Meraki Capital appoints Gary Elden OBE as CEO to lead asset management, integration and European expansion

Meraki Capital has announced the appointment of Gary Elden OBE as CEO, a significant strategic hire who will oversee the day-to-day management of the group's portfolio businesses, accelerate acquisitions and lead the integration of its growing European operations, including recently acquired six former businesses from Hays plc.

In his new role, Gary will assume responsibility for the operational performance and management of Meraki Capital's growing portfolio of recruitment and workforce solutions businesses. Working closely with founder Nick Gordon and the wider leadership team on their continuing acquisition trail, he will also focus on driving operational excellence, creating synergies across the group, supporting leadership teams and accelerating growth opportunities throughout Europe.

Gary joins Meraki Capital at a pivotal stage in the firm's journey, he has over two decades of leadership experience across the recruitment and workforce solutions sector, having held senior operational, commercial and executive leadership roles within some of the industry's most recognised organisations. Now, following a series of strategic acquisitions across the UK and Europe, Meraki Capital is focused on building a fully integrated platform capable of supporting ambitious expansion plans while maintaining exceptional service delivery across its portfolio.

Nick Gordon, Founder and CEO of Meraki Capital, said:

"Gary's appointment is one of the most significant leadership hires we have made since founding Meraki Capital. As our portfolio continues to grow quickly, it is essential that we have world-class operational leadership in place to maximise performance, support our management teams and ensure we fully realise the opportunities created through our recent acquisitions.

Gary brings exceptional commercial and operational expertise, alongside a proven track record of leading businesses through periods of transformation and growth. He will play a critical role in integrating our recent acquisitions, including the former Hays plc businesses and the wider portfolio companies we have welcomed into the group over the past 18 months. His leadership will be instrumental as we create greater operational alignment across our territories and build a truly connected platform for growth across Europe. I am delighted to welcome him to Meraki and look forward to working together on the next phase of our growth journey."

As CEO, Gary will lead the day-to-day management of Meraki Capital's assets and operating businesses, ensuring best practice is shared across the group while supporting the successful integration of acquired businesses and strengthening the platform for future growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Gary Elden said:

"Meraki Capital has built an impressive portfolio and established a clear vision for sustainable, long-term growth. The opportunity to join the business at such an exciting stage of its development was incredibly compelling.

I am looking forward to working alongside Nick and all our team to maximise the value of our assets, successfully integrate the recently acquired Hays plc businesses and wider group acquisitions, and create a stronger, more scalable platform for growth across Europe. There is significant momentum within the business, and I am excited to help shape the next chapter of the Meraki story."

The appointment comes as Meraki Capital continues to expand through strategic acquisitions across the recruitment and workforce solutions sector. Recent acquisitions completed during 2026 include six former Hays plc European businesses, City Centre Recruitment, Smart Recruitment, Wise Recruitment Group, SERT Recruitment and Rite People. Prior acquisitions include HW3 (formerly Hamlyn Williams) and Magnus Search, further strengthening Meraki Capital's position as one of the most active investors in the recruitment industry.