Rosaleen Blair is one of the most respected business leaders and entrepreneurs of the modern era, celebrated for her visionary approach to workforce transformation and leadership excellence. Her name has become synonymous with innovation in the recruitment and talent management industry. As the founder of Alexander Mann Solutions (AMS), she reshaped how global organisations approach human resources, talent acquisition, and diversity in the workplace. From humble beginnings to leading a billion-pound enterprise, Blair’s story is an inspiring journey of determination, courage, and the relentless pursuit of excellence.
Her influence extends far beyond business. She is a passionate advocate for gender equality, mentoring, and leadership development. Rosaleen Blair’s professional path reflects not only her entrepreneurial genius but also her deep commitment to empowering others and promoting inclusive success.
Early Life and Background
Rosaleen Blair was born and raised in Ireland, a country known for its strong community values and deep sense of resilience. Her early life played a vital role in shaping her leadership style, which combines compassion, strategic vision, and an unwavering belief in people’s potential. Though much of her early personal life remains private, it is clear that her Irish upbringing instilled in her a sense of ambition and perseverance that would later define her career.
From a young age, Blair exhibited a keen interest in understanding how organisations work and what motivates people to perform their best. These early curiosities laid the foundation for her future career in talent management. Before starting her own company, she worked in several roles that helped her understand the challenges organisations face when recruiting, retaining, and developing talent on a global scale.
Founding Alexander Mann Solutions
The defining chapter of Rosaleen Blair’s career began in 1996 when she founded Alexander Mann Solutions (AMS). At the time, the concept of outsourcing recruitment processes was still relatively new, but Blair had a bold vision. She saw an opportunity to create a company that would go beyond simple hiring and instead become a strategic partner for businesses, helping them attract, develop, and retain the best people through intelligent, data-driven, and people-centred solutions.
Under her leadership, AMS revolutionised the recruitment industry by combining technology, consultancy, and human expertise. She believed that talent is the lifeblood of every organisation, and her company set out to design solutions that could evolve with the rapidly changing global business environment. AMS grew from a small London-based firm into a global powerhouse with clients in over 100 countries.
Blair’s leadership philosophy was rooted in collaboration, transparency, and innovation. She cultivated a culture that valued creativity and accountability, encouraging her employees to think differently and embrace change. Her ability to foresee industry shifts — particularly the digital transformation of HR and recruitment — positioned AMS as a pioneer in workforce solutions long before “digital talent management” became a mainstream concept.
Leadership and Growth
Rosaleen Blair served as Chief Executive Officer of Alexander Mann Solutions for over two decades, leading the company through multiple phases of growth, global expansion, and investment. Her forward-thinking strategies attracted major private equity partners, enabling the company to expand into North America, Asia, and Europe.
In 2018, AMS reached a major milestone when it was acquired by OMERS Private Equity in a deal valued at approximately £820 million. This acquisition was a testament to the company’s success and global reputation under Blair’s leadership. Even after the sale, she continued to serve as Chair, guiding AMS’s strategic direction and ensuring that its values and vision remained intact.
Throughout her tenure, Blair proved to be not only a successful entrepreneur but also a thoughtful leader who prioritised people above profits. Her belief that a company’s culture directly influences its long-term success shaped every decision she made. She often said that business growth is only meaningful when it contributes positively to employees, clients, and communities alike.
Advocacy for Women and Diversity in Business
One of Rosaleen Blair’s greatest contributions lies in her advocacy for women in leadership and her unwavering support for gender equality in business. She has long championed initiatives aimed at increasing female participation at senior levels within organisations. Through her own success, she demonstrated that leadership is not defined by gender but by capability, confidence, and clarity of vision.
Blair actively supports mentoring programmes that empower women to achieve leadership roles, often sharing her experiences and lessons learned through public speaking and advisory work. She believes that the true measure of success is not just what one achieves personally but the positive impact made on others along the way.
Her efforts have been widely recognised across the UK and beyond. In 2017, she was awarded the honour of Commander of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (CBE) for services to business and recruitment. This distinction placed her among the most influential figures in the British business community, highlighting her outstanding contribution to the economy and to promoting inclusive business practices.
Beyond Business: Philanthropy and Public Roles
Rosaleen Blair’s influence extends far beyond the corporate boardroom. She serves in several non-executive and philanthropic roles, continuing her mission to empower individuals and build sustainable organisations.
She is Deputy Chair of Kainos Group plc, a digital services company, where she contributes her expertise in leadership and organisational growth. She also holds a non-executive director position at BGF (Business Growth Fund), where she helps support fast-growing UK businesses with strategic guidance and leadership insight.
Outside the business world, Blair is deeply involved in charitable and cultural organisations. She is a board member of the London Irish Centre, where she promotes education, cultural exchange, and community development. Additionally, she supports initiatives such as Everywoman and Endeavor Ireland, both focused on mentoring, entrepreneurship, and empowering women in business.
Her humanitarian spirit reflects her belief that leadership must be used as a force for good. Through these organisations, Blair continues to inspire individuals and contribute to a more inclusive and opportunity-driven society.
Awards and Recognition
Over the course of her illustrious career, Rosaleen Blair has received numerous awards and honours recognising her leadership, innovation, and contribution to global business. In addition to her CBE, she was honoured with an Honorary Doctorate from Dublin City University (DCU) in recognition of her achievements in entrepreneurship, education, and advancing gender equality.
She has also been featured in various business publications and industry lists celebrating influential leaders, including those focusing on female entrepreneurs and impactful CEOs. Her name consistently appears among the UK’s most inspiring business figures, not only for her commercial success but also for her leadership values and social impact.
Leadership Philosophy
At the heart of Rosaleen Blair’s success lies a distinctive leadership philosophy based on empowerment, authenticity, and vision. She often emphasises the importance of trust, purpose, and emotional intelligence in business leadership.
According to Blair, great leaders are those who can inspire teams, create clarity amid complexity, and help others reach their full potential. She believes that the best organisations are built on a foundation of diversity, collaboration, and continuous learning. Her people-centred approach has helped shape AMS into a company that truly understands and values the human side of business.
In her interviews and talks, Blair frequently highlights the importance of resilience — the ability to adapt, recover, and thrive in changing times. Her own journey reflects that philosophy perfectly: she built a business from the ground up, navigated global economic challenges, and led with empathy through every stage of growth.
The Legacy of Rosaleen Blair
Rosaleen Blair’s legacy is one of transformative leadership, pioneering innovation, and unwavering commitment to people. She redefined what it means to be a leader in a rapidly changing business world, proving that success is not just about building profitable companies but about making a lasting, positive difference.
Her journey continues to inspire entrepreneurs, executives, and young professionals worldwide. Through her ongoing roles in business and philanthropy, Blair remains a beacon of integrity, courage, and inspiration. Her story demonstrates that vision, combined with compassion and persistence, can shape industries and change lives.
Conclusion
Rosaleen Blair stands as a true symbol of modern entrepreneurship — a leader who built an empire not just through strategy and skill but through vision and humanity. Her journey from an ambitious Irish professional to a globally recognised business icon shows what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Her impact on global talent management, women’s empowerment, and leadership culture continues to influence countless individuals and organisations. In a business world that often prioritises numbers over people, Rosaleen Blair reminds us that genuine leadership is about more than profit — it’s about potential, progress, and people.
