Spencer Riley Enters Its Next Phase Within XCE Group

Spencer Riley now operates as part of XCE (Connecting Excellence Group), a UK-listed operating group built on an executive recruitment business.

The move keeps the same disciplined search model and places it inside a structure designed for long-term growth and capital strength.

For clients and candidates, nothing changes in how we deliver.
For experienced recruiters, the platform behind the business is broader.

Watch the video to learn more about what’s changed at Spencer Riley.
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What Is XCE Group?

XCE is a UK-listed operating group built around a profitable executive recruitment platform.

Spencer Riley is the operating business. XCE is the group built around it, using a long-term balance sheet approach that includes Bitcoin as a reserve asset.

Growth comes from two places: the performance of the recruitment businesses within the group and capital managed at group level.

As operating companies generate revenue and profit, the group balance sheet grows. XCE can also raise capital through public markets to support its wider strategy. Together, those two engines help fund future investment, expansion, and long-term growth.

Consultants stay focused on delivery while the group manages capital and growth at a broader level.

For more on how we run executive search day to day, visit our About Spencer Riley.

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What has (and has not) changed at Spencer Riley

The core of the business is unchanged for clients and candidates.

Clients continue to work with specialist consultants focused on board, director, and senior leadership hiring. Candidates still move through confidential, well-managed processes with consultants who understand their markets.

Now here’s what’s changed.

Operating within a listed group brings more discipline to planning, reporting, and investment. It creates a structure that supports growth over time rather than reacting to it.

The work stays the same. The platform around it is stronger.

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How the XCE Model Works

XCE combines two connected parts:

1. The operating business

Companies within the group, including Spencer Riley, generate revenue through executive search, building long-term client relationships and repeat hiring.

2. The wider group

XCE manages capital across the business, combining retained profits from its operating companies with capital raised through public markets to support its long-term strategy.

XCE allocates a portion of those reserves to Bitcoin as part of its balance sheet strategy. That broader platform also helps attract ambitious recruiters who want to build within a business with long-term plans.

Both parts support each other. The operating businesses drive performance. XCE focuses on how capital is invested and used to support long-term growth.

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Understanding The Bitcoin Treasury Strategy 

XCE holds Bitcoin as part of its long-term reserves within a governed, public-company structure.

This is a capital allocation decision shaped by operating experience. It sits behind the business, not inside delivery.

What this means for experienced recruiters

The change is structural.

You still build your desk, manage relationships, and deliver results.

What changes is the environment you are building within.

XCE provides a platform designed for long-term growth, with clearer alignment between individual performance and wider business value. Subject to eligibility, that includes access to performance-linked incentive structures.

As Scott explains:

“From a day-to-day perspective, you’re still working with clients and candidates. What changes is the platform behind you and the long-term opportunity available to high performers.”

For recruiters already billing at a high level, this creates the opportunity to build beyond the desk.

Explore current opportunities on our Careers page.

Speak to Spencer Riley

If you are hiring senior leadership, exploring board-level opportunities, or considering your next move in Leeds, we are happy to have a confidential conversation.

📩 contact@spencer-riley.com
📞 0113 416 6840

Compliance Notice

All references to strategy, incentives and future direction are subject to change and do not constitute an offer. Share and incentive arrangements are subject to scheme terms, eligibility and approval.

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