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Financial Services
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Public Sector & Not-for-Profit
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Technology & Digital
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Industrial, Manufacturing, & Construction
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Professional Services & Business Services
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Healthcare & Life Sciences
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Energy & Renewables
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Primary Industries
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Fintech
Your next leadership chapter starts here
We connect exceptional leaders with New Zealand's most ambitious organisations.
Our approach to Executive Search
Robert Walters Executive Search works exclusively at the senior leadership and board level, across New Zealand and internationally. Our approach is founded on lasting professional relationships, taking the time to understand your career to date, your capabilities, and your ambitions for what comes next.
Whether you are actively considering a new appointment or simply open to an exploratory conversation, we engage with complete confidentiality. Many of the most significant roles we fill are never publicly advertised. The right opportunity is more likely to find you through one of our client relationships.
Why partner with Robert Walters Executive Search for your next leadership move?
A proven track record. With 40 years of executive search experience, we have built a reputation for placing exceptional leaders in roles that define their careers.
Consultants who know your industry. Our consultants have deep knowledge of the sectors they serve, bringing genuine specialist understanding of the industries and leadership challenges you operate within.
Insight-led counsel. We draw on proprietary market intelligence to give you an accurate, honest picture of the executive landscape including remuneration, demand, and emerging opportunities.
A global network at your disposal. Our international reach gives you access to opportunities and connections that extend well beyond the New Zealand market.
Thought leadership you can use. From salary guides to leadership insights, we share our expertise openly so you can make informed decisions at every stage of your career.
Our Executive Recruiters
Neil Munro
Executive Search Associate Director
Auckland, New Zealand
Neil brings more than 20 years’ experience in workforce solutions, underpinned by a strong foundation in business advisory, where ...
Sarah Mowbray
Executive Search Business Director
Wellington , New Zealand
Sarah is a Business Director in the Executive Search team at Robert Walters, specialising in senior leadership and c-suite appoint...
Samantha Stevens
Executive Search Business Director
Auckland, New Zealand
Sam is our national executive search lead specialising in Commercial, Customer, Sales, Marketing, Digital, and Strategy roles. She...
Chrissy Orman
Executive Search Researcher
Wellington, New Zealand
Chrissy is a Researcher in our national Executive Search team, specialising in identifying top-tier talent. She ensures a diverse,...
Chief Executive Officer
CEO
The CEO is the highest-ranking executive in an organisation, responsible for setting strategic direction, driving performance and representing the business to its board, stakeholders and the market.
Chief Financial Officer
CFO
The CFO oversees the financial health of the organisation, leading financial planning, risk management, reporting and capital strategy to support sustainable growth and commercial decision-making.
Chief Technology Officer
CTO
The CTO leads the organisation's technology strategy, overseeing infrastructure, digital transformation and innovation to drive competitive advantage and operational capability.
Chief Operating Officer
COO
The COO is responsible for the day-to-day operational performance of the business, translating strategy into execution and ensuring the organisation runs efficiently and at scale.
Chief People Officer
CPO
The CPO is responsible for the organisation's people strategy, encompassing talent acquisition, culture, leadership development, employee experience and workforce planning.
Chief Compliance Officer
CCO
The CCO ensures the organisation operates within legal, regulatory and ethical frameworks, managing risk, governance and compliance programs across the business.
Chief Marketing Officer
CMO
The CMO leads brand, marketing and customer strategy, driving growth through market positioning and the development of campaigns that build brand equity, deepen audience connection and deliver measurable commercial results.
Industries we specialise in
Your guide to executive career moves
Navigating a senior career transition is different. The stakes are higher, the process is longer, and the right advice matters more than ever. We've put together practical guidance to support you at every stage.
Our executive insights
Explore more executive insights
Success in succession: Building strong leadership pipelines
Leadership transitions are among the most critical moments for any organisation. In Australia and New Zealand, where senior talent shortages and shifting workplace expectations are reshaping the business landscape, succession planning has never been more important. Our Success in succession e-guide
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New Zealand Local Government Chief Executive Tracker
Strengthening leadership in New Zealand’s local government Appointing the right Chief Executive is one of the most critical decisions a council can make. But what does it take to lead effectively in today’s complex local government environment? The New Zealand Local Government Chief Executive Tracke
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Leadership in 2026: why scrutiny is rising in New Zealand workplaces
Leadership has always been under the spotlight, but in 2026 the intensity has shifted. Across New Zealand, professionals are paying closer attention not just to what leaders decide, but how and why those decisions are made. This growing focus reflects broader workplace trends, from rapid technologic
Read MoreWhat our candidates say
At Robert Walters, we believe our success comes from the success of our clients and candidates. We're not just recruitment experts; we're partners in crafting your success story.
Jacque's Story
When legal associate, Jacques Odendaal, decided to make a career transition he also chose to move 20,000 kilometres, relocating from Cape Town, South Africa to Auckland, New Zealand. Fortunately, throughout the entire process, Jacques had Robert Walters consultant, Rosamund More, in his corner – and on the ground in Auckland.
Anna-lee's Story
From high-school teacher to lawyer to government policymaker, Anna-lee Annett’s career has spanned a wide variety of jobs, cities, and workplaces. But one consistent thread runs all the way through: her quest to make New Zealand a fairer, more equitable place for people of all backgrounds.
Anna-Lee Annett
Hauora Māori, Te Whatu Ora | Health New Zealand
Principle Policy Advisor
Candidate
Reade's Story
Reade runs a successful consultancy, but that might not have happened if it weren't for a chance meeting back in 2016...
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Executive Search roles
Register your interest in Executive roles
FAQs
Absolutely. All conversations with our executive search consultants are treated with the utmost discretion. We will never share your details or approach a potential employer on your behalf without your explicit consent.
Not at all. Many of the senior leaders we work with are not actively seeking a new position but are open to the right conversation. We welcome the opportunity to build a relationship early, so that when the right role arises, we already know you.
We operate exclusively at the senior leadership and board level, including CEO, CFO, CTO, Managing Director, General Manager, and non-executive director appointments.
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of the role and the organisation's requirements. Most executive appointments take between eight and sixteen weeks from brief to accepted offer. We will always keep you informed throughout the process.
Never. We will always discuss a specific opportunity with you before presenting your details to any client. You remain in control of the process at every stage.
Yes. While we are based in New Zealand, we have access to a global network and regularly support international searches and cross-border appointments.
We recruit across a broad range of sectors including Financial Services, Technology & Digital, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Energy & Renewables, Public Sector, Infrastructure & Construction, and more.