Shields heads up new executive search company – Daily Business

Three recruitment sector veterans have joined forces to launch an executive search firm in Glasgow.

Debbie Shields, previously a director at Aspen People, has set up Aviia as chief executive.

Taylor Hopkinson founder Tom Hopkinson is an investor, and Craig Paterson, who was part of Melville Craig, will chair the firm.

Taylor Hopkinson was acquired by Brunel and Melville Craig by TMP Worldwide, a Nasdaq-listed company.

Aviia, based in the Centrum building in Queen Street, is building AI-driven research and workflow tools to help smooth the recruitment process.

Ms Shields has enjoyed a long search career and has also held board and trustee roles with organisations such as the Scottish Refugee Council and SAY Women. She will extend her search for candidates across the commercial and third sectors.

Mr Hopkinson said: “I’ve backed Debbie because I know exactly what she’s capable of, and because Aviia is built the way I believe search should be built today.”