Graham Powell-Symon

Doer
DISC Type : ds

EMEA Talent Acquisition Director (WPP) at VML

United Kingdom

Overview

Graham Powell-Symon is the EMEA Talent Acquisition Director for VML, leading a team of over 60 professionals across the worlds largest creative network. A graduate of the University of Gloucestershire, he has extensive experience with global agencies like WPP and Havas. Colleagues describe him as professional, honest, and transparent.

He is an early adopter and internal leader for using WPP’s proprietary AI platform, WPP Open, to innovate hiring processes across the board.

Personality Overview

Strategic Planner

Risk-Accepting

Long-term Focused

They might take some time to make their mind up but once they do, they don't change it easily.  They are very professional in their approach and can weigh multiple perspectives together. Reading between the lines and seeing beyond your words comes naturally to them.

Topics They Care About

AI in Recruitment
He leads the charge on utilizing WPP's proprietary AI platform, WPP Open, in hiring processes to innovate and improve efficiency.
Global Talent Strategy
Responsible for attracting, developing, and retaining talent across 25+ locations and 9, 000 employees in the EMEA region for WPP's largest creative agency.
Diversity & Inclusion
Passionate about DE&I, he has partnered with leadership to diversify talent and has designed early careers and apprenticeship schemes to foster inclusion.

Media Appearances

Graham has no verified media appearances

Work History

1-2024
EMEA Talent Acquisition Director (WPP) at VML
8-2021 - 1-2024
EMEA Talent Acquisition Director (WPP) at Wunderman Thompson
1-2021 - 5-2021
Head of Talent Acquisition - Havas Creative & Media Group UK at Havas UK
10-2016 - 12-2020
Director of Talent Acquisition - Havas Creative Agencies UK at Havas UK
10-2016 - 6-2017
Director Talent Acquisition at Havas London

Education

2001 - 2004
Bachelor of Arts (BA) from University of Gloucestershire
Education details unavailable from Hinchley Wood Secondary School

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 12 Location : United Kingdom Job Level : Mid-senior Designation : EMEA Talent Acquisition Director (WPP) at VML
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Insights For Selling To Graham

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Suggest clear next steps with confidence, don't be vague or hesitant
  • Focus on the results that your product produces, expect some strategic questions in return
  • Stick to your standard pitch and qualifying script, don't try to wing it

DONT's

  • Don't go over them unless you are left with no other option
  • Avoid putting conscious effort into relationship-building
  • Don't get into pricing discussions early on, steer conversation towards proven results

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Graham is

  • Strong proof of impact and their conviction will matter the most, but they wouldn't want to act unilaterally either
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Graham

  • They will say no if they are not convinced but you will have to prompt them.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Graham move?

  • They will want to understand things well but can move fast once they have a clear picture.
  • Can Graham take some risk or not?

  • They have good risk tolerance but are likely to think it through once or twice.

You And Graham

Personality Compatibility


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