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 Kingdom05-2016
Level 3 Certificate in Personal Training -
Premier Global NASM
02.2011
Certificate in Mortgage Practice (CeMAP) -
LIBF
London, ENG08.2006
GCSEs (5 A-C) -
The Beaconsfield School
Buckingamshire06.1996
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
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