Alexander Mann brings back former manager

Vaughan-Edwards' hire is the first management change at the Alexander Mann Group (AMG) since the ousting this month of founder and chief executive James Caan by Advent International, the private equity firm that invested 25m (e 39m) in the IT search and recruitment outsourcing business.

Chris Ross-Roberts, the group's finance director who came on board in 1999 at the time of the Advent investment, has become interim CEO. He said: I am delighted that Simon is coming back at this exciting time in our evolution. I am confident that our strong banking brand will go from strength to strength with such a strong management team.

AMG is working with PricewaterhouseCoopers on a strategy for future growth, following a strategic review of the business undertaken by the consulting firm prior to Caan's departure. It is focusing on building up financial services search and in building its pan-European and Asian businesses.