Discover the origin story of The Grichan Whitehouse Partnership to find out why we’re so passionate about what we do.
Founded in 2007 by Richard Hewitt, Grichan was established with a clear vision: to build a business that understood complexity, delivered quality, and consistently fulfilled its promises.
Drawing on his experience as Senior Vice President of Human Resources for a global outsourcing firm, Richard set out to challenge outdated search methodologies and introduce a more disciplined, intelligent, and results-driven approach to executive recruitment.
From the outset, Grichan set itself apart with project rigour, sector insight, and high delivery standards. It adopted process-led practices well ahead of industry trends, with quality at its core.
By 2009, the firm had expanded across the UK, Middle East, and North America. Martin Gammon’s appointment as Chairman in 2016 brought fresh leadership and entrepreneurial energy, leading to the launch of a Consulting practice in 2019.
That same year, Robert Smith founded The Whitestone Partnership, drawing on nearly 20 years with top-tier recruiters to launch a practice in Interim Management and Consulting, shaped by deep industry insight.
In 2021, the two firms merged to form Grichan Whitestone Partnership an integrated Executive Search, Interim Management, and Consulting firm built to meet evolving organisational demands. Its capabilities were quickly recognised: it achieved Silver status with the Institute of Interim Management (IIM) on first application and earned a place on the CCS Framework for Executive Search.
Over the years, the Grichan Whitestone Partnership has continued to evolve in response to market demands and client needs.
In 2022, it launched Whitestone Resourcing, a dedicated recruitment practice serving middle management roles, which has grown steadily since its inception.
At the heart of the Grichan Whitestone Partnership is a culture of inclusivity and integrity. We are proud to foster an environment where employees, candidates, and clients feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed.
Already have an idea of what you require?
We’d love to hear from you, we’re available on the below contact details and look forward to discussing your requirements.
Richard has provided a quality service to me over the last five years. What sets him apart is his speed of response in collating a shortlist of candidates. This ability comes from his extensive market knowledge, and his own personal tenacity and drive to get the right results for his clients. His amenable and flexible approach makes him very easy to work with.
MD and Client
I’ve known Robert for many years and have in that time both recruited through him and also taken advice and support from him as an interim exec consultant. In whatever capacity it has been Robert has in-depth and relevant knowledge of his sectors, he does have a dynamic & direct approach to action but mainly he is passionate and driven in what he does. Simply put, I trust Robert to do what he’s says he’s going to do, to have balanced objectives and to have the best interest for all parties at the heart of what he does. I wish Robert all the very best with The Whitestone Partnership and I know I will be doing business with him in the future.
Interim Programme Director and Client
Rob has continually demonstrated himself to be an asset and trusted adviser since our first interaction. His informative and collaborative approach positively guide both candidate and recruiter through the selection and engagement process. Prepared to invest his time in gathering and validating data, sharing insights and candid feedback to prepare and guide both parties to a successful appointment. Having a broad market knowledge, breadth of contacts, together with possessing the commercial acumen to interpret and appreciate the skills/experience required to achieve a positive outcome. Rob will return those late calls/emails and strive to appease all parties, demonstrating commitment and professionalism during direct engagement and beyond to foster and develop relationships.
Interim Account Director and Client
Working with Richard on ‘hard to fill’ and critical roles has always been a joy. It’s often about more than the spec itself and his sector knowledge, willingness to challenge thinking and ability to stay close to his client even when the going gets tough has always proven welcome and valuable. This is about commitment to the client and style and I have always found Richard approachable, engaging and easy to do business with. So have candidates, something which is critical in ensuring early positive engagement on sometimes fraught and hugely demanding projects.
Group HRD and Client
Richard has an excellent understanding of client requirements, he is someone who can be trusted to deliver in a professional, approachable and friendly manner. He also delivers which is key in this type of role.
CEO and Client
The experience as a candidate felt immediately as if you were being invested in; and were valued. There was a strong professional process of interviews and psychometric testing, which informed the suitability of skill set and experience; and allowed appropriate signposting of opportunities. I felt supported during interview and selection process and this has continued and evolved into a dual candidate/client relationship, with general professional support.
Candidate
I really like the way Rob works, communicates well, and gives a clear view of opportunities. When working with him I’ve found that he walks the client/interim line very well. I have also found Rob to be very supportive and tenacious on my behalf. One of the good guys!
Interim CEO and Client
I genuinely felt that as I went through the recruitment process, Susan was balancing the needs of the client with my own expectations and requirements. We worked as a partnership through the process and even at the point of offer, she took the time to make sure that it was as right for me as it was for her client.
I would thoroughly recommend Susan looking to partner with a senior search professional- she will ensure the process is fair and rigorous: but she will also bring humanity and balance to what can be a stressful time for client and candidate alike.
Having been both candidate and customer with Grichan Whitestone in both cases the key to success has been their focus on selecting candidates knowing that the relationship between the parties is going to work.
CFO
Susan is extremely passionate about the doing the right thing for both her clients and candidates. I have worked with Susan as both candidate and recruiter and she has listened carefully to my needs at every step of the recruitment journey. Susan is an authentic leader whose professionalism shines through in every interaction, a trusted confidante who strives for the very best outcomes for both candidate and recruiter. Susan builds strong lasting relationships and I would recommend her services to all within my network. She is one of a kind in the competitive world of recruitment!
Transformation Director – Construction
Thank you for helping me secure my new role. I would definitely score your professionalism, friendliness, and communication with me as 10/10. You provided me with great and invaluable support through the process.
It has been an absolute pleasure to work with you, and I look forward to staying in touch.
Candidate
I have worked with Susan on several assignments and always found her responsive and customer focussed. Susan is easy to work with and she balances the needs of the business with high levels of candidate engagement to ensure potential new colleagues are kept informed throughout the process. Susan always focuses on the right outcome, which is ensuring a high quality shortlist to select the right candidate for the business.
