Our Founders
Brightsmith was born from a shared belief that people have the power to drive real change.
Our three founders, Tommy Bright, Jenny Gladman, and Adam Smith, came together to create a search business that puts purpose and people at the heart of everything. With decades of global experience and a passion for sustainability, they’ve built Brightsmith into a trusted partner for companies around the world.
Adam Smith
As co-founder of Brightsmith, Adam blends global search expertise with a clear sense of purpose: to connect people with opportunities that move the world forward. He’s spent his career building teams across the UK, US and beyond—always with a focus on collaboration, inclusion, and long-term impact.
With a background in technology and engineering search, Adam has helped shape Brightsmith into a global partner across the energy transition. His calm, grounded approach builds trust fast, and his belief in the power of people runs through everything he does. Adam sees recruitment as more than just filling roles. It’s about unlocking potential, creating opportunity, and building businesses that make a difference. Under his leadership, Brightsmith became a certified B Corp™—a reflection of the values he brings to work every day.
Outside of Brightsmith, Adam’s world revolves around his family. You’ll often find him on the football pitch coaching his sons’ team or encouraging others to grow—on and off the field.
Jenny Gladman
Jenny co-founded Brightsmith to turn her passion for people and purpose into something bigger. With a background in investment management and executive search, she’s spent her career building diverse, high-performing teams—and now focuses that energy on driving change in the cleantech space.
She’s a champion for women in recruitment, finance, and engineering, and a firm believer that when diverse talent is empowered, great things happen. Whether she’s hosting Conversations in Cleantech, speaking at industry events, or mentoring future leaders, Jenny’s all about creating space for people to thrive.
Originally from London and now based in Brighton, Jenny balances life as a founder with raising two energetic boys. She’s at her best when she’s outdoors, recharging in nature and staying inspired by the world around her.
Tommy Bright
Tommy is a founder, connector, and big-picture thinker. With a background spanning investment banking, energy, and global executive search, he’s spent his career bringing bold ideas to life and building the teams that make them happen.
At Brightsmith, Tommy combines sharp commercial insight with a people-first mindset. He’s passionate about working with purpose-driven businesses across the energy transition and has a knack for spotting potential, often where others don’t. His global network and intuitive approach have been instrumental in shaping Brightsmith into the trusted partner it is today. For Tommy, recruitment is about more than placements. It’s about long-term relationships, shared ambition, and building a better future through the power of people.
Outside the office, you’ll find him with his family, on the golf course, or keeping up with the latest food spots. Whether he’s mentoring future leaders or diving into his latest fitness challenge, Tommy brings energy, vision, and a genuine love of connection to everything he does.
Learn More About the Team Shaping Brightsmith
Whether you’re hiring, looking, or exploring what’s next, Brightsmith is here to help you live your purpose, with people who share it.