Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Interests
Timeline
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Sarah Shakespeare

Executive Assistant | Relationship Manager | Team Manager
London

Summary

Energetic and emotionally intelligent executive support professional. With over a decade of experience supporting C-suite leaders in dynamic global environments, including at a leading private equity firm. Highly organized, adaptable, and discreet, with proven expertise in complex calendar orchestration, international travel coordination, event planning, and HR onboarding processes. Known for building strong relationships at all levels and for guiding teams of assistants to deliver seamless administrative support. Calm under pressure and trusted to handle sensitive, confidential matters with the utmost professionalism and grace.

Overview

26
26
years of professional experience

Work History

Relationship Manager

Insight Partners (Global Private Equity Firm)
01.2024 - Current
  • Match portfolio companies with appropriate executive mentors in the cloud, data, and digital sectors, strengthening value-add relationships between the firm's network and its investments.
  • Create process documentation, workflow updates, and presentations for senior leadership to support strategic planning initiatives, and team communication.
  • Support a Senior Director in prioritizing team objectives and internal communications, acting as a bridge between executive leadership and the broader team.
  • Oversee the onboarding of new portfolio executives, and maintain a high standard of professionalism in all external engagements, ensuring the firm's reputation for excellence.
  • Additional responsibilities include managing Salesforce reports to identify data insights, and producing high-quality materials for investors, all while upholding strict confidentiality.

Admin Manager / Team Coordinator

Insight Partners
01.2021 - 01.2024


  • Managed a team of six Executive Assistants across the firm's global offices, providing guidance, conducting performance evaluations, and ensuring seamless coverage during vacations or absences.
  • Led a team restructuring initiative that improved productivity and clarified roles, streamlining administrative workflows to better serve enterprise needs.
  • Collaborated closely with HR and senior leadership on EA recruitment, training, and development, ensuring the administrative team's skills aligned with business needs.
  • Supported the Senior Vice President (SVP) with extensive diary management, complex travel itineraries, and coordination of executive offsite meetings.
  • Prepared and presented team performance reports and improvement proposals to the Managing Director, demonstrating effective communication of operational insights at the highest management levels.


Executive Assistant

Insight Partners
04.2019 - 01.2021
  • Provided high-level executive assistance to the Chief Investment Officer (CIO) and a senior leadership team in a demanding private equity environment.
  • Coordinated global roundtables and C-level networking events, liaising with international offices, and external partners.
  • Prepared board-ready presentations, reports, and briefing packs for investors and clients, translating complex information into clear, professional documents.
  • Maintained strict confidentiality around sensitive financial information, deal documents, and personnel matters.

Personal Assistant to International Finance Director

BBC Studios
10.2018 - 04.2019
  • Managed a complex diary for the International Finance Director, balancing multiple time zones, and last-minute changes.
  • Arranged all travel logistics, including international flights, visas, accommodations, and detailed itineraries for business trips.
  • Organized various internal events and initiatives, such as finance team offsites, volunteer days, and cross-departmental meetings.
  • Processed expenses and invoices on behalf of the Finance Director, and liaised with Global Markets finance teams.

Personal Assistant to Executive Directors

Marks & Spencer
10.2010 - 10.2018
  • Supported four divisional Executive Directors (Style, Menswear, International, and Food) simultaneously, managing each of their calendars and priorities.
  • Coordinated extensive travel and meeting schedules, managed travel budgets, and organized board meetings, annual conferences, and seasonal PR events.
  • Handled all diary and inbox management with absolute confidentiality, filtering communications, and ensuring critical issues were escalated promptly.
  • Led onboarding processes for new senior hires, and oversaw logistics for departmental moves and office reconfigurations.
  • Prepared routine team reports and briefing documents, and coordinated large-scale events, such as international buying trips and vendor fairs.

Senior Sales & Operations Manager

Virgin Active Collection
10.2007 - 09.2010

Wedding & Events Planner

All Things Bride & Beautiful
09.2006 - 09.2007

Assistant Manager

Halifax Plc
04.1999 - 09.2006

Education

Diploma in Nutritional Therapy -

College of Naturopathic Medicine
London, United Kingdom
05-2016

Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training -

Premier Global NASM
02.2011

Certificate in Mortgage Practice (CeMAP) -

LIBF
London, ENG
08.2006

GCSEs (5 A-C) -

The Beaconsfield School
Buckingamshire
06.1996

Skills

  • Discretion & Emotional Intelligence
  • Executive Support & Diary Management
  • Stakeholder Engagement
  • Team Leadership & Coordination
  • Executive Support & Diary Management
  • Onboarding & HR Coordination
  • Document Preparation & IT Proficiency:
  • Excellent communication

Interests

Passionate about health and wellbeing I enjoy reading, dancing, running, and attending wellness events In my spare time I write a nutrition blog and create online nutrition coaching content - a personal interest that keeps me inspired and creatively engaged I also love spending time with family and friends, and never skip my morning coffee

Timeline

Relationship Manager

Insight Partners (Global Private Equity Firm)
01.2024 - Current

Admin Manager / Team Coordinator

Insight Partners
01.2021 - 01.2024

Executive Assistant

Insight Partners
04.2019 - 01.2021

Personal Assistant to International Finance Director

BBC Studios
10.2018 - 04.2019

Personal Assistant to Executive Directors

Marks & Spencer
10.2010 - 10.2018

Senior Sales & Operations Manager

Virgin Active Collection
10.2007 - 09.2010

Wedding & Events Planner

All Things Bride & Beautiful
09.2006 - 09.2007

Assistant Manager

Halifax Plc
04.1999 - 09.2006

Diploma in Nutritional Therapy -

College of Naturopathic Medicine

Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training -

Premier Global NASM

Certificate in Mortgage Practice (CeMAP) -

LIBF

GCSEs (5 A-C) -

The Beaconsfield School
Sarah ShakespeareExecutive Assistant | Relationship Manager | Team Manager