Our History

Since our founding in 1979 as the UK's first print directory of executive-search consultancies, Executive Grapevine has been synonymous with delivering authoritative, reliable data to HR and recruitment leaders.

Embracing each technological leap, we transitioned our comprehensive listings to CD-ROM in the 1990s and, by the early 2000s, unveiled eGOLD - our subscription-based online platform with real‑time search and export capabilities. That digital evolution also spawned HR Grapevine, a thriving news and insights hub serving professionals across the UK and US.

For the past 25 years, technical innovation has guided our journey. We were early pioneers of cloud-based directory access, and in 2020 we enhanced our platform to capture signals - page views, downloads and webinar interactions, to understand audience intent. In 2021, we launched GILT (Grapevine Intelligent Lead Tracker), our AI‑driven engine that analyses millions of engagement events in real time to identify in‑market prospects. Today, with a global six‑figure readership and a steadfast commitment to innovation, we continue to redefine business information services for the modern enterprise.

Company Timeline

2025

Reach 6 million intent signals every month

2024

HR Grapevine USA launched
AOP Finalist + Goldman Alumni

2023

Genie data tool launched

2022

Intent Data and onChat SaaS launched

2021

Bespoke SaaS webinar platform
GILT tool finalist, AOP Awards

2020

85% market share during pandemic and retained
COVID virtual event platform built in 100 days

2019

Personalised content + subscription archive launched

2018

Chris Lewis boosts digital roadmap
GDPR compliant marketing & lead gen suite

2017

GDPR compliant event registration app

2014

HR Grapevine website adds responsive mobile optimisation

2011

Rick Xu starts Digital Transformation

2005

Events and Conferences launched

2001

Sabrina Ponte builds marketing services

2000

Anna Weston launches HR Grapevine

1997

Data business begins, CD-ROMs launched

1991

Helen Fish joins to expand Business Directories

1979

Directory of Search Firms launched