide to Saudi Arabia

  • Posted Juli 20, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Relocating to Saudi Arabia is becoming an increasingly attractive option for marketing and sales professionals seeking career growth, tax efficiency and exposure to one of the most ambitious economic transformations in the Middle East. With Vision 2030 driving diversification across industries, opportunities are expanding rapidly in cities such as Riyadh, Jeddah […]
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The first 100 days: how commercial leaders drive value in PE-backed businesses

  • Posted Juli 17, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Stepping into a leadership role in a private equity-backed business is very different from joining a traditional corporate. Expectations are high, timelines are shorter and commercial leaders are often expected to demonstrate impact quickly. Understanding why marketing leaders fail in PE-backed companies and how to avoid the wrong hire can also […]
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How to become a Sales Director

  • Posted Juni 26, 2026
Contents Share Key insights For many sales professionals, becoming a Sales Director is a natural career goal. The role combines commercial leadership, strategic thinking and revenue responsibility, offering the opportunity to influence business growth while leading high-performing teams.  However, progressing into a Sales Director position requires more than consistently hitting sales targets. Employers are looking for leaders who can develop sales strategy, […]

Hiring your first sales professional in Germany 

  • Posted Juni 22, 2026
Contents Share Expanding into the German market is a major milestone for any business pursuing international sales growth. As the largest economy in Europe, Germany offers scale, stability and access to highly sophisticated buyers. But hiring your first sales professional in this market requires a tailored approach. From understanding local expectations to structuring an effective […]
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How to improve your recruitment process for marketing and communications talent

  • Posted Juni 16, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Many financial services employers assume hiring challenges are caused by a shortage of marketing talent. In reality, recruitment processes are often a major part of the problem.  While there’s no shortage of professionals in the market, the strongest candidates typically have multiple options. Long processes, unrealistic expectations and poor candidate experiences can quickly cause businesses to lose talent to competitors.  Improving your recruitment […]
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How US businesses can successfully bring marketing teams in-house

  • Posted Juni 16, 2026
Contents Share Key insights Over the past decade, many US businesses have shifted marketing capabilities from external partners into internal teams.   As organizations invest more heavily in marketing recruitment, they are increasingly looking to build internal capability that can support long-term growth, strengthen brand ownership and improve commercial outcomes.  For some organizations, this means building a fully in-house marketing team. […]
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Marketing Manager CV guide: how to stand out in today’s market

  • Posted Juni 16, 2026
Contents Share Key insights You’ll need a strong CV when applying for a Marketing Manager job. In an increasingly competitive market, employers are looking for more than campaign delivery experience. They want marketing professionals who can demonstrate strategic thinking, commercial impact and leadership capability.  Today’s Marketing Managers need to demonstrate creativity, commercial awareness and measurable results. Whether you’re applying for your first Marketing Manager role or stepping into a more senior position, your CV should clearly demonstrate the value you can bring to […]

Professional services hiring in 2026: how AI, data and commercial pressure are redefining marketing and BD roles

  • Posted Juni 12, 2026
Contents Share The professional services market is showing signs of stabilisation after a cautious start to the year. Hiring across marketing and business development is returning, but in a much more focused and selective way. Organisations aren’t simply rebuilding teams but redefining what good looks like across marketing and business development, driven by AI, automation […]