Led by industry veteran Sean Igoe (pictured), the agency is “ready to redefine talent acquisition for brands in this rapidly growing sector”, according to a company statement.

SMI Media was founded by Igoe in 2020 as a sales consultancy, and this specialism will continue to sit alongside this new recruitment arm of the business. SMI Media in partnership with Reed Talent Solutions offers a tailored, insight-driven approach to hiring, the statement continues, “ensuring that brands, publishers and organisations find candidates who not only have the right skills but also share their passion for the outdoors”.

By partnering with Reed Talent Solutions, a leader in recruitment since Reed’s establishment in 1960, the business benefits from specialist support and an extensive network from day one. With access to a talent pool of 22m candidates and a proven track record of placing over 36,000 professionals in the past two years across various industries, the Reed Talent Solutions team offers expertise and support to the newly-established business.

With more than 25 years’ experience in UK media and publishing, Igoe has built a career working across major publishing houses, including Future Publishing, Dennis Publishing and Ti-Media. His expertise spans major outdoor and active titles such as BikeRadar, Cyclist, Snowboard Magazine and Cycling Weekly.

Igoe’s passion for the outdoors is evident in his personal dedication to cycling and trail running, giving him a better understanding of the industry’s unique hiring needs. This first-hand experience enables him to connect businesses with top talent that truly aligns with their values and vision.

Jamie Westwood, director at Reed Talent Solutions, said: “We are excited to partner with SMI Media to bring a new level of specialisation to recruitment within the outdoor and endurance sports industry.”

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