Meet The Team
Grace Nugent; Managing Director
Grace Nugent, Managing Director of De Lacy Executive, combines a lifelong passion for agriculture with extensive industry experience. Raised on a farm and holding a degree in Agricultural Business Management, Grace has worked on farms in the UK and New Zealand, giving her a deep understanding of agricultural operations.
Joining De Lacy Executive in 2011 as a Trainee Recruitment Consultant, Grace quickly advanced through roles such as Recruitment Consultant, Senior Recruitment Consultant, Recruitment Team Manager, and General Manager. Now, as Managing Director, she focuses on business development, strategy, growth, building partnerships, and enhancing client and candidate experiences.
Grace is committed to helping clients with developing strong recruitment processes. She works closely with key clients to support them with their recruitment year planning and advice on succession future proofing their businesses.
Her comprehensive insight into the agricultural sector ensures that De Lacy Executive continues to excel in connecting top talent with leading agricultural businesses.
Telephone: 01885 485521
Mobile: 07436808024
Jon Handley; Recruitment Team Manager
Jon began his career in secondary education eventually progressing to Head of Geography. It was a difficult decision to leave teaching, but his passion for agriculture led him to De Lacy Executive.
At De Lacy, Jon focuses on supporting the company's growth in the UK and expanding its international portfolio. He also leads a professional and knowledgeable team of consultants from varying agricultural backgrounds, all individually committed to delivering excellent standards of service and doing right by you.
Jon is known for building genuine, long-term relationships within the industry. He takes the time to truly understand each role and business, recognising that De Lacy’s work can significantly impact people’s lives and organisations. He strongly believes in De Lacy’s ethos that successful recruitment is about trust, communication, thoroughness, and finding compatibility, not just simply filling a position.
With his roots in rural Leicestershire and having married into a sheep and arable farming family, Jon maintains a strong connection to agriculture and a vested interest in its people and future.
Telephone: 01885 485522
Mobile: 07946 008667
Alex Wheeler; Key Account Consultant
Before joining De Lacy Executive, Alex worked in cattle and sheep genetics and as an agricultural lecturer. Though not from a farming background, Alex threw herself into a variety of practical roles at the early part of her career to gain a first-hand insight into livestock production systems. She was particularly attracted to pedigree livestock and has shown both beef and sheep successfully both of her own and for other breeders.
Having worked with De Lacy as a candidate, Alex valued Grace and the team’s support and knew first-hand the challenge of finding the right role. Now an experienced recruiter, she enjoys helping new entrants into the sector and advising those ready to advance their careers.
Alex specialises in recruitment for the ruminant sector, working closely with clients and jobseekers interested in feed, genetics, livestock equipment, and technology. As a Key Account Consultant, she is the primary contact for ruminant sector clients, supporting them with succession planning and recruitment strategy.
Alex enjoys attending industry events such as UK Dairy Day and SFT conferences and speaks to the next generation of agricultural professionals at careers events.
Telephone: 01885 485525
Mobile: 07506 296301
Email: alex.wheeler@delacyexecutive.co.uk
Ollie O'Driscoll; Key Account Consultant
With over a decade of experience in recruitment, Ollie brings a wealth of expertise and enthusiasm to his role. For the past five years, he has specialised in agricultural recruitment, developing an in-depth understanding of the industry and building an extensive network of contacts.
As a Key Account Consultant at De Lacy Executive, Ollie delivers a comprehensive, end-to-end recruitment service, supporting both candidates and clients from initial contact through to successful placement. Oliver’s primary areas of expertise include arable/agronomy, pest control, anaerobic digestion, professional services, and biodiversity.
Committed to “recruitment done right,” Ollie prioritises genuine care and a personal touch. His dedication ensures that both candidates and clients find the perfect match, fostering mutual growth and long-term success.
Telephone: 01885 485526
Mobile: 07730 218 934
Email: oliver.odriscoll@delacyexecutive.co.uk
Lauren Holloway; Senior Recruitment Consultant
Lauren grew up in Worcestershire with a passion for the countryside, agriculture and equestrian pursuits. Lauren completed her MRes in Equestrian Performance and BSc (Hons) Equestrian Sports Science at Hartpury College. Prior to joining the team here at De Lacy Executive Recruitment she has worked as the Therapy and Rehabilitation Manager for a well known equestrian centre in Gloucestershire.
Lauren enjoys countryside sports and is particularly interested in showing her horses, photography and agriculture shows and walking her terrier Hollie,
Telephone: 01885 485527
Mobile: 07506 297071
Email: lauren.holloway@delacyexecutive.co.uk
Harry Porter; Recruitment Consultant
Harry grew up on a smallholding in rural Shropshire, where he bred and sold chickens and ducks to local back garden poultry keepers. With many friends and family involved in farming, agriculture has always been close to his heart. After completing a marketing apprenticeship, Harry spent five years working in the medical industry. However, he soon realised his passion lay in agriculture, and he jumped at the opportunity to join De Lacy Executive, a company deeply rooted in the sector.
Starting as a recruitment consultant, Harry now holds a dual role within the business, drawing on his marketing experience to promote the company. He has had success in filling a wide range of roles and particularly enjoys working on positions in sales, marketing, poultry, livestock, and farm management.
His blend of recruitment and industry knowledge has contributed to his success in helping agricultural businesses find the right talent.
Telephone: 01885 485524
Mobile: 07875197231
Email: harry.porter@delacyexecutive.co.uk
Rupert Kettle; Recruitment Consultant
Rupert grew up on a family livestock farm in Warwickshire, where he developed a passion for agriculture. After earning a degree in languages, he pursued various roles in Tree Surgery, Arable Farming, and Contract Fencing. With a background in livestock, he also gained experience in combinable crops, foraging, and haymaking.
Rupert is particularly interested in the future of Agri-tech and sustainable farming, and how innovation will shape food production. His own experience navigating different roles in farming led him to recruitment, where he helps others find the right fit in the industry.
Fluent in Italian, Rupert brings strong skills in communication and problem solving to his work.
Telephone: 01885 485523
Mobile: 07498 665961
Email: rupert.kettle@delacyexecutive.co.uk
Edward Clift; Data and Accounts Manager
Edward comes from a strong farming background, spanning three generations in the Worcestershire and Herefordshire borders.
After graduating with a degree in Analytical Sciences, he went on to enjoy a career in hospitality where he has worked with local producers and suppliers, eventually managing his own bakery business. He has now returned to his roots in the agricultural industry, joining the De Lacy Executive Recruitment team in 2023.
Email: edward.clift@delacyexecutive.co.uk
