Emma Hiom

Emma Hiom is Chief People Officer at Ford Search Partners, responsible for people strategy, operational excellence and the development of high-performing search teams. She brings over 25 years of global executive search experience, alongside a distinctive early career in nursing that continues to shape her people-first approach.

Emma began her professional life in clinical practice before transitioning into executive search, where she has worked across retained search delivery, operations and leadership roles within both boutique and Top 10 firms. She is particularly skilled in building robust search operations, improving systems and processes, and creating environments where people can perform at their best.

Known for her empathetic leadership style and strong operational judgement, Emma is passionate about learning and development, inclusion, wellbeing and neurodiversity in the workplace. Outside of work, she enjoys photography, travel and spending time outdoors
with her family.