Danica Steele

• Results-focused professional with extensive experience in event organisation, finance, operations, marketing and providing timely, proactive and accurate support to Executives, colleagues and clients. 
• Strong analytical skills translating into business improvement and growth opportunities that support sales and marketing initiatives.
• Ability to motivate, influence and supportively challenge through an adaptable communication style.

Carlyle Executive Search                                                                                            January 2022 – Present

Head of Business Operations 

Manage key operational functions for the business, including finance (payroll, interim payments, and invoicing), HR, facilities management, IT support, software implementation, and process improvement. Additionally, I oversee marketing activities encompassing social media, branding, content creation, and event management, organising high-quality internal and external events resulting in consistently strong feedback and leading to new business opportunities. Throughout my tenure, I have built exceptional and trusted relationships across the business and within the global Carlyle network.

Selected accomplishments

• Cut costs for the business by 10% through renegotiation of contracts.
• Led and directed client relationship with design agency to rebrand the business including changing all documentation and launch of new website.
• Worked closely with the Managing Partner to improve efficiency and run the operations, finance, events and marketing activities for the business.
• Developed and executed social media strategies to enhance brand awareness and engagement, and analysed social media performance metrics, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
• Managed event budgets, negotiated contracts, and ensured cost-effective solutions, whilst coordinating with suppliers and venues to ensure smooth event logistics and operations.
• Conducted post-event evaluations to assess successes, identify areas for improvement, and developed event marketing strategies to increase attendance and engagement.
• Spearheaded and led the early adoption of Office365, improving best practice and communication across the team, and a key part of the project team that built and implemented the new CRM system, including testing and providing feedback to improve the system ready for Go Live.

3i                                                                                                                               April 2018 to January 2022

Executive Assistant and Active Partnership Coordinator

Organise internal and external international events, training and webcasts for senior stakeholders. This includes developing a 3i Connect event app to augment the attendee experience. Built an excellent reputation and relationships across the global business and responsible for all eshots sent including marketing and event invites on behalf of the global PE team. Ensure Private Equity awards calendar was updated and managed award submission process to help create winning submissions. Create content and publish on social media platforms by cooperating with the PR team.

Selected Accomplishments:

• Assisted Active Partnership Practice Director and Digital Director through extensive diary management, complex travel arrangements and arranging regular meetings with Global Partners and Heads of 3i Private Equity.
• Arranged roundtable events for portfolio company management teams, including Sustainability Roundtables, CEO & Chair Forums, CIO roundtables and CMO roundtables to discuss and explore specific topics.
• Actively contributed in the pilot and early adoption of Office365 and the new CRM system, including testing and providing feedback to improve the system ready for Go Live.
• Updated 3i playbook, designed collateral and managed day-to-day research subscriptions.
• Produced and sent 3i Private Equity eshots to over 20,000 contacts as well as supported other marketing initiatives.
• Provided Data Protection Notifications to all new contacts to assure 3i adhered to GDPR and delivered monthly data reports to all 3i teams.

3i                                                                                                                                 Oct 2016 to April 2018

Executive Assistant, Private Equity

Supported three Executives in the Private Equity team, as well as the Senior Counsel and Active Partnership Practice Director and assisted the Active Partnership team to achieve defined business goals. Managed executives’ calendars and travel arrangements as well as produced the presentations and papers for Board meetings and Advisor meetings. Built and sustained relationships with Advisors and portfolio company management teams and Assistants.

Selected Accomplishments:

• Assisted with deal administration and ensured all necessary documents saved on deal sites for future use and decision making.
• Developed relationship between UK PE team and Addleshaw Goddard to ensure all NDAs comply with 3i’s policy on NDAs.
• Acted as a compliance administrator for the team and facilitated with regulatory compliance and internal audit responsibilities as well as conducting AML checks.

Odgers Interim                                                                                                           Nov 2014 to Oct 2016

PA and Marketing Coordinator

Played a key role as a Personal Assistant to three Recruitment Consultants and delivered additional support to other Consultants and Partners as required. Organised client events with up to 30 attendees, arranged catering and presentation equipment and ensured the smooth running of the events. Liaised with the PR team, writers and designers to make sure content is relevant and appropriate to the brand. Managed the back end of the company website, uploaded Consultant blogs on a regular basis and ensured all information frequently updated. 

Selected Accomplishments:

• Supported Head of Operations and Marketing and sent the monthly newsletter to around 14,000 recipients.
• Created, edited and optimised marketing materials, such as brochures and case studies to develop client interest.
• Supervised social media outreach, administered the Odgers Interim LinkedIn and Twitter accounts, as well as formulated and implemented a social media strategy for all Consultants.
• Led the administrative aspects of Interim assignments, such as preparing contracts and arranging interviews and business development meetings for fee-earners as well as meetings between clients and candidates, while managing client and candidate relationships in the absence of Consultants.

Odgers Berndtson                                                                                                             July 2014 to Nov 2014

Float PA

Performed duties in the short-term absences of PAs and provided additional support in a fast-paced environment across all Commercial and Public practice areas in London. Carried out administrative aspects of Executive Search and Interim assignments, such as creating candidate reports, presentations and other materials.

• Level 4 Certificate in Professional & Digital Marketing (Currently studying): Chartered Institute of Marketing
• Level 3 Certificate of Learning in Leadership and Management: Impellus
• BA Honours in Modern Languages with Management with a year abroad (2:1): University of Leicester, 2012

Studied one semester at Université Jean Moulin Lyon III, France, and one semester at Universidad de Sevilla, Spain