Alex Rawlings
Founder and Managing Partner
Alex is both the driving force and the name behind Raw Selection.
After spending several years navigating the risks of executive search, he became frustrated by a reactive and short-term recruitment industry. Alex noticed a trend of poorly experienced candidates being placed within Private Equity firms for a short amount of time before having to be replaced to keep up with the changing markets and requirements.
Alex became so passionate about de-risking executive search that he founded Raw Selection in 2017 to offer Private Equity firms and their Portfolio Companies a win-win solution: A meticulous search with a money-back guarantee.
While other firms focus on the here, now and exit, Alex looks at an organisation and their long-term vision, working backwards to determine the skills and experience needed and then working to both find and retain them.
Alex's Track Record:
- Blackford Capital upgrade existing mandate due to exceptional talent
- Blackford Capital secure a CEO for their e-commerce Outdoor Living Products roll up in the US
“Over the years, I have worked with many recruiting and staffing agencies, and there are a few key qualities I consistently look for in professional partners. As you read my criteria, I want you to know that Alex Rawlings and the team at Raw Selection have exemplified all these qualities at an exceptional level.
- True Partnership: I value recruiting partners who are genuinely invested in finding the best person to serve my organization—not just someone to fill a role. This means taking the time to deeply understand my company, its objectives, strategies, and, most importantly, its culture. Alex and his team have done this remarkably well.
- Determination, Grit, and Follow-Through: I look for partners who are relentless in their mission to achieve results. It's not just about the hours they put in; it’s about their unwavering focus on accomplishing the task. Raw Selection embodies this mindset.
- Professional Competence: While essential, I rank this last among my criteria because I take it as a given. That said, Alex and his team excel in their market knowledge, their ability to identify top talent, and their rigorous screening process. They consistently present only the most qualified candidates, saving me an incredible amount of time and ensuring we meet our hiring goals.
In summary, Alex Rawlings and Raw Selection are outstanding recruiting partners. I highly recommend them to anyone seeking to hire senior executives in the private equity space.”
Paul Doyle, Managing Partner, Blackford Capital
