Male banking headhunter described female competitor as "dodgy old bird"
However sexist the environment can be as a woman in banking - and it can be very sexist - life can be worse as a woman in banking recruitment and headhunting. Not only do female recruiters have to deal with potentially sexist male clients, but with a culture of casual sexism endemic at some recruitment firms themselves.
A recent case at a London employment tribunal has drawn attention to ongoing concerns within the recruitment industry. During proceedings, comments attributed to Oliver Harrington, founder of the search firm Harrington Moore, were read aloud in court. In private text messages, he was alleged to have written that “all the female headhunters that make money are bonkers,” and to have described a female competitor as a “dodgy old bird” who looked “like a mum and not like a headhunter.”
Allegations of sexism in financial services recruitment are not new. Several years ago, women working in the sector reported experiencing levels of sexism and harassment they described as significantly worse than those in banking. Some pointed to workplace cultures dominated by young male recruiters with strong personalities managing teams of younger women.
Speaking anonymously, one senior female headhunter described the alleged messages as reflective of “brash arrogance,” suggesting that such remarks often stem from professional insecurity. “Low-tier competitors will always try to undermine you,” she said, adding that strong competition should be acknowledged rather than disparaged.
Another senior woman at a separate search firm commented that sexism in parts of the recruitment industry can still be severe. She attributed some of the issues to the structure of smaller firms, which are often founded by young sales professionals and may foster what she described as a “rugby team culture.”
Harrington did not respond to requests for comment. The messages came to light during a tribunal case in which a consultant, who claims to have been employed in the firm’s London office, is alleging unfair dismissal and unpaid wages. Harrington Moore disputes that the claimant was an employee.