George Johnson – Co-Founder & CEO
With over 17 years of experience in global commodities search, George Johnson is a recognised leader in the commodities headhunting industry, known for his deep market insight, trusted network, and consistent track record in securing top tier talent for the world’s leading trading firms and financial institutions.
Since beginning his career in 2008, George quickly established himself as a specialist in commodities search, building and managing successful global teams. In 2011 he joined Pemberton Stewart to help build out their global commodities business, relocating to Singapore in 2012 to lead and expand their global practice into the APAC market. Through his leadership, the firm strengthened its position in Europe and Asia, working with key market participants on a global basis. George relocated back to London in 2016 to continue the expansion on home-soil, he then left to establish Johnson Elborne with Tim in late 2018.
Throughout his career, George has placed front office commodity professionals across physical trading houses, investment banks, hedge funds, utilities, and brokerage firms. His expertise spans across oil, gas, power, metals, and derivatives, giving him a unique vantage point on global market trends and the evolving demands of the sector.
George holds a degree in Psychology from the University of Durham and is known for his strategic, relationship-driven approach to executive search. Based just outside of London, he is married with three children and spends his spare time running around after his kids or with a bit of luck on the golf course or cricket pitch. He also runs a successful horse racing syndicate and has a strong interest in the racing bloodstock industry.
Phone: +44 (0)7843 088 288
Email: [email protected]
Tim Elborne – Co-Founder & Director
With a career spanning executive search and entrepreneurship, Tim Elborne brings a dynamic and commercially driven approach to commodities talent acquisition. Since 2010, he has built a reputation in securing top-tier front office professionals across trading, sales, and structuring within investment banks, hedge funds, and trading firms, covering a wide range of asset classes.
In 2014, Tim took a break from executive search to co-manage a retail start-up, where he successfully established and grew the business before returning to the search industry in 2018 with a dedicated focus on commodities.
Since co-founding Johnson Elborne in 2018, Tim has leveraged his strategic market knowledge and extensive network to partner with leading firms worldwide. His ability to connect top talent with the right opportunities has solidified his reputation as a trusted advisor to clients navigating recruitment complexities in the global commodities markets.
Tim holds a degree in Political Science from the University of Leeds. Based just outside of London, he enjoys spending time with family and friends, always on the lookout for great food and new culinary experiences.
Phone: +44 (0)7773 997 127
Email: [email protected]
Douglas Ferguson – Managing Partner, Head of Asia
Douglas Ferguson leads Johnson Elborne’s operations across the Asia-Pacific region, specialising in senior commercial and leadership appointments within APAC Energy, Metals and Agriculture. With two decades of experience in commodities headhunting, he has established a strong reputation for delivering top-tier talent to leading trading houses, investment firms, and energy companies on a global scale.
Douglas has a proven track record of entrepreneurship and leadership in the commodities search industry. In 2006, he co-founded Webber Chase in London, a global commodities search firm with seed Capital from Carrington Fox. He relocated to Singapore in 2012 to grow the firm further, establishing a spin off in 2014 and expanding the search globally with research teams in Singapore, London and Beijing. Within Kariba Energy, he developed a diversified cross commodities client portfolio spanning hedge funds, trading houses, and asset managers.
Before joining Johnson Elborne, Douglas was Portfolio Director – Head of APAC Energy at HC Group from 2019 to 2023, focusing on executive search and advisory services for the energy and commodities trading sector. His extensive network, deep market insights, and strategic approach make him a trusted advisor to clients navigating the complexities of talent acquisition in global energy markets.
Douglas holds a degree in Mathematics and English Literature from the University of Manchester. Based in Singapore, he enjoys travel and spending time with his wife and children.
Phone: +65 8606 3132
Email: [email protected]
Jamie Davies - Director
With a diverse background in sales and property, Jamie has a strong commercial instinct and relationship-driven approach to headhunting. Before moving into commodities recruitment, he launched his career in sales and property at Winkworth, working in the real estate sector. He progressed with the firm and built a successful career in talent acquisition and client engagement within London.
Jamie has specialised in commodities search over the past 3-years, leveraging his strong network and broad industry perspective to connect leading firms with top-tier professionals. Jamie specialises in front office search across global markets, with a track record placing individuals in roles across trading and analytics. His consultative and results-focused approach has quickly made him a trusted partner to clients and candidates alike.
Based in London, he enjoys spending time with his wife, baby, and dog, Myrtle.
Phone: +44 (0)7944 055 888
Email: [email protected]
James Soo - Senior Associate, APAC
James is an integral part of Johnson Elborne’s APAC team, focussing on front-office recruitment across physical and financial commodity markets. Based in Singapore with Douglas, he works closely with leading trading houses, investment banks, and hedge funds to identify and place top-tier talent in key markets across the region.
With a strong background in headhunting and business development, James brings a meticulous and relationship-driven approach to talent acquisition. His deep understanding of market trends and industry dynamics allows him to provide valuable insights to both clients and candidates.
James holds a degree in Commerce from Curtin University. His expertise and commitment to delivering high quality placements further strengthen Johnson Elborne’s presence in the APAC commodities space.
James is based in Singapore and enjoys spending time with his family.
Phone: +65 9199 5891
Email: [email protected]
Cameron Hughes-Williams - Associate, US Market
Cameron Hughes-Williams is an Associate at Johnson Elborne, supporting the firm’s expansion in the US market. He focuses on front-office headhunting across global commodities, working with leading trading houses, hedge funds, and investment banks.
With a strong understanding of the commodities market through a US-focused lens, Cameron brings a strategic approach to search. He is thorough in ensuring clients are connected with the right candidates, holding the right expertise and skillset. His relationship-driven methodology and deep industry insight make him a trusted partner for both clients and candidates.
Cameron holds a degree in Philosophy from the University of Exeter. Based in London, he enjoys spending time with his friends and reminiscing on his rowing days from high school.
Phone: +44 (0)7300 231 584
Email: [email protected]
Mikayla Dorney - Global Communications Manager
Mikayla is the Global Communications Manager at Johnson Elborne, bringing a strong background in communications and partnerships across the UK, Europe, and Australia. With experience working across diverse markets and sectors including healthcare, cyber security and commodities, Mikayla’s global exposure informs her unique approach to messaging, positioning, and market engagement – Translating industry knowledge into high-level, accessible communications.
Mikayla holds an Honours degree in Psychology from The University of Adelaide. Based in London, she enjoys travelling and seeking out sunny spots in the office.
Email: [email protected]