Antal International announces that Doug Bugie, the acknowledged global leader in franchising in the executive search arena, is joining their franchising arm, Antal International Networks, as CEO and taking a position as a key investor in the firm to lead the development of its two franchised businesses.

Antal International, the £20 million privately held executive search and selection group, founded by Tony Goodwin and headed by Graeme Read, announces that Doug Bugie, the acknowledged global leader in franchising in the executive search arena, is joining their franchising arm, Antal International Networks, as CEO and taking a position as a key investor in the firm to lead the development of its two franchised businesses, the first being an extension of its core Antal executive recruitment business that has recently expanded into Thailand, Belgium, Nigeria, Malta and South Africa and the second iworkLife Ltd, an early-stage venture, which has already established 15 offices in it’s first 15 months and is targeted at people who want to maintain a healthy work-life balance running their own recruitment business from home.

“We believe that Antal can grow from the current 65 offices in over 25 countries to over 250 in the next three years and the upper limit in our markets is much bigger than that,” says Bugie, “Just in the high growth markets like India, China and Dubai, we believe we can add over 1000 consultants through franchising industry leaders into this business.”

Bugie added, “I’ve been somewhat on the sidelines for a few years since running Norman Broadbent, the executive search firm which was a great honour, and happily so, but since then I have found the consultancy life is a bit hands off and came to believe while consulting with Antal and investing in iworkLife that these two businesses had a platform and potential which was just too good to miss! Tony Goodwin and his team have not only shown great insight and courage and kept their nerve to move into Eastern Europe and China, which are now the top growth markets, but have become the industry leaders there. Antal is a compelling story for future franchise owners and consultants – I’ve joined to help them capitalise on this and to invest in our collective futures. I believe in their proposition.

“We’ve sold 15 franchises in the past 60 days to some really talented successful people who will add to the global industry in the 5 new countries we’ve opened in. This is just the beginning – my biggest thrill in life is seeing other people become successful and to help create platforms where they can do the best work of their lives and significantly exceed their dreams. Many have done. Many more will do with this venture!”

Antal’s board has witnessed a near 40% rise in placement revenues in the last year attributed to their own expansion in some fast growth markets and underpinned by the current war for talented executives which it is experiencing across its various locations. The passion with which they train and induct people who join their brand ensures they are best placed to assist their clients in gaining a competitive advantage in domestic and overseas markets.

Commenting on Bugie’s new role, Antal’s founder, Chairman and Group CEO, Tony Goodwin said, “To have someone with Doug’s passion, energy, knowledge and experience on board will really benefit our internal stakeholders, our franchisees, and our clients and candidates alike. This is a fantastic time to be in this business and I am delighted that Doug is here helping us grow the business and create value.”