About Us
Core Values
At Cheltenham Place, our culture and values are firmly rooted in the belief that true success is achieved through the meaningful connection of the right people with the right opportunities. We prioritise individuals’ needs at the core of our business structure, fostering an environment where empathy, integrity, and collaboration are paramount.
Our commitment to understanding the unique aspirations of candidates and the specific objectives of our clients drives us to deliver tailored recruitment solutions that not only meet immediate requirements but also contribute to long-term success.
By cultivating strong relationships and maintaining open lines of communication, we ensure that every interaction reflects our dedication to a human-centred approach, ultimately creating a recruitment experience that is both rewarding and impactful for all parties involved.
Founder
Louis Smith, founder of Cheltenham Place, brings nearly two decades of experience spanning recruitment, finance, and real estate. He has carved out a niche within some of the most intellectually demanding and competitive areas of modern finance, partnering with leading hedge funds and private equity firms to place exceptional talent in Machine Learning, Quantitative Research & Trading, and Software Engineering. In parallel, he also works closely with private equity firms to recruit high-calibre talent across the Real Assets space.
Louis’s recruitment expertise is defined by his ability to source and identify Grade A talent across competitive markets. His experience as a sports agent with 33 Sports Group further sharpened his skills in assessing potential and consistently delivering results.
Earlier in his career, Louis collaborated with global hospitality brands including Hilton, Ritz-Carlton, and Melia International, gaining a deep understanding of high-value offerings and elite service standards. He also currently serves as Director of Athena Investors, a real estate advisory firm working with Family Offices on strategic investments across the UK and Europe.
With a strong network of senior industry leaders and a deep understanding of performance-driven environments, Louis is uniquely positioned to support the complex and specialised hiring needs of clients across Quantitative, Technology, and Real Assets.