John Byrne

John is the CEO, Founder, and Representative Director of Ascent Global Partners.

My Expertise

With over 20 years of experience in the recruitment industry, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight to the table.  My focus is primarily on senior-level searches, where I have a proven track record of consistently delivering results for my clients. Notably, I have originated and executed numerous retained positions, further showcasing my commitment to providing top-tier executive talent to our valued clients.  I balance my time between Business Development, Recruitment, Training and Management tasks.

Area of Focus

Throughout my career, I have primarily specialized in the financial services sector, making it my area of expertise. Particularly, my core competence lies in sell-side equities, where I have honed my skills and built an extensive network of professionals and industry leaders. However, my reach extends beyond financial services, as I have successfully placed talented individuals in asset management, legal, and technology fields as well.

My Background

I began my journey by graduating from the Carlow Institute of Technology, where I earned a Degree in Software Engineering. With a solid foundation in technology and problem-solving, I embarked on my professional career as a software engineer at Sun Microsystems, where I honed my technical skills and gained valuable industry experience for 2.5 years. However, my thirst for exploration led me to Japan, where I spent over a year teaching English and immersing myself in a new culture. This experience broadened my horizons and fuelled my passion for connecting people.

Recognizing my innate talent for building relationships and identifying talent, I transitioned into the field of executive recruitment. Prior to founding Ascent Global Partners in 2012, I worked for both retained and contingent recruitment firms, acquiring a deep understanding of the recruitment landscape and refining my expertise in matching top-tier candidates with exceptional opportunities.  In my spare time I sing in a rock band, regularly attend Crossfit classes at my gym, cook and spend time with my family.