About Mark Hughes

Introduction: 

Mark was born & raised in Saudi Arabia; he has spent over 30 years within the GCC region. After gaining a First-Class honours degree from Nottingham he then worked for one year at Saudi Aramco before starting his legal recruitment career in 2008 in Dubai.  

Professional Expertise: 

With expertise in legal in-house recruitment across the Middle East and Africa, I specialise in connecting top legal talent with organisations. My approach goes beyond traditional recruitment, ensuring a strategic fit for lasting success. 

Career Summary: 

Mark has successfully established and overseen legal divisions for two multinational recruitment firms, showcasing an extensive wealth of experience and knowledge. His expertise lies in placing high-calibre legal professionals, ranging from junior positions to C-Level executives. 

Why recruitment? 

I found my calling in recruitment because I'm genuinely passionate about connecting the right people with the right opportunities. There's a unique thrill in identifying talent, fostering relationships, and witnessing individuals flourish in roles that align with their skills and aspirations. Being a matchmaker in the professional world allows me to contribute to others' career journeys, and there's nothing more satisfying than helping both employers and candidates discover their perfect fit. It's not just a job; it's about building bridges and making meaningful connections that leave a lasting impact on people's lives and the success of businesses. 

Industry Insights: 

The legal recruitment industry in the Middle East is experiencing rapid growth, fuelled by the region's economic diversification, international investments, and emerging sectors like technology and renewable energy. Key trends include a rise in demand for legal experts in international business, increased adoption of legal tech, dynamic regulatory changes, and the establishment of legal hubs in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.  This vibrant landscape offers abundant opportunities for legal professionals seeking diverse and challenging roles in one of the world's fastest-growing regions. 

What is your approach to recruitment / executive search? 

My approach to working with clients and candidates is rooted in honesty and transparency. I believe that open communication is key to building trust and lasting partnerships. When working with clients, I strive to understand their unique needs, company culture, and long-term goals to ensure a precise match with candidates. For candidates, I provide realistic insights into opportunities, helping them make informed decisions about their career paths. My commitment to honesty sets me apart, creating an environment where trust is paramount, and relationships are built on a foundation of integrity and mutual understanding.         

Success Stories:  

I achieved a significant milestone in the legal recruitment field by successfully placing a highly challenging role in one of the Middle East's prominent international financial centres. In an exclusive mandate, I was tasked with finding a Registrar and Chief Executive for the region's Court system.    

The successful placement not only met but exceeded the client's expectations, contributing to the strengthening of the Court system in the international financial centre. This achievement underscores my commitment to delivering tailored and impactful recruitment solutions in a highly competitive and specialised legal landscape.  

Fun Facts: 

After surviving three knee surgeries from my rugby and football escapades, I've gracefully transitioned to sports with less bruising potential. Now, I'm proudly swinging clubs as an enthusiastic member of the Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club. When I'm not perfecting my golf game, you can catch me doing my best fish impression in long-distance open water swims, like the annual 10k Oceanman swim in Dubai. Because who needs tackles when you can have birdies and strokes, right? 

Why Aventus: 

Aventus is not just a platform; it's a commitment to creating an environment where top-tier recruiters can unleash their potential and redefine industry standards. What sets Aventus apart is its dedication to fostering excellence, innovation, and a culture that propels talented professionals to new heights. 

Testimonials: 

"Highly recommend Mark for finding legal talent in the Middle East. An outstanding search consultant, he combines deep knowledge with unwavering honesty. Mark's attention to detail, proactive approach, and reliability make him a standout professional in the legal recruitment domain."  - General Counsel (Multinational Engineering Company in Dubai)