DUBLIN, IRELAND – AIMS International, a global leader in executive search and leadership advisory services, is pleased to announce its strategic expansion into Ireland with the launch of AIMS Ireland, led by Managing Partner Mark Burgess. Mark Burgess, who previously founded Spirit Executive, brings a wealth of experience and a strong track record to this new chapter. This new partnership significantly strengthens AIMS International's presence in the dynamic Irish market, further enhancing its global reach and localized expertise.
AIMS Ireland specializes in executive search at senior and C-suite levels, with particular strength in Marketing, Commercial, Financial, and Operational leadership roles. The firm works closely with founders, boards, and investors to build leadership teams and shape organizational culture, with a key focus on guiding leadership change during phases of growth, transformation, or ownership transition. AIMS Ireland also brings a strong track record of relocating senior hires into Ireland from global markets, ensuring clients secure top talent regardless of location. While renowned for its consumer and beverage expertise, the firm also possesses significant experience in tech, telco, and other sectors.
"Our first contact from AIMS came just a few weeks before Spirit Executive’s 15-year anniversary. Every conversation since has strengthened our belief that the fit is right," said Mark Burgess, Managing Partner of AIMS Ireland. "We’re excited to learn and grow within the organization, to bring the additional insight and capability of this global organization to our current and future clients, and to contribute as much value to the group as possible. The ability to offer Irish clients access to a wider global reach, while staying focused on quality and delivery, is a strong step forward. The people at AIMS truly made the decision easy; every conversation felt open, collaborative, and grounded, with smart, experienced professionals who acted like real human beings."
Mark Burgess brings over 25 years of experience in recruitment and executive search, following a background in marketing and commercial roles within the FMCG sector. This extensive experience has shaped his firm's client-centric approach, focusing on partnership rather than a supplier relationship. Over the past decade, Burgess and his team have successfully delivered senior and C-level appointments across Ireland and have placed senior assignments across four continents for scaling businesses.
The AIMS Ireland team also includes Director Tracy Riordan, who was among the first 10 employees at HubSpot Dublin, bringing a strong track record from SaaS and commercial tech environments. The team's diverse commercial, marketing, financial, and operational backgrounds ensure a grounded, execution-focused approach to every search.
The launch of AIMS Ireland comes at a strategic time, as the Irish market is experiencing significant reorganization, consolidation, and leadership change across multiple sectors. Clients are increasingly seeking deliberate and insight-driven approaches to hiring, with growing relevance for interim leadership, succession planning, and cross-border search. AIMS Ireland is well-positioned to offer high-level, responsive services, particularly given its expertise in relocating senior leadership from global markets.
"We are thrilled to welcome Mark Burgess and his highly experienced team to the AIMS International family," said Dimitris Kleftakis, President of AIMS International. "Their deep understanding of the Irish market, combined with their specialized expertise in key sectors and their relationship-driven approach, aligns perfectly with our core values. This partnership not only strengthens our footprint in Europe but also enhances our collective ability to provide exceptional leadership solutions to organizations navigating complex global and local challenges."
About AIMS Ireland
AIMS Ireland, led by Managing Partner Mark Burgess, specializes in executive search at senior and C-suite levels across various industries, including Spirits and Beverage, FMCG and Consumer Goods, Private Capital-backed and Founder-led Businesses, Tech, Telco, and Emerging Consumer Categories. With a focus on strategic thinking, discretion, and execution, AIMS Ireland is dedicated to building trusted, long-term partnerships and delivering high-impact leadership solutions for growth-driven companies.
About AIMS International
AIMS International is a global leadership advisory firm dedicated to empowering organizations through exceptional leadership solutions. With a presence in over 70 countries, AIMS International offers a comprehensive suite of services, including Executive Search, Leadership Development, Talent Management, Board Services, and Family Business Advisory. For more information, visit www.aimsinternational.com.