Aviva Investors builds internal communications team with the help of VMA Group

Aviva Investors is one of the largest institutional asset managers in the world. Deanne Raseta, its head of internal communications, had worked with VMA Group both as a candidate and a client for over fours years. Having taken on her last three recruits through the consultancy, she knew where to turn for the latest addition to her team.

"VMA Group's approach is very comprehensive.There are certain structures that organisations have in place and VMA Group's consultants appreciate that. We generally get in two or three recruitment consultancies to help us fill the vacancy. For the latest permanent role, the VMA Group consultant impressed me by asking the kinds of questions that really gave her a sense of the person we were seeking," said Deanne. She added: "I think in the end she was very clear about what would work in our corporate environment and what would not."

Deanne also feels that unlike some of its competitors, VMA Group really takes the time to understand the organisation and the brief. As Deanne's background is in internal communications, knowledge of the practice is also very important: "VMA Group has a great handle on the types of skills needed for internal comms roles. When you are working with consultants who have been internal communication professionals themselves, it makes a huge difference.

"When it came to filling the role, VMA Group understood what we needed straight away. We struggled not to interview all three candidates that VMA Group put through as they all fitted the brief 100%," commented Deanne. "I know the person we hired will add a huge amount of value to the team and our business. They may also teach me a thing or two! I felt our VMA Group consultant was incredibly astute regarding what other requirements might be needed in the role and the type of person to fit those requirements." When asked what differentiates VMA Group, Deanne said: "I have found the approach of the consultants I've worked with at VMA Group consistently good. Very professional and honest regarding the abilities of the candidates, good at judging the markets that are relevant to a specific skill set, and supportive during the recruitment
process."

With regard to recommending VMA Group, Deanne would have no hesitation: "I will always go back to VMA Group in the future and certainly would include VMA Group in any recruitment
decision. I've always recommended VMA Group to people looking to hire internal communication
professionals."

"When I needed to recruit I came to VMA Group because of its experience, reliability, and their great reputation in the market. I trust them as they've always delivered for me."
Deanne Raseta