The People Behind CultureGene
Bretton Putter
Founder & CEO
Brett founded CultureGene in 2017, a specialist consultancy helping organisations source senior leadership executives and build high performance cultures. Prior to CultureGene, Bretton spent 15 years running an international executive search firm supporting high-growth technology companies, where culture repeatedly emerged as the critical factor in successful leadership hires.
Bretton is the author of Own Your Culture and Culture Decks Decoded, and a recognised voice on the future of work, leadership, and organisational culture.
Sue van Vuuren
Search & Culture Consultant
Sue van Vuuren is an Executive Search Consultant with a strong background in HR and recruitment advisory roles across the UK, EU, and Africa. With experience spanning Insurance, Financial Services, Telecommunications and Transportation, and broader commercial sectors, Sue brings a deep understanding of both people and business environments.
Sue is known for her ability to quickly grasp organisational priorities and partner closely with leadership teams to deliver practical, high-impact recruitment outcomes. Her approach is collaborative, thoughtful, and outcome-driven, enabling clients to build capability, strengthen leadership, and achieve sustainable business success.
Laurel Steyn
Search & Culture Consultant
Laurel Steyn is an Executive Search Consultant with over 20 years' success placing high-quality talent across the US, UK, Europe, Africa and internationally. Laurel partners with organisations across a wide range of sectors, delivering tailored consultancy and executive search solutions.
Known for her ability to quickly understand organisational priorities, culture, and leadership needs, Laurel works closely with business leaders to identify and secure the best talent in the market. She prides herself on building trusted, long-term partnerships and delivering outcomes that strengthen teams and drive sustainable business success.