JBM acquires Higher, adding specialist AI and engineering leadership to its executive search portfolio

Amplified People Group, the people services specialist that supports technology companies from inception to initial public offering (IPO), announced today that it has acquired Higher, the executive search firm that specialises in AI and Engineering leadership hires. 

The acquisition addresses the pressing demand for AI talent and brings more specialised expertise into Amplified’s stable of brands. For Higher, the deal brings its executive search business onto an established operational platform and gives it greater reach. 

Andrew Richardson, Co-Founder and CEO of Amplified People Group, said: “We have witnessed a massive demand for AI talent over the last eighteen months, with our clients clamouring for AI and Engineering leaders. We have worked with Higher and its Founder Kelly Gauthier for a number of years, and no one comes close to their understanding of search in this sector. Their service and expertise are unrivalled, and we are incredibly excited to be bringing this business under the Amplified umbrella.”

The Higher business will be merged into JBM, Amplified’s executive search brand which specialises in fractional and permanent General Management, Operations and GTM leadership roles. Kelly and her team are thrilled to be joining a larger executive search platform. The move will benefit Higher’s clients, giving them access to a wider range of search capabilities delivered at the same high level of service. 

Kelly Gauthier, Founder and Managing Director of Higher, said: “For over a decade, Higher has helped the world’s most innovative companies hire the very best AI and Engineering leaders. We’re beyond excited to join Amplified and have the platform to scale our impact with both existing and new customers around the globe.”

Amplified has been addressing the people needs of burgeoning technology companies since its inception in November 2023, and has built a collective of separate brands. In addition to JBM, Amplified also owns and operates Foundation Partners, which provides embedded people, HR and talent support; and Unleashed, providing leadership and management development programmes. While this business model is common in other sectors, such as advertising, it is unique for the People and Talent industry. 

Richardson continued: “This deal builds on the successful acquisition of other companies into the Amplified portfolio. We are firm believers in maintaining distinct brands because it empowers each one to deliver a bespoke service from a team of experts.” 

Amplified’s companies have been building a reputation in the market for delivering a high-quality service to growing technology companies. One such example is Fyxer, the AI business productivity tool provider. Amplified and Higher worked together with Fyxer on its people strategy, with Higher delivering Fyxer’s most impressive engineering hires during a period of high growth. Andrew Richardson is currently the CPO of Fyxer, through its relationship with Foundation Partners; and is an investor in the company. 

Richard Hollingsworth, Founder and CEO of Fyxer, said: “Our team is our strongest asset, and I will forever be proud of the work we are doing with Foundation Partners, JBM and Higher to put our people strategy in place. This deal makes sense — it is the perfect symbiosis of the skills they both bring. If our experience is anything to go by, it will be mutually beneficial for both parties, and great for their clients.” 

If you’re hiring technical talent, or want some insight on the market, Kelly is happy to chat to you. Just book in a call here.