James Carss, formerly of NRG, introduces Castle Peak Group, aiming to transform recruitment with a focus on diversity.
With significant international experience, Carss has positioned the firm to address the need for varied voices in leadership.
A New Chapter in Recruitment
James Carss, a former managing director of Newcastle recruitment agency NRG, has embarked on a new venture with the establishment of Castle Peak Group. This company is distinguished by its focus on diversity and inclusion within executive search operations. Mr Carss aims to leverage his extensive experience to foster more diverse leadership teams across various organisations.
Extensive International Experience
Mr Carss’s professional journey is impressive, spanning regions such as Asia and North America. Over 20 years, he has held senior positions in notable firms including JP Morgan, HSBC, and Standard Chartered. This global experience has equipped him with unique insights into the benefits of diversity and inclusion in business.
Commitment to Diversity
Castle Peak Group is one of the first in the region to centre entirely on diversity and inclusion. “There is nothing more important for effective boards than having a diverse range of voices,” Mr Carss stated, emphasizing the necessity for varied perspectives.
The firm has swiftly gained clients such as the Gentoo Group and Thirteen Group, reflecting the growing demand for diverse leadership in various sectors.
The North East is traditionally less diverse, but demographics are evolving. Newcastle’s ethnically varied population has risen to 20%, underscoring the importance of inclusive hiring practices.
Challenges and Opportunities in the North East
Despite its historical lack of diversity, the North East region is facing transformation. Only 15.6% of firms here are led by women, which is below the national average of 17.4% across England. This signals a significant opportunity for Castle Peak Group to influence regional business practices positively.
Businesses in the area often assume limited diversity absolves them of fostering inclusive leadership. However, Mr Carss argues, “As the region becomes more diverse, businesses have a responsibility to ensure their leadership reflects the communities they serve.”
Impact on the Housing Sector
The housing sector is notably proactive about diversity and inclusion, particularly at the board level. Mr Carss indicates that housing associations are eager to mirror the communities they serve, demonstrating a successful model of diversity in practice.
Gentoo and Thirteen are early clients of Castle Peak, highlighting the increasing recognition of diversity’s role in effective decision-making.
Moving Forward
Castle Peak Group is committed to expanding its team as it grows, positioning itself as a leader in diversity recruitment. Mr Carss is confident that the company’s growth will further fuel its mission to promote inclusive leadership.
The firm’s early success sets a promising precedent and aims to influence other sectors to adopt similar practices.
Concluding Thoughts
The introduction of Castle Peak Group marks a significant step towards enhancing diversity within leadership. Diverse teams are known to make better decisions, and Castle Peak Group is poised to lead this charge in the North East.
Mr Carss’s initiative stands as a beacon of change, pushing regional businesses to rethink and restructure their leadership dynamics.
Castle Peak Group is set to redefine executive recruitment in the North East with its emphasis on diversity.
This venture promises to align leadership teams more closely with the communities they serve.
