Meet the Team: An Interview with Millar Cameron's Partner Angus Collett

We sat down with Angus Collett to discuss how he has developed the aquaculture sector at Millar Cameron, what he does to prepare his candidates for the recruitment process and which placement he feels most proud of.

1. What’s your current role at Millar Cameron?

I am a Partner at Millar Cameron, leading the aquaculture sector within the business. My role is to develop the sector and expand our client base globally.

We initially leveraged our network within Africa to expand our work in the aquaculture space through emerging markets such as South America and South East Asia, but that has grown to now working with organisations across North America, Europe and the Middle East. The types of roles we predominantly support are senior management, executive, group and C-suite level positions, across production, processing, supply chain, commercial and head office - whether that be CFP, EVP Legal or CEO.

2. Why executive search? What led you to a career in this space?

Working in the aquaculture sector is something I am passionate about, through my years at University (Bachelor of Science, Aquaculture at James Cook University) and subsequent years working in the industry at Fish for Thought and Collett's Crayfish.

Like many in the search space however, it's fair to say that I fell into it. I was previously working for a large search company before moving to executive search. The level of attention to detail required and the opportunity to work with leaders in the sector really suits the way I like to work.

3. Outside of work, what are your personal hobbies?

Fishing is a big hobby of mine! I am very lucky to have had the opportunity to live and fish in many parts of the world.

ABOUT MILLAR CAMERON

4. What made you choose Millar Cameron?

I was very fortunate to be approached by our Managing Partner - Conor. His passion and vision not only for Millar Cameron but also for what he could see the aquaculture sector becoming really helped me choose Millar Cameron. That combined with the ability to work in a sector that I am passionate about made it a no-brainer in the decision-making process. We are a small organisation but we are specialists in what we do, having that inch-wide mile-deep speciality helps us partner and align with clients and candidates more honestly and effectively.

5. How would you describe Millar Cameron and the work you do? What sets the work Millar Cameron does apart?

Working here allows you to have access to key leaders within the businesses we support, and to leverage the vast knowledge and expertise within the team.

There are transparent routes to achieve success but, if there is a skill set that you feel could add value to the business and also help you progress in your professional path, Millar Cameron will look at ways to support your journey and provide the necessary structure to be successful. This was an area that allowed me to grow and develop the aquaculture sector within Millar Cameron.

6. Millar Cameron are unique in their passion for and focus on roles in sub-Saharan Africa and emerging markets. Do you have a tie to these countries?

I was born in Zambia and grew up there, so I have a big place in my heart for where our business operates. With my education and experience in aquaculture, I was able to build on that and take the aquaculture sector to work globally.

7. Recruiting for senior management, director and C-suite positions requires a unique skill set. How do you prepare your candidates for the recruitment process at this level?

I am in a unique situation where my background in aquaculture allows me to have a strong understanding of the sector I operate in. This translates to me being able to work closely with clients to really understand their challenges and then having the ability to alleviate those challenges through the identification of the talent required. I have the ability to engage and communicate with candidates effectively to provide a deep understanding of the role, the organisation and its requirements, so they have all the information needed, to make an informed decision.

ABOUT THE SECTOR

8. Is there any one single placement which you are most proud of? Or feel has had the greatest impact on the communities you are so passionate about?

I would say the Global EVP of Farming and Supply Chain. This particular candidate was the best fit for the organisation, delivered great value and created a great impact.

9. What do you see as the biggest recruitment opportunity and conversely challenge, currently playing out within the aquaculture sector over the next 12 months?

Speaking with industry leaders, the biggest opportunity but also the biggest challenge is with the growth of new projects across the RAS.

There is and will continue to be a skill or talent shortage, especially in areas such as engineering.

As an industry, we don't showcase our sector enough as a potential career path and the opportunities it presents, and I feel this needs to be addressed at University level.