Tristan Heywood
Divisional Director & Managing Consultant
Tristan joined Oakstone in 2000 and has progressed through the company, leading our London operation since 2007.
His commitment to projects on behalf of our clients and dedication to assisting our candidates with their careers has led him to become a cornerstone of our business and he is widely-renowned in our sector as a true expert in his field. Tristan particularly enjoys working with early stage technology companies, helping them identify the people to take concepts into the commercial market and build a brand.
Prior to Oakstone, Tristan worked as a professional soccer coach, completing the UEFA Coaching qualifications and coaching at the Centre of Excellence for Arsenal & Wycombe Wanderers as well as private organisations.
After spending some time travelling, working and studying overseas, including Australia, New Zealand, South East Asia and the US, he returned to the UK, working initially as an International Account Manager in the “Well-Being” sector before joining Oakstone.

“I fully recommend Oakstone. They did a great job by aligning my skills and experience with the role they proposed. They supported me during the full recruitment process, helping to prepare the interviews. Always organizing debriefing after each step, reactive and proactive. Special thanks to Tristan.”
S.M. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined PROS.
“This team are the best in the business. I’ve known and partnered with Paul and Tristan and the Oakstone team for many years. Professional and transparent with the ability to align skills and expectations with clients and candidates alike. Delighted we finally got this one over the line, Tristan! Thank you my friend. Appreciate everything you do.”
K.H. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Coveo as a Strategic Accounts Executive.
“Ollie and Tristan have been great to work with! Very responsive and personable throughout the process. I would highly recommend!!”
Candidate review regarding Managing Consultant Ollie Hill and Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. Via Trustpilot.
“Working with Arran was an absolute pleasure. He was courteous and respectful of my wishes and was a great communicator throughout the process. This process can be a stressful one, but the Oakstone team (Tristan helped a ton towards the end) made hard conversations easier to have and were truly invested in me as a candidate. I would absolutely work with Arran and the Oakstone team again. Highly recommend.”
S.A. regarding their experience with Managing Consultant Arran Campbell and Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Rootstock as an Account Executive.
“From the moment Burnice reached out via LinkedIn, I felt she had a genuine interest in me beyond the reason we were even connected (the role). When you added Tristan to the process and Josie for coordination, it was clear that Oakstone saw my value and wanted to treat it respectfully.
At every stage of the process, I could speak openly about my situation, the other recruitment process running concurrently with their role, and what I was looking for in my next step.
Every piece of advice and insight offered was correct and helpful to every interaction with the hiring company. It truly felt as though they cared about my career.
Most recruiters are quick to build a false relationship and let it die faster. Burnice and Tristan were not that.
For anyone who has the pleasure of working with Burnice, it'll be a refreshing change from the norm. I couldn't recommend her (and Oakstone) enough based on her open communication, honesty, and responsiveness.”
J.M. regarding their experience with Senior Consultant Burnice Lange and Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Hunter.io as VP of Marketing.
“Great candidate experience at Oakstone. Professional, to the point and got things done with a minimum of fuss. Tristan Heywood and his team kept me current on the process and always did what they had said they were going to do. I can only highly recommend them on every level.”
N.N. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Amici Procurement.
“Arran and Tristan were both terrific partners in my search - consultative, insightful, and prompt. I’m especially grateful to Arran, without whose persistence, despite my initial hesitation/disengagement, I would not have ultimately landed the fantastic role for which he was recruiting me. Thanks, Oakstone!”
E.R. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Managing Consultant Arran Campbell. The candidate joined Neuron7.ai as a Director of Sales in the USA.
“Arran and Tristan were an absolute pleasure to work with. The team at Oakstone was highly professional and read in to every step of the process. I would highly recommend them to anyone I know. Thank you Arran and Tristan!”
W.F. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Managing Consultant Arran Campbell. The candidate joined Smart Communications as Wealth Management Account Executive in the USA.
“From my initial conversation with Ollie, Oakstone Intl was professional, thorough and detailed. All the things that are valuable during a career change and job search. Tristan was consistent and always touched based with the client providing me insight and transparency. Highly recommend Oakstone Intl! Tristan and Ollie are the best!”
T.F. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Senior Consultant Ollie Hill. The candidate joined Rootstock as an Account Director in the USA.
“An incredibly talented team that deeply understands the candidate and client touch points. One of the best I have worked with.”
D.O. regarding their experience with Divisional Directors Tristan Heywood and Steve Farr. The candidate joined Fieri as a Sales Director in the UK.
“It's been great working with Tom, Tristan and Josie from the Oakstone team. From bringing a fantastic opportunity to me, right through the entire process to offer - they've been a joy to work with. As a candidate, understanding the process, being prepped ahead of interviews, getting insights into stakeholders and receiving thorough, timely feedback is key and Oakstone get this spot on. They go over and above, and I would highly recommend them.”
M.M. regarding their experience with Managing Consultant Tom Richardson, Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Executive Assistant Josie Cozins. The candidate joined Smart Communications.
“Wonderful experience, from first contact to signed contract. Thanks guys!”
D.D. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate was placed at Infomedia as an Enterprise Sales Specialist in Germany.
“I had the pleasure of working with Arran during my recruitment process, and I can't say enough about his genuine care and support. Arran went above and beyond by checking in after every call, making sure I felt valued and confident.
He took the time to understand my goals, provided invaluable guidance, and meticulously reviewed my resume. Arran's dedication to my success was evident, and I couldn't have asked for a better ally in this journey. Arran is not just a recruiter; he's a true advocate who genuinely cares about his candidates. If you're seeking someone who looks out for you every step of the way, I highly recommend Arran. Thank you, Arran and Tristan, for your exceptional support!”
M.H. regarding their experience with Managing Consultant Arran Campbell and Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined PROs as a BDR in the UK.
“Great experience and highly professional support!”
S.S. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Senior Consultant Ollie Hill. The candidate joined PROs as an Enterprise Account Executive in Germany.
“I've had experience with recruiters before, but Oakstone really went above and beyond. Ben kept me updated daily, and they were always available when I needed them. Ben and Steve worked tirelessly to make sure I was fully prepared for each stage and the arrangements of each stage felt seamless. Wonderful team and great approach to matching the right people with the right company.”
M.M. regarding their experience with Recruitment Consultant Ben Whaley and Divisional Director Steve Farr. Via TrustPilot. The candidate joined Botify as Enterprise Sales in the UK.
“I cannot say enough good things about working with Oakstone. Lexie was so incredibly thoughtful and professional every step of the way - even connecting me with Tristan while she was out of office to ensure that the process was seamless as I worked with my prospective employer from first interview to my offer letter.”
E.P. regarding their experience with Senior Consultant Lexie Whiting and Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Smart Communications as VP of Industry Marketing Lead in the USA.
“Working with George and Tristan has been a pleasure. Both have shown balanced and insightful perspectives on opportunities being considered, and their care and consideration while supporting any preparatory work was particularly appreciated. It is clear the team has strong relationships with its clients, translating to the most reliable and trusted advice, which clearly does not come from a place of bias or self-serving interests. Seeking a new challenge is a significant step, and in a crowded marketplace where superficiality and a lack of personal touch is prevalent, it is reassuring to work with people that are objective and considerate instead.”
A.S. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Senior Consultant George Griffiths. The candidate joined Seismic as Strategic Sales Director in the UK.
“I was first contacted by Ben for an interesting opportunity and, shortly after, a second time by Tristan for another client. Turned out the first opportunity did not work because the client had decided so, but thanks to the excellent advice I received from Tristan, I managed to sign with my new employer. Oakstone really makes a difference when it comes to keeping you posted on the job opportunity, either positively OR not, and helping you close your own deal.”
BF regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and recruitment consultant Ben Whaley.
“From the initial contact to the ongoing support to the contract signing, the Oakstone team was always on hand to advise and manage the process. This is how you imagine an excellent service from a recruitment company! I would recommend Oakstone at any time!”
T.S. regarding his experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined ServiceMax as Enterprise Sales in Germany.
“Very professional throughout the whole process from first contact to contract signing. I can highly recommend Oakstone International as a Global talent recruitment company.”
J.H. regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined ServiceMax as Enterprise Sales in Denmark.
“Dealing with Oakstone has been quite different from other headhunters/recruiters I have interacted with.
It is quite clear why your firm has been so successful: you share insights with prospective candidates that only a trusted advisor would have. Obviously, the Oakstone team is highly regarded and viewed as much more than just as a "recruiter" by your clients/employers.”
S.J. Regarding their experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Senior Consultant Arran Campbell. The candidate joined IFS as a Senior RFP Writer in the UK.
“Oakstone are the best in class. I have used them at different stages in my career and each time have been impressed by the process and attention to detail. A special thanks to Tristan Heywood and Steve Farr - very knowledgeable and moreover really take time to understand your requirements to find a right match.”
B.M. regarding their experience with Oakstone Divisional Directors Tristan Heywood and Steve Farr. The candidate joined Heap as an Enterprise Account Executive in the UK.
“Great responsiveness from the team, who did a great job in answering questions, organizing process. Great candidate experience.”
S.G. regarding his experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Recruitment Consultant Nick Swann. The candidate joined PacketAI as a VP of Engineering in France.
“It was a pleasure dealing with Tristan. I always felt he was giving me his honest opinion and he was looking out for what was best for me. I’ll be recommending to friends.”
M.T. regarding his experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined IFS as Head of Delivery in Spain.
“A very positive experience. Tristan was great. He provided valuable insights into the executives I would be interviewing with. They also facilitated the process and made me feel like I was in good hands.”
J.Z. regarding his experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Smart Communications as VP of Marketing in the USA.
“The team I worked with did a fantastic job ensuring that what I was looking for aligned with the positions they found for me. The Oakstone team truly worked in partnership to create a win/win for me as the candidate and the hiring company. Can't thank them enough for all their help and hard work.”
J.B. regarding his experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Senior Consultant Arran Campbell. The candidate joined Smart Communications as an Enterprise Account Executive in the USA.
“I am very excited to be joining the Smart Communications team. Arran, Tristan, and the Oakstone team were outstanding. I will be certain to recommend your services to my colleagues in the future. Thank you once again for the help with everything. I'll be sure to keep everyone posted on my progress with Smart Communications.”
S.E. regarding his experience with Divisional Director, Tristan Heywood and Senior Recruitment Consultant, Arran Campbell
“I am beyond thrilled that Tristan sought me out and persevered with the interview process, as I was not at all a warm lead for him!!
Aside from competing with an internal promotion during my best year at Gartner and being approached by Google (my dream company), Tristan did an excellent job of connecting me to the right people within CVI that would help overcome any concerns/questions I had, prove what an exceptional organisation it was, and why I'd be a great fit.
I was also disinterested in working for a small company , so he really had the odds stacked against him...
Having worked in recruitment and liaised with recruiters many times over the years, I've not met anyone who knows their client as intimately as Tristan knows and promotes CVI - it was as if he worked there himself.
I am extremely grateful and VERY happy with my decision to join the CVI team, and Tristan is entirely responsible for this.”
M.W. regarding her experience with Divisional Director, Tristan Heywood.
“I worked with Arran and Tristan and couldn't be happier! Very diligent and very helpful throughout the process!’
D.F. regarding Divisional Director Tristan Heywood and Senior Consultant Arran Campbell. The candidate joined Smart Communications as an Enterprise Account Executive in the USA.
“Very professional and friendly people, thank you to Tristan.”
A.B. regarding his experience with Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. The candidate joined Medallia as a Sales Director in Italy.
Featured Articles
Insights from Oakstone Divisional Directors Andy Strong, Tristan Heywood and Steve Farr.
After several challenging years for SaaS, the EMEA region is gradually recovering, presenting new opportunities and hurdles for businesses looking to expand their GTM (Go-to-Market) teams. Drawing insights from industry leaders at Oakstone International, let's explore what lies ahead for hiring in EMEA.
Blog written by Divisional Director Tristan Heywood. Join his discussion of high salaries vs genuine opportunity.
It's not merely a buzzword; Customer Success is gaining a fundamental shift in how businesses approach relationships. As we delve into Gartner's predictions for 2024, it becomes increasingly evident that customer success is not just a trend but a strategic imperative for organisations across industries.