REPLACING A LONG-SERVING, INDISPENSIBLE EA

A long-serving EA who had supported an UHNWI and his family for over 10 years was retiring. She had become deeply embedded in every aspect of the client’s life, both on the professional and personal side – managing everything from business travel to family events.

The client was understandably apprehensive. Replacing his EA felt daunting, and there was a genuine concern that no successor could measure up. At the same time, the Managing Director recognised that this transition was also an opportunity to reassess the role and introduce a greater use of technology, digital structure and organisational systems for the first time.

Knightsbridge Recruitment viewed this not simply as filling a vacancy, but as careful succession planning during a moment of change. We took time to understand the outgoing EA’s style, responsibilities, and personal approach – what worked, what could evolve, and where enhanced IT capability would genuinely support the MD:

• We prioritised EAs with maturity, emotional intelligence, and discretion, who could earn trust gradually and respect established routines while introducing improvements in a subtle and effective way.
• We ensured there was a two-week handover period, allowing the new EA to absorb responsibilities having persuaded the client that a one month handover was unnecessary.
• The aim was continuity, not disruption. 

• Knightsbridge Recruitment placed a polished, emotionally intelligent EA with 15 years’ experience in a family office environment and a strong aptitude for digital organisation and systems.
• She joined 2 weeks before the outgoing EA’s retirement, ensuring a seamless transition.
• She quickly became a calm, trusted presence – preserving the personal rapport that mattered deeply for the client, while also introducing the IT tools and efficiencies the MD had hoped for. 
• The client described the process as “remarkably smooth”.