Gillian Young
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Gillian Young 1965-2024 Gillian Young, our colleague, committee member and friend sadly passed away suddenly on Monday, 9th September. Gillian was a member of the Executive Research Association (ERA) and joined the committee in September 2016, taking on additional duties as Co-Treasurer in 2018. During her time with us, she made an impressive contribution. Gillian was instrumental in establishing our constitution as well as supporting on finance. More recently, she worked closely with committee colleagues, to both develop the membership to bring in new people but also onboard them with a warm welcome and help. She led the creation of a virtual networking site for fellow independent researchers to allow them to connect. To many, this has been an important social hub to provide a forum to ask advice, discuss work related topics and as well have a great chat! Gillian was known for her great sense of humour and was always there with a ready smile and word of encouragement, whether supporting colleagues in their work, catching up at our annual conference with everyone – members, colleagues and friends alike or on our regular committee calls. Full of ideas and connections, she brought interesting speakers to us for the conference and was happy to put her hand up when a new project was being put in place. Gillian joined the ERA as a result of running her own business Stainsby Associates which she set up in 1999. A graduate of the University of East Anglia in French and Linguistics, she was a research professional from 1991. She was known for being an excellent executive search professional who tackled even the most difficult of searches with her positive attitude and determination to find a solution for her clients. As a result, her clients were clients of longstanding. Through her work in her own business, with Gatenby Sanderson and the membership of the ERA, Gillian built up a strong network of colleagues and friends who she remained in contact with throughout her working life. To all who knew her, Gillian will be greatly missed but will be remembered for all she achieved and her friendship by the committee, the ERA and the wider search community. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time. If you would like to make a donation in her memory, her family has suggested contributing to her favourite charity – Diabetes UK. Please share your memories of Gillian and condolence messages through this page, which will be shared with her family.
Condolences
Sheana Dudley
I was very sad to hear of the sudden passing of Gillian. We got to know one another at an ERA conference many years ago and got on well. Like others, we worked in a similar way and I always enjoyed catching up with her in London. Apart from that often, she would contact me for some additional help, either because she was so busy or more specifically with German assignments. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends and of course at the ERA Conferences where she was one of the lynchpins.
Cathy Harcourt
All of us at Harcourt Michaels are shocked by the sad news of Gillian's passing. She worked on occasional projects for us since we first set up 10 years ago and was always a pleasure with her enthusiastic and upbeat approach. I enjoyed our interactions so much and she was always keen to find out how our assignments were going and the business was progressing. She will be greatly missed. We are sending love to her family at this difficult time.
Jude Watters
I met Gillian when I joined the ERA board, she was extremely welcoming and always brought a positive outlook to our meetings. Gillian was great fun to work with, a true expert in her field and was someone many individuals turned to for advice. Gillian and I had many long chats about our profession and how we could support the members and each other over the years. I will miss her greatly and send my condolences to her family and friends.
Vanessa Raath
I am so sorry to hear of Gillian's passing. She was always so enthusiastic during my sessions with the ERA. We also had a good few chats outside of the ERA Webinars about search. I really enjoyed chatting with Gillian and wish her family peace at this tough time.
Martin Lee
It was just a joy and a privilege to know Gillian. We conferred together on some of her tricky projects and she literally didn't stop until she found the answers, she was so good at what she did. Always fun and bubbly, such a lovely person. I will miss her greatly.
candida rogers
I've known Gillian since I first joined the ERA around 20 years ago. She was always such a happy, welcoming and caring colleague to have on the ERA committee. I was so shocked and saddened to hear of her passing and will miss her at our virtual coffee sessions.
Erin Page
I am so saddened to hear the news of Gillian's passing. She was very welcoming to me when I joined the ERA and I know her commitment to the organisation and its members was deeply appreciated and will be sadly missed. I very much admired Gillian's dedication, determination and, of course, her great sense of humour. I am sending my condolences to Gillian's loved ones.
Louise Haines
I so sorry to hear this such sad news. Gillian was so passionate about Executive Research and the ERA. I worked with her as a committee member for a number of years and she was so enthusiastic about driving industry standards. My heartfelt thoughts and best wishing go to Gillian's family and friends.
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