About Us

We operate a little differently

We’re not a buttoned-down executive search firm. We’re not into fancy titles or resume-crawling
algorithms. What we are into is people and fit— in fact we’ve got an impressive track record of identifying ideal critical role solutions for over 20 years—and we’re really good at it.
Stiles is a boutique shop with a global reach. Headquartered in Halifax, NS, with an office in London, UK, we focus on providing solutions for key, sensitive, senior roles. You’ll be paired with a respected, nimble, senior advisor who will craft a process to ensure your unique requirements are identified.
We’re tough but fair. We’ll never recommend candidates we aren’t convinced are a quality fit. We enjoy what we do, we actually have fun doing it and strive to ensure the entire process is one of learning and enjoyment for everyone.
If you have a demanding or sensitive critical role that needs attention, reach out for an opportunity to see how our differences make us unique.

Mark Stiles- President

Mark is the leader at Stiles Executive Search and he has been an executive recruiter and business owner for more that 20 years. Mark is an approachable, honest and dedicated professional who loves breathing a breath of fresh air into companies. He has built a fun, nimble and dedicated boutique Executive Search Firm that assists CEOs and senior executive teams select, attract and retain top talent worldwide.  Mark also founded and runs a luxury travel agency called Blaycation. Where he assists many of his executive clients and their friends fulfill amazing private travel designed specifically for them. He and his team deliver Executive Search as well as Executive Travel. Stiles Executive Search was formed because Mark saw a niche market that combined the two industries he is passionate about.

With over twenty years executive leadership experience Mark has delivered results for organizations ranging in size from less than 50 to over 25,000 employees. Mark and his team have substantial experience working with entrepreneurial, growth oriented, Luxury and multinational recruitment companies.

Mark earned his B.B.A. in Business Administration from Acadia University in Wolfville NS Canada. He also has a 1st Grand Travel Designer designation with the world’s premier Luxury Travel Group, TravellerMade. He is a dedicated father of two amazing sons, Nathan and Nicholas. He’s a world traveler, sports fan and avid golfer.

Jes Paine- Director EMEA
Jes oversees the growing UK and European markets for Stiles Executive Search. He specializes in the travel, events, leisure and hospitality sectors after more than 30 years working in those areas. His biggest assets are his extensive in-depth knowledge of the industries ha has worked in and his ability to quickly grasp the essentials of those businesses he hasn’t. He has traveled extensively and has a large network of contacts all over the world. Jes is a very shrewd judge of character and will often find innovative solutions to his clients needs.   

Away from his desk, Jes is very active and competitive, having represented England at Petanque and he walks/cycles at least 10 miles a day. He has also won two different quiz shows on national television in the UK, one with his twin brother and one with his daughter. That remains one of his proudest moments after she gave the winning answer to a football question!

Michael Schrader - Director of Recruitment

Michael is a well-seasoned full-cycle recruitment professional with a demonstrated history of delivering top talent to a variety of mid level and executive level recruitment clients across North America. Michael helps build career paths for long-term happiness and success with some of Canada’s most respected and influential firms. Mike’s focus on building strong relationships allows clients to trust in his understanding of their organization and their recruitment needs. Mike has been praised for his responsiveness and communication style, which has in turn gained him an outstanding reputation in the industry based on integrity to provide exceptional service to both our clients and candidates.

Michael is a true professional, likeable and always keeps things fresh! He is always happy to talk to anyone. If you would like information on the market or even insight into any Toronto based sports teams – feel free to connect with Michael anytime.

Elizabeth is an experienced end to end Recruitment and Human Resource specialist who takes pride in delivering an excellent service. She has gained 15 years comprehensive experience spanning multiple industry sectors from Management Consultancy (operating in Energy, Financial Services and Pharmaceutical sectors) to Legal and Food & Beverage as well as Higher Education. 

Elizabeth’s key skills include Recruitment (Attraction, sourcing, selection), Interviewing, Interview coaching, Negotiation, Communication, Candidate and Stakeholder Relationship Management, Project Management, Coaching and Mentoring.

Elizabeth enjoys Identifying, attracting and securing the best talent by working closely with managers (and individuals) to find the right candidate to enable businesses to reach their full potential and ultimately making a positive impact on the long-term success of the business.

Entrepreneurial, innovative and and effective communicator and agile are only some words that describe Elizabeth. 

Away from the office, she is a mum of two young humans that keep her on her toes. She also enjoys playing netball for two local teams. Alongside this, Elizabeth is currently undertaking a part time ‘Coaching Professional Level 5 Apprenticeship’ with the aim to be an accredited Professional Business Coach and Mentor by February, 2024. There is a reason we call her Busy Lizzy!

Bob Stei - Senior Recruitment Consultant

Bob is a very strong recruiter with real passion for our industry. Born Robert E. Steinberg, Bob has used the “Stei” pseudonym since 1990!  Bob has been on air personality for several radio stations in a five state radius for many years but found his passion working full-time in the recruitment field 15 years ago where he honed his craft. Several years later, Bob opened his own freelance recruitment company and has partnered with over 100 companies globally handling everything from recruiting, sourcing, research to business development. Bob is now a dedicated partner of Stiles Executive Search and handles everything from business development to recruiting key roles for our clients.

Stei lives in suburban Philadelphia with his wife Melissa, their three children Kimberly, Charlotte and Salinger and their various pets. When not recruiting or working at one of the various radio stations he lends his voice to, he enjoys traveling, watching Philadelphia sports, game shows, and is known to be obsessed with British rock star Morrissey!