The group also announced plans to open a new head office in Chicago.

In a statement released this morning, the energy and rail recruitment firm revealed Barbour-Smith, previously a senior adviser at international STEM staffing business SThree, is to join the group as chairman. He joins with 20 years’ experience in private equity investment and portfolio management involving over 50 companies in a range of sectors.

The group also plans to extend its US operations, with a new head office in Chicago as a result of anticipated increased demand for rail infrastructure talent in the city. The expansion will also extend across Boston, California and Atlanta.

Barbour-Smith said: “There’s huge investment in offshore and onshore energy in the US at the moment. Given the firm’s global experience in attracting niche talent in these fields, Samuel Knight is undoubtedly well placed to support business across the States and deliver the results that reflect this investment. I look forward to working with the team as chairman in this exciting period of growth.”

Steve Rawlingson, CEO of Samuel Knight and president of Samuel Knight Corp, added: “We know from experience that the States offers a wealth of opportunity for rail, energy and infrastructure recruitment, and as we’ve seen demand for our services increase in the US, expanding our physical presence across the States made complete sense. Now really is the time for excelled growth for us, which is why we’re investing in these four new offices – with the potential for more to be opened further down the line.”

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