About Us

Lucy Brazier OBE  is one of the world’s leading authorities on the administrative profession.

Her passion is for the Assistant role to be truly recognised as a career and not just a job. Her formidable training expertise and speaking style have given her opportunities to train, present and Chair in over 50 countries at hundreds of events.

This has created much-needed discussions across the globe on how to professionalise the role. Lucy has also acted as a consultant on career progression, the future of the role and how Executives/Assistants can best partner with each other, for some of the biggest companies on the planet. She works with the best trainers of Executive Assistants from around the world to deliver the most up to date and current training in the market.

Lucy has a unique overview of the role and where it is heading. With access to the most forward-thinking, passionate and knowledgeable trainers in the world as well as personally meeting and speaking to literally thousands of Assistants over the last ten years, Lucy’s knowledge of the market and what Assistants all over the world are facing on a day to day basis are second to none.

In March of 2018, Lucy received the IAM Honorary Fellowship for her outstanding work and contribution to the PA profession. In 2016 Lucy was awarded the YPA Special Award ‘International Ambassador for the PA Profession’ and in 2015 the ‘PA Contributor of the Year Award’ by Office*. The magazine has been a finalist in the PPA Business Magazine of the Year Award, the PPA Media Brand of the Year Award and the PA-Assist Members Awards.

Outside of work: Lucy lives in beautiful Javea on the Costa Blanca. She is a lover of both cooking and eating good food, mother of three adults, wife to Duncan and a film/theatre/music addict.

Franziska Lielje is our new Office Manager. She has worked as an EA in Germany and in Jordan and has found her passion for supporting the administrative profession when joining the team here in Spain! Fran is a hardworking young woman with eyes and ears everywhere – making sure that things around the office run smoothly, while helping the team to be the best they can be.

As EA to Lucy Brazier, Matthew arguably had one of the hardest EA jobs in the world. He has a reputation across the industry for his efficiency and ‘can do’ attitude.

For the last 9 years, Matthew was the person who kept the wheels rolling at Executive Support Magazine while Lucy travelled around the world campaigning tirelessly for the recognition of the role of Assistant as a profession. Matthew also had a key role in organising the ES LIVE events which take place online as well as face to face in London, Johannesburg, Sydney, Wellington & various cities in the USA.

We have recently promoted Matt to the role of Events Operations Director.  We were in danger of keeping him as Lucy’s EA in order to support the narrative. We are all about encouraging administrative professionals to step into their excellence and to do what makes their heart sing and so we couldn’t be more delighted to announce this promotion. It’s the end of an era but I am sure the beginning of an exciting new one.

Matthew’s career achievements include winning ‘Social Media Influencer of the Year’ at the Miss Jones Awards in 2019, being ranked 3 out of 250 on the Eventopedia PA Power List, featuring in numerous articles across industry publications, blogs and in the Daily Mail and being named a finalist in several other industry awards.

Matthew is a role model who has led the way within the administrative profession for male assistants, demonstrating his drive, passion and enthusiasm for supporting the role.

Outside work: Husband to Kayleigh, builder of all things Lego, Dr Who/Star Wars fanatic.

Passionate about discovering your unique needs for personal and career development, and recommending training that will develop the knowledge and skills you need to succeed. Enjoys working with all stakeholders for the development of Administrative teams – listening and providing the solutions that will deliver and lead the individuals, team and entire organisation to success.

I find the rapidly changing, challenging and diverse role of the Assistant always provides me with a new challenge myself – the role can be quite different for each individual/organisation! Luckily, we work with all of the best trainers in the world, who are also there to help me find you exactly what you need.

My love of live events and travelling the world also fits quite nicely with the organisation of international world-class training events!

Previously a creative, imaginative and innovative event media professional (also helps with our events and all the exhibitions and conferences we attend!), I have found a new purpose in life helping thousands of Assistants to learn, prosper and grow in their careers over nearly 10 years with Executive Secretary Magazine.

Outside work: Husband to Juliette and Father to Juniper and Rafael, Arsenal Fan (Gooner!) and enjoys fine food, wine and beer!

Kathleen’s mission is to bring thought-provoking, timely and inspiring articles to administrative professionals around the world; empowering them not just to succeed in their roles, but to excel. As a former Assistant, Kathleen understands the issues and opportunities that face the profession, and the people within it. Her administrative experience ranges from the site office to the executive office and includes Crossrail, one of the largest construction projects in Europe, and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Outside work: A Kiwi living in London, exploring all the UK has to offer. Lover of theatre, art galleries, stately homes and champagne afternoon teas.

Marion is a multi-award winning former EA, winning Yorkshire PA of the Year in 2011 and Pitman International PA in 2012. With over 30 years of administrative experience her last role was as a senior EA in the education sector at Yorkshire Universities.

Marion now runs The PA Hub with her husband Jon in the North of England running over 35 events a year including networking events, development sessions, conferences, showcases and PA Awards.

Marion is Events Director for ES LIVE globally and represented the UK at the 2018 World Administrative Summit in Frankfurt. Marion continues to support and promote the profession internationally.

Outside work: Marion enjoys spending time with 4 lovely grandchildren, travelling, listening to music, singing along (loudly), good films, theatre, great food, pink gin and tonic.

Sophie Douglas is our Sales Manager. Running the office in Spain when Lucy is off doing her thing is no mean feat! But if anyone can do it, Sophie can!

Once the youngest person to be given a manager’s role at Brook Street recruitment agency, Sophie’s tenacity and drive ensures that our clients get that personal one to one service with regular phone calls and updates.

Strong as an ox but with a heart of gold Sophie works hard to get the best out of both herself and her team.

Elaine Williams has worked as a buyer for some of the best-known retailers in the UK, sourcing new worldwide suppliers; negotiating terms of trading and agreeing the most competitive costs.

She moved to Spain just over a year ago and we are delighted that she has joined us as one of the new sales team, dealing particularly with North America.

Don’t let her quiet demeanour fool you. Elaine is a force to be reckoned with and is already making a huge impact with our clients in North America.

Pippa Hargreaves is our very hardworking, if slightly mad new account manager. An enormous heart and already passionate about this profession and all of you, Pippa keeps us entertained in the office with her positive attitude and cheerful demeanour. Her background is people, customer service and sales. She can’t wait to speak to all her new clients so if you see a Spanish number come up on your phone (+34), pick it up and have a chat.

After completing a Business & Marketing diploma at College in North Devon, Ilana spent 8 years working for Lloyds of London Insurance Brokerages, providing clients with quotations for public liability, household, commercial and private car insurance.

Ana Fawdry has worked in customer relations in some form since moving to Spain six years ago with her husband and two children . Originally from Madrid, she moved to the UK at a young age and speaks both languages perfectly. Previous to joining the team at Executive Support, she worked in film and television so has plenty of experience in thinking on her feet and being productive!  Although dealing primarily with the North American market, Ana is comfortable speaking to anyone and everyone so always feel free to pick up the phone and give her a call if you have any queries!

Justin is the newest member of the account management team and is looking after many of our clients in North America. Originally from the sunny island of Jersey, in the Channel Islands, he has been living in Spain for the past four years.

A real people person, Justin’s background is finance, technology, customer service, and sales, and he has a real passion for helping people learn and develop to be the best that they can be. Justin is qualified as a Service Desk Institute Service Desk Manager and has also completed the Chartered Manager Institute Level 5 diploma.

Outside of work, Justin feels very fortunate that he has been able to travel all over the world and he loves to explore new places. In his downtime, he can be found throwing heavy things around in his local gym or with his head stuck in a good book. He’s looking forward to getting to know his new clients and helping them with their goals, so don’t be shy – drop him an email and set up a time to have a chat with him.