After a career in publishing and international development, Michael Wills saw that it was growing increasingly difficult for international charities (INGOs) to recruit experienced, capable senior executives. It was obvious to him that these were extremely complex organisations requiring first-class managers – but not paying salaries close to those available to comparable people in the commercial sector.
So, in 1995, Michael established Oxford HR, initially working from the basement of his house in Oxford. It was the first Executive Search company working in the development field and offered a cost-effective way for INGOs to fill their hard-to-fill vacancies. The company has grown from those small beginnings to an international organisation of over 60 people, recruiting and supporting leaders throughout the INGO sector.
One of the main reasons that Oxford HR was so successful was, undoubtedly, Michael himself. Michael was one of the nicest of men- kind, thoughtful, funny, well-read and interested in others. People instinctively liked and trusted him and wanted to engage with him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and fully engage. For this reason alone, he had a vast group of friends and acquaintances – in the INGO and Fairtrade worlds and elsewhere – who wanted to talk to him. They often pointed him towards others who might be a ‘good fit’ for the vacancies he was looking to fill.
Michael died peacefully at home with his family last weekend (March 2025) and will be sorely missed by all of us at Oxford HR and everyone who knew him.
