Leadership Team

Simon Wicks, CEO

Simon has worked in accountancy and finance recruitment since 1997. He initially spent six years with Hays Accountancy & Finance, where he grew the Swindon team before moving into a regional role heading up Hays’ qualified finance division. He then moved to Reed in 2003 where he swiftly established Reed Finance in the Southwest and South Wales, before a series of promotions which saw him grow the brand across the South, East, Midlands and London. Simon moved to Sheridan Maine as a Board Director in 2012 where he successfully established a brand new accountancy and finance business for them in the Southwest, before moving to nGAGE in 2014 to become CEO of Butler Rose.

Simon has an in-depth knowledge of the accountancy and finance recruitment market, combined with a track record of strategically growing successful teams whilst delivering first-class service to a range of client organisations.

In his spare time, Simon enjoys good food, travelling and spending time with his three sons. He also has an interest in particle physics and is a member of a Poker league!

Gareth Dagger, Director - South-West England

Gareth has over 15years’ experience of working in the Devon, Cornwall & Somerset markets, having previously worked as a Business Director for a global recruiter before joining Butler Rose in 2015.

Gareth is very well networked in the Accountancy & Finance market in the South West and has worked with a wide range of organisations in varying sectors, from SMEs to PLCs. He has recruited from newly qualified level, through to Finance Director & CFO roles, on both a retained assignment and contingency basis. He prides himself on providing an honest and consultative approach, offering impartial advice and understanding the pressures that go with recruiting a new member of staff or finding that next job. Gareth's ultimate aim is to find the right candidate for the right role, every time.

Outside of work, Gareth likes to spend time with his family and enjoys most sports. He plays football in a local league and also follows Exeter Chiefs, watching as many games as he can each season at Sandy Park.

Anthony Tait, Director – Bucks, Beds & Herts

Anthony has been in recruitment since 2004, when he joined a large national recruiter and swiftly won the ‘Best Newcomers’ award. He quickly carved himself a niche in the accountancy and finance market and in 2014 Anthony joined Butler Rose at its launch to head up the South Midlands division.

Anthony has vast experience in the mid-to-senior level accountancy and finance marketplace, with a large network of loyal clients and candidates. He has a proven track record of attracting talent into a range of clients from SMEs to large corporates, including working on an array of search and selection assignments.

In his spare time, Anthony likes fine dining, travelling and keeping fit. He also has a keen interest in many sports and in current business affairs.

Doug Greer, Divisional Manager – London & Home Counties

Doug has worked in accountancy and finance recruitment since 2005, after moving into recruitment from a finance career where he worked as a Financial Controller. Doug spent 12 years working for a large national recruiter where he was awarded a number of promotions, latterly to Senior Regional Manager managing 17 cost centres across 8 locations, before moving to a boutique accountancy & finance recruiter as a Director.

Doug joined Butler Rose at the start of 2021 to establish a team covering much of the London & Home Counties region and has grown a team of experienced recruiters servicing a range of clients across this region. As well as leading this team, Doug specialises himself in recruiting within the practice market, and is adept at securing quality talent for his clients in a candidate-short market.

James Turver, Divisional Manager – Lancashire & Cumbria

James has worked in the Lancashire Accountancy and Finance market since 2013. He started his career with a large national recruiter where he saw much success as Business Manager before working at boutique agencies. James joined Butler Rose in early 2021 to head up the Lancashire and Cumbria team. Covering newly qualified Finance roles all the way up to Finance Director/CFO level, James will tailor his service to his clients’ needs and has experience recruiting senior finance roles within both SME and corporate businesses.

James has a strong local network and looks to make long lasting relationships with candidates and clients alike. He uses a consultative approach to understand each vacancy and provide an honest assessment of the market whilst providing a strong shortlist of quality candidates.

Out of work James is a very keen golfer and is very competitive, all be it in the office or out on the golf course. He has a teenage son and a young daughter to keep him busy.