Samantha Knowles

Samantha is our Senior Director and Global Head of Research at Adamsons. She is our resident Certified Development Coach and heads up our Coaching Advisory function. She is also a qualified Lumina Spark practitioner, using psychometric tools to assess emotional and intellectual fit in hiring, career planning and coaching.

Samantha began her professional career as a UK solicitor, working  as a commercial litigator, before transitioning into executive search in 1997. 

With more than twenty-five years of experience in global executive search, Samantha brings compelling international experiences and unique perspectives. She supports on key strategic hires, including Chief Legal Officer, Chief Compliance Officer, Chief Privacy Officer and various “Head of” and General Counsel positions worldwide. As Global Head of Research, Samantha also leads and develops a team of dedicated research professionals who deliver and execute international client mandates. 

Throughout her career, Samantha has cultivated trusted relationships, with candidates and clients alike. She has successfully partnered with organisations to build high-performing teams, using her active listening skills and empathetic approach to inspire those she works with. Her industry experience spans various sectors, including Life Sciences, Automotive, Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) and Emerging and Connected Technologies, allowing her to navigate complex executive search landscapes effectively.

Samantha is a certified Personal Career Development Coach, empowering individuals and teams in their personal and professional development. She is also a qualified Lumina Sparkpractitioner, using psychometric tools (Lumina Learning) to assess emotional and intellectual fit when hiring, for career planning and analysis and for 121 coaching.