The Chiumento Story
Our story began in 1994 when our founders thought there was a better way of delivering outplacement services and wanted to try something different. About 30 years later and they’ve certainly been proved right, in fact their idea of using associates to deliver programmes has now become the industry norm.
While we’ve diversified along the way and now also offer talent management services, one thing hasn’t changed. The desire for innovation, to break the mould and to always look for a better way of doing things remains, in fact it is a big part of our DNA. We believe we successfully blend the modern with our traditional strengths to create a fresh and differentiated offering.
We know we’re not the biggest, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. We like to think we’re small, impactful, high quality, responsive and flexible. These qualities have created a flexibility and personality that makes us refreshingly different. Our distinctive style and pragmatic attitude can help you address even the most challenging and sensitive people issues.
MEET THE TEAM
Ian Gooden
Chairman
I joined Chiumento in 2008 having previously worked in both in-house HR teams and for a global talent business. An active consultant, I work with CEOs, MDs and HRDs to inspire leaders, accelerate organisational change and drive performance. Much of my recent work has been with fast growing SMEs and international businesses – with projects ranging from designing and delivering executive development programmes, writing talent management strategies, implementing new reward schemes and designing and facilitating development centres. I have chaired the Board of our parent company, Aldeburgh Holdings, since 2019.
Mike Burgneay
MD
AS Managing Director my primary focus is to ensure that everything we do supports and enables our clients to achieve their people objectives. I enjoy partnering with clients to understand their needs and then shaping solutions that are tailored, contemporary and, ultimately, effective. I have spent most of my career in various niche areas of HR consulting, including talent attraction, employer branding, recruitment marketing and, over the last decade, talent management and career transition. I have worked with clients, big and small, from almost every sector. I am also Global Chair of Arbora Careers Firms, an international network of outplacement and coaching companies.
Duncan Hamilton
CTO
My working relationship with Chiumento started in 2010. As Chief Technology & Innovation Officer, I have a broad responsibility for all internal and external technology adopted by the business. I also steer the technology strategy and IT development plan, and manage operations with third party suppliers, contractors and freelancers. We are constantly looking for ways to intelligently use emerging technologies to provide better user experiences for our clients and delegates.
Mandy Alden
Career Concierge
I became a part of the Chiumento family in May 2023. I am the Operations Assistant providing our delegates with a warm welcome, a stepping stone onto their next path and an introduction to our
team of experts.
My previous 20-year long career was working for a British multinational insurance company, the largest general insurer and a leading life and pensions provider in the UK. I dealt with all aspects of customer service, being responsible for corporate commission accounts, people management and development, to staff recruitment and training. I was also a POC for their larger corporate pension clients.
Lesley Colella
Career Concierge
I joined the HR Recruitment team at Chiumento in 2011 after spending 14 years working for a high street recruitment brand across Office Support, Finance & Accountancy then HR, I moved across to the Career Transition delivery team in 2018, I am responsible for ensuring delegates receive the help they need from our team of experts.
Marion Aspey
Finance Assistant
I joined Chiumento in April 2003. I am the finance team and wear many different financial hats, being responsible for everything and anything to do with finance. This includes sales and purchase ledger to ordering stationery.
OUR VALUES
Energetic
We love talking about pace. Chiumento isn’t a lifestyle business and being successful is important to us. For our clients it means we go that extra mile that makes the difference between satisfying and delighting them. Our people are resilient and rise to any challenge.
Brave
As a consultancy we sometimes have to tell clients things they don’t want to hear. Help them face into their challenges and sometimes make difficult decisions. We also need to embrace change and do things differently. We never stop learning and evolving.
Entrepreneurial
Since our beginnings nearly 30 years ago we have always looked to break the mould and challenge the traditional approach. We have a real entrepreneurial spirit that runs through the company, as does the desire for progression.
Collaborative
We are one big team and we don’t draw lines around roles or practices. We all pitch in and do what needs doing. We also encourage everyone to contribute ideas and generously share their expertise.
Refreshing
We like to bring new thinking and an open mind to every challenge. The antithesis of “one way, right way” we listen to our clients and deliver solutions that are right for them, not us. We are not afraid of holding a controversial viewpoint either.