Melissa Baxter leads on executive search, with a focus on charities, at Russam and Trustees Unlimited. With a successful 20-year track record in executive search and consultancy, Melissa brings a wide range of cross-sector experience of working with executive boards and leadership teams to ensure the most talented individuals are identified and that diversity is weaved into an organisation. She is a firm believer that by creating inclusive environments where all people feel valued and able to achieve their potential, teams are strengthened, and excellence is created.

Melissa enjoys working with values driven companies, translating business challenges into people solutions, using creativity and innovative thinking to deliver results and to identify diverse talent to make a difference to the success of an organisation.

Melissa has led searches which have resulted in the excellent appointments of Chairs, Chief Executives and Directors within not for profit and private sector organisations such as UK Biobank, The Henry Smith Charity, Crimestoppers, World Association of Girl Guiding and Girl Scouts, Refuge, RNIB, Family Fund, Blue Cross and PDSA.

Melissa is a qualified and accredited Executive Coach who creates robust, strong and confidence-building working partnerships which are underpinned by sound coaching principles and well validated techniques. Melissa adopts an integrated approach, drawing on a variety of methodologies to support her clients, build their confidence and help them maximise their career potential.

Her earlier career was within the private sector where she operated at senior management level in the UK and internationally.

Outside of work Melissa has lots of varied interests; she is a keen runner, charity fundraiser and enjoys yoga and spending time with her family and friends.