Meet the team

With over two decades of experience between them, our team have their own areas of expertise, niche markets and geographical areas. What they all share is a professional, proactive and consultative approach that has earned our reputation for quality.

We provide an informed, high-quality service, keeping fully up to date with the initiatives and developments that impact on our customers. We have the added advantage of being able to draw on the knowledge and expertise of our colleagues across the CIPFA community. 

Mizan Rouf, Associate Director

Mizan Rouf in formal wearMizan is the practice lead for CIPFA-Penna and has over 5 years’ experience in executive recruitment. Since joining the sector Mizan has developed an enviable network prominently in the senior Local Government Finance space which has further enhanced his reputation as the ‘go to’ person for finance recruitment. Prior to his career in executive recruitment, Mizan spent 15 years working in local government for some of the largest local authorities in the UK including Sheffield City Council.

Tel: +44 (0)7395 855 007
Email: mizan.rouf@penna.com


Catherine Bush, Consultant, CIPFA-Penna, Executive Interim

Photo of Catherine BushCatherine has over 17 years’ experience working in local government recruitment and has developed a strong network at recruiting senior level professionals into the public sector. I have always had a passion for helping people, so working with the public sector has been the perfect platform to give something back to our local communities. I will now be continuing my journey as a consultant with a focus on local government finance as part of our partnership with CIPFA. I am thrilled to continue my journey with Penna and to work alongside hugely talented people whilst continuing to grow my network of passionate people. I am looking forward to helping more local authorities find exceptional talent!

Tel: +44 (0)7803 510 898
Email: catherine.bush@penna.com


Ian Mensah-Stapleton, Senior Consultant, CIPFA-Penna, Executive Interim, Public Sector

Photo of Ian Mensah-Stapleton

My knowledge of CIPFA and my key relationships within the sector will bring significant value to my new role at Penna. I plan to maintain these connections with former colleagues, while sharing crucial insights with our team. Having collaborated with numerous senior finance professionals in Local Government across the UK, I will keep these channels open. I am open-minded, dynamic and positive with a calm aura. Life has taught me to listen more, speak less and respect others. I thrive on change, have a strong passion for learning and enjoy meeting new people. I believe that at Penna I am well-positioned to offer proactive, mutually beneficial solutions to Local Authorities by placing talented individuals into senior executive finance roles. From my CIPFA perspective I have witnessed the negative impacts of reduced budgets on communities, in this role I hope to support local authorities recruit exceptionally talented finance professionals who can apply good financial management and governance.

Tel: +44 (0)7593 893874
Email: Ian.stapleton@penna.com


Andrew Tromans, Senior Consultant, CIPFA-Penna, Executive Search

Photo of Andy TromansHaving graduated from Durham University, Andy began his career with Deloitte Consulting – providing clients across the public and private sectors with a wide range of human resources solutions, and gaining an appreciation of the direct relationship between talent, performance and outcomes. Subsequently moving into executive search, since 2007 he has focused on recruiting senior leadership roles across the public sector. Since 2021, Andy has led on all permanent senior finance appointments for CIPFA Penna – recruiting Resources Directors and Finance Directors for the local government, blue light, health, housing and non-profit sectors.

Tel: +44 (0)7805 226 301
Email: andrew.tromans@penna.com


Jon Dilling, Head of Business Solutions, CIPFA-Penna, Sourcing

Photo of Jon DillingJon brings over two decades of expertise in assisting local government and broader public sector organisations with their recruitment strategies. He provides guidance on best practices and strategies for achieving more effective outcomes. Jon is particularly passionate about addressing his clients' recruitment challenges, having delivered solutions for hard-to-fill management and leadership roles. His commitment extends beyond cost-effectiveness by ensuring the recruitment of the very best candidates efficiently and promptly. With a wealth of experience, Jon comprehensively understands an organisation's broader recruitment challenges, especially in supporting executive, senior, and specialist finance resourcing.

Tel: +44 (0)7584 519 444
Email: jon.dilling@penna.com