About Lorna McIsaac

Professional Expertise

I bring over six years of in-house and agency recruitment experience, having worked with some of the top names in financial services and fintech. My roles have spanned mid-senior to director-level hiring, allowing me to gain a deep understanding of internal recruitment processes, stakeholder management, and strategic workforce planning. This experience has equipped me with a holistic view of talent acquisition and the ability to partner closely with businesses to drive impactful hiring decisions.

Career Summary

With a proven track record in global recruitment, I have successfully placed high-calibre talent across permanent and interim roles, from mid-level professionals to senior leadership. During my time in-house with Citi, I gained invaluable insight into the complexities of large-scale recruitment operations and developed a keen understanding of the challenges internal teams face. This experience shaped my appreciation for how external recruitment partners can add real value through market insights, network reach, and agility.

Since relocating to Dubai in early 2025, I have focused on Human Resources recruitment across the GCC region. I work with clients across a variety of industries, financial services, government entities, tech, and professional services. Supporting both multinational corporations and high-growth regional businesses. 

My success lies in my ability to quickly adapt to new markets, understand diverse business cultures, and deliver results in fast-paced environments.

Why Recruitment?

Recruitment is the perfect blend of people, pace, and purpose. I thrive on the dynamic nature of the job. No two days are ever the same. It allows me to build meaningful relationships, engage with industry leaders, and help candidates take the next exciting step in their careers. Knowing that my work directly impacts both individuals and organisations makes it incredibly rewarding.

Industry Insights

The HR landscape across the GCC is evolving rapidly. With increasing investment in localisation strategies, digitisation, and organisational transformation, the demand for strategic HR professionals has never been higher. UAE Vision 2030 and Saudi Vision 2030 are accelerating changes in workforce planning, L&D, and Emiratisation/Saudisation efforts.

Approach to Recruitment

I take a relationship-first approach to recruitment, underpinned by transparency, communication, and trust. I work closely with both clients and candidates to fully understand their needs, ensuring that each placement is not just a skills match but a cultural and strategic fit.

Whether it's building out an HR team from scratch or making a critical senior hire, I aim to provide a consultative, solutions-focused partnership that drives long-term success for all parties involved.

Why Aventus

Joining Aventus was a strategic decision. After six years in large multinational environments, I was drawn to the boutique nature of Aventus, where I could work closely with experienced recruiters and directly alongside the founders. The entrepreneurial culture, combined with a clear vision for growth and quality, resonated with me.

At Aventus, there’s a genuine focus on specialisation and building long-term client relationships, which aligns with my own values and recruitment philosophy.

Fun Fact

I find it very hard to sit still, there is no chill in our house. Evenings after work it's park, beach or pool time and the weekends look very similar, but I will add in a sprinkle of Pilates or for now a treadmill run or two. 

Before having my daughter, I use to bodybuilding and earned myself a couple of amateur British titles.