Meet the Managing Partners
Stephen Graves
Stephen is a founding member of Hamden Executive Search and has been instrumental in scaling the firm into a globally operating executive search business since its inception in 2010.
After establishing the Chemicals division, Stephen relocated to London to build and lead the Agribusiness division, working with multinational corporations and high-growth organisations to secure senior leadership talent across Europe and North America. He is known for his professional yet personal approach, delivering exceptional service and building long-term strategic partnerships with clients.
Daniel Riches
Daniel joined Hamden in 2015, beginning his successful career in executive search. Today, Daniel is recognised as a market leader in the global Consumer Goods, Plastics and Packaging industries. At Hamden, he founded and built the Consumer Goods, Plastics & Packaging division from its inception, developing it into our largest global practice.
With a proven track record of appointing senior leadership across EMEA, the Americas and Asia, Daniel combines deep industry expertise with a consultative approach, partnering with clients to align talent strategies with long-term business objectives. His commitment to quality and representation excellence has been central to his success.
Sam Walden
Sam joined Hamden in 2025 and has worked in executive search since 2009, where he spent his first 16 years at a global search firm. He has successfully partnered with multinational corporations and high-growth businesses to deliver strategic leadership appointments across the Chemicals, Coatings, and Animal and Human Nutrition & Health sectors.
Combining excellent management skills, strategic insight with hands-on search expertise, Sam is committed to building long-term partnerships and delivering outstanding results for both clients and candidates.
Lawrie Smith
Lawrie joined Hamden in 2025 and has worked in executive search since 2012, spending the first 13 years of his career with an international search firm, where he played a pivotal role in scaling the business worldwide. He has advised multinational corporations and scale-up organisations on strategic leadership and niche appointments across the pulp, paper, packaging and specialty chemical sectors.
With a strong blend of strategic insight, management operational discipline and direct search experience, Lawrie is dedicated to driving long-term success for clients and candidates across EMEA, the Americas and Asia.
Sam Farrell
Sam joined Hamden in 2025 and has worked in executive search since 2014. Today, Sam is a recognised market specialist across the global Animal and Human Nutrition & Health industries. Sam spent the first 11 years of his career at a global search firm, where he founded and built the Nutrition & Health division from the ground up, scaling it into the company’s largest global multi-million-pound sector.
Sam has an outstanding track record of delivering senior and strategic hires internationally, with a strong network across EMEA, the Americas and Asia. His success is built on a client-first approach, partnering closely with small, medium and large organisations, understanding their culture and objectives, and delivering top talent that drives innovation, growth and long-term value.
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