Diane Jacoutot
Managing Director

Education: B.Sc. Engineering (USA), MBA (UK)

International experience:  I have lived and worked in the US and the UK and have travelled to over 35 different countries in Europe, the Middle East, Central Asia, Southeast Asia and the Far East. I’ve seen dozens and dozens of international schools around the world. They are fascinating, exciting and all different.

Why international teacher recruiting?  I like the idea that I can help teachers make better choices by giving them well-researched information and guidance based on my 20 years’ experience. I also like helping schools find teachers who are well matched to their needs. I get satisfaction out of a job well done.  I love the fact that I learn something new every day- whether it’s a cultural insight, new market information or changing visa requirements- this job keeps me on my toes.

My favourite travel memory:   I have two. For work, it was when I took a train across the steppes of Kazakhstan. It was both surreal and beautiful. For fun, it was renting a seafront house with my extended family in rural Croatia.  In both cases, hardly anyone spoke English, which is probably what made it so happily memorable. I love a challenge!

Matt Peck
Operations Director

International experience:

After teaching in Japan early in my career, I developed a love of international travel.  I’m privileged that my work has taken me all over the world; however, home is the UK, where I’m happily settled in Kent – the Garden of England!

Why international teacher recruiting?

I’ve been lucky enough to work in education recruitment for 25 years and half of that time has been focused on helping teachers and schools to make well-matched connections internationally, and this is where my passion lies, having started my own career overseas in Japan.  Helping teachers to enjoy an experience that shaped my own life is highly rewarding, and I’m still learning new things every day!

My favourite travel memory:

It’s hard to pick, but I don’t think I’ll ever forget beautiful Hoi-An in Vietnam.  Not only did I fall in love with this ancient town’s vibrancy, but seeing my 8-year-old son adapt his overloaded senses to the bustling, hot, humid and noisy Vietnam was an experience I am not sure I will ever forget!

Hannah Brant

Recruitment Manager, Europe

Education: MA English Literature and Film Studies (UK), TEFL Certified (UK)

International Experience: I was born in London but grew up in Northern Ireland. After graduating, I moved to Asia to teach English for six months, but ended up working and living abroad for six years. I have taught a range of students from kindergarten to adults in China, Hong Kong, Thailand and Spain. I love travelling and have been to 30 countries throughout Asia, Europe and the Americas.

Why international teaching recruiting? Moving abroad to work as a teacher was one of the best things I have ever done. I met people from all over the world, made some lasting friendships, gained a wealth of knowledge about Asian and other cultures, and travelled across the globe before returning to the UK. To have the opportunity to now encourage teachers to move abroad felt like the next step after teaching. I am passionate about education and travel, and can relate to teachers’ concerns about making the life-changing decision to move abroad. I am excited to help and support teachers in finding the right school and getting them started on their global adventure.

My Favourite travel memory: There are so many to choose from, but I’ll mention two that really stand out. The first is camping on the Great Wall of China with my now husband and a group of friends. We spent the day hiking through the mountains, set up camp on the Wall itself, and the night was spent having a BBQ and Chinese Baijiu whilst trying not to fall off the Wall in the dark. But the best part was watching the sunrise over the Wall and the Beijing countryside. The second has to be watching a herd of elephants in the wild during our bush trip at Kruger National Park, South Africa, literally the best thing ever!

Helga van Niekerk

Recruitment Associate in South Africa

Education: Bachelor of Nursing (Education & Community of Health- SA)

International experience: I was born in Zimbabwe but moved to Cape Town in 1982. I love to cruise and have pretty much covered right the way round the African continent, stopping at some wild and exotic places along the way.

Why work in an international school recruitment agency? Edvectus and I met in 2014 and immediately got on very well! Being people-oriented and having a desire for teachers to succeed, I love being a small cog in the recruitment wheel.

My favourite travel memory: Cruising out of Venice at sunset – it was just the most spectacular thing I’ve ever seen.

Paul Merrett 

International Recruitment Consultant

Education: Sc (Econ) Marketing & Economics (University of Wales). Master’s in HR Management (CEF Madrid)

International experience: I lived and worked in Madrid for 13 years. I first taught English, then worked in publications writing educational material for the Spanish newspaper El Mundo. Then I completed a Master’s in HR management, with a view to entering recruitment one day.

Why work in an international school recruitment agency? This role brings together my studies and work experience perfectly. Since I used to be a teacher and have a lot of friends who are still teachers, I understand the challenges they face, so I feel this was a natural transition for me. I love the recruitment process, talking to teachers, answering their questions, and generally getting to know them. I love it too when they get the job they wanted, and then let you know how it’s going! Since I’ve lived overseas, I can help them learn what to expect and give them advice on how to settle in.

My favourite travel memory: When I was in Costa Rica, I ventured out one weekend to a surfer’s town that I cannot for the life of me remember the name of. It was a stunning place. I stayed in what I can only describe as an outdoor hostel (the roof was like a tent), and I got over any fear of bugs I may have previously had. Costa Rica is also the only place I’ve ever seen monkeys in their natural habitat, just out swinging from the trees around the resorts! One far simpler memory closer to home that sticks out is when I took a train from Oslo to Stockholm in the middle of winter. It was like travelling through Narnia!

Carrie Sanders

International Recruitment Consultant

Education: BA in English (USA), TEFL and TEFL-C Certified

International experience: I have been working in international education in some capacity for the last 15 years.  My first post abroad was teaching at a small chain of language schools in Southern Poland.  After that, I was in Shanghai for 6 years in educational management and HR.  I have also worked as an HR manager for a school in Abu Dhabi and spent a year in Saigon as an Academic Director of a growing chain of test prep centers.  Now, I have settled in Europe again, and I am happy to be back in recruitment!

Why work in an international school recruitment agency? It’s so satisfying to help others make their dreams of teaching abroad come true. Living and working abroad is a truly transformative experience- and I wholeheartedly recommend it to anyone.

My favourite travel memory: For me, the best memories I have of travel are due to the people I have met around the world.  I think back on good times with friends: brunches in Shanghai, rooftop bar-hopping in Saigon, lazy afternoons on the Market Square in Krakow, magazines and cocktails poolside in Abu Dhabi.  Lifelong memories and forever friendships!

Sharon Seevinck

Recruitment Associate for South Africa

Education:  Bachelor of Education (SA)

International experience:  I was born in South Africa and recently relocated to the Netherlands. After many years of teaching in SA, we lived and taught in Qatar and the UAE for 5 years.  During that time, we were fortunate to travel to the UK, the Netherlands, Germany, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Why international teacher recruiting?  After returning from the UAE, I started recruiting hundreds of SA teachers to the Middle East, Brunei and China, offering them life-changing experiences. The ultimate joy is when I match a teacher to the best job, support them through the interview process to signing their offer, and sending them off on their new journey! I am currently part of a dynamic team of recruiters for Edvectus!

My favourite travel memory:  Most definitely the tranquillity of the desert in Al Ain and dune bashing, but also the train journey overnight between Bangkok and Chiang Mai! Not for the faint-hearted!

Renette Henrico

Recruitment Associate in South Africa

International experience:  I have lived and worked in the UAE. I love the UAE. It opens you up to new opportunities and widens your horizons. There is so much to learn and experience to gain as you work with different cultures and people. They offer fair and equal opportunities to anyone willing to put in the work and want to excel in their careers.

Why is international teacher recruiting? I have developed a passion for helping people acknowledge the potential within themselves. I can communicate with people from all walks of life who have one thing in common: they NEED A JOB.

My favorite travel memory: I would say Greece. I have been to a couple of countries, except for the breathtaking views, amazing food, and obvious hospitality, most of the locals hardly speak English. They would communicate with thousands of tourists with smiles and facial expressions. This made me realize that we do not all speak the same language or come from the same places, but passion, endurance, and the will to do something in life can get you anywhere.

Neil Ollier

Business Development Director

Education:  B.Sc. Plant Biology (UK), PGCE Secondary Science (UK), MREC (UK)

International experience: I have taught in Kuwait for 2 years and have lived with my family in Dubai, UAE, for over a decade, during which time I have travelled to many countries throughout the Americas, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Why international teacher recruiting? International teaching dramatically changed my life both professionally and personally, and catapulted me in new and exciting directions I never before considered. Being part of a life-changing experience for a teacher wanting to work overseas is a very responsible position to be in, as this is a lot more than sending a teacher down the road for a day of supply, and I love it. Being located in the region where we place teachers has helped me professionally and culturally connect with a wide range of schools across the Middle East, which has enormously supported teachers and schools in finding the right match for each other.

My favourite travel memory:  My goodness, I have so many from which to choose, so let me highlight a quick few:  black water rafting in New Zealand, deep sea fishing in the Caribbean, tracking a cheetah in Kenya, joining the Buddhist pilgrimage climbing Adam’s Peak in Sri Lanka, and accidentally almost selling my wife for 20 camels in Giza. Despite my extensive travel experiences, I just love fell walking in my home country in the Lake District in the UK, can’t beat it!

Caz Jude

Associate Leadership Consultant

Education: I have a degree in Textiles, a PGCE in Primary Education (Infants) from the UK, NPQH Qualifications, and a Master’s in Education (Leadership & Management). Additionally, I am a qualified executive leadership coach and mentor at the Master’s level.

International Experience: I have lived in China and worked as a Principal and Education Consultant in the UAE. I was the founding Vice Principal of a British International School in Qatar. I have also been a headteacher in the UK.  My experience includes inspecting schools for BSO and working as a COBIS Accreditor. My travels have taken me to many countries, allowing me to form a strong and diverse friendship network across the globe. I cherish opportunities to explore new places, savour local cuisines, and immerse myself in different cultures and traditions.

Why International Leader Recruitment?  As a headteacher, I loved recruitment! I understand how exciting yet daunting relocating to a new school and country can be. It’s vital that the school is the right fit for each candidate, providing an environment where they can grow and thrive. With my experience of working in and visiting a variety of international schools, I am well-equipped to ensure placements are thoughtfully matched to candidates’ needs.

My Favourite Travel Memory: Wow, that’s such a tough question—so many memories to choose from! We visited Kathmandu a few years ago, which was amazing. We hired a cycle rickshaw, and our cyclist guide was incredible, taking us all over the city. He even cycled around the large roundabouts amongst the lorries, as we sat in the back holding our breath! At one point, we visited the Pashupatinath Temple but mistakenly ended up at the old people’s home next door, which was both surprising and eye-opening. Luckily, a local tour guide found us and gave us a fascinating tour of the temple, telling us that Michael Palin had previously visited.

Abby Gormack

Account Manager – Asia Pacific

Education: BA (Hons) History & American Studies (UK), PGCE Secondary (History) (UK)

International experience: I am originally from East Yorkshire in the UK, but moved to Sydney, Australia, 9 years ago. The plan was to move for 2 years and then go home… I love travelling and experiencing new places, and at last count, I think I have been to 24 countries for either work or pleasure. I hope to experience many more for both reasons.

Why international teacher recruiting? I really enjoy working with the schools in South East Asia and the Far East and connecting with people from different countries. Learning about countries I’ve never been to and learning about different cultures – even just through interactions with local or expatriate staff working in a school – is fascinating to me and keeps me constantly interested in my job. The feeling of placing someone in their dream job or of introducing someone to the next exciting chapter in their lives is really good, and I love it when teachers let us know about their experiences or write a blog we can read.

My favourite travel memory: Sampling the obligatory Singapore Sling in the amazing Raffles Hotel in Singapore with my sister on a round-the-world trip. It was just before Christmas, and the streets and malls were lit up and decorated within an inch of their lives, so despite being extremely warm, it did feel very festive. A close second would be a work trip to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, where we visited a school in the Highlands just outside the city. The views were spectacular, and the lush green hills (complete with monkeys) were an amazing contrast to the city.

Richard Gaskell

Leadership Search and Market Intelligence Manager 

Education: Agricultural Merchandising- Nottingham Trent University (UK)

International experience: I was born and raised in the West Country of the UK. Went to South Africa when I was 21 and stayed for 18 years. Worked for Scholastic, where I got to visit many of the countries in Africa, Europe and the Middle East. Met my wife in Johannesburg and moved back to the UK for 2 years before taking the plunge and moving to Thailand. Have visited international schools in every country in the Asia Pacific except East Timor.

Why an international school leadership search? I have worked with Edvectus with a different hat and decided it was time we joined forces and helped schools and leaders navigate the International School market. I am passionate about school development, so I am excited to be able to work with school owners and boards to find the right Head for their school.

My favourite travel memory: Swimming with turtles in the Madagascar sea and a summer month, staying in our own farmhouse on Exmoor with the kids.