WATERMARK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Member of the Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Partner - Interim Executiv
- Partner - Interim Executive
Alex has over 20 years' experience in the talent arena garnered within multiple sectors based in both the UK and Australia. She has worked across all facets of the recruitment industry -in house, search, contingent agency and RPO. Most recently, Alex has led in house talent management and acquisition functions across education, IT services, professional services, and travel, giving Alex broad industry knowledge to draw from.
Alex brings extensive experience in solving complex talent problems globally having recruited multiple C-suite positions across North America, Europe, South-east Asia, and Australasia.
Alex has recently returned to Sydney and is focused on the health, aged care, disability care, pharma and travel sectors. She is committed to helping clients solve complex problems by accessing the growing pool of credentialed interim executives now pursuing a portfolio career.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Manager
- International in 2018 As an Executive Assistant
Alicia is an innovative, creative and proactive team player with the ability to balance client, candidate and colleague needs at all levels. She completed her Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) at Macquarie University and has a passion for working closely with people to build strong and lasting relationships.
Alicia joined Watermark Search International in 2018 as an Executive Assistant however through Covid found a new love for marketing. She is responsible for all things marketing at Watermark including branding, thought leadership pieces, strategy, client and candidate webinars, podcasts, events, blogs and socials. She assists the whole Watermark team in their personal marketing ventures and has exceptional stakeholder management skills to ensure all projects run efficiently and compliantly.
Alicia brings an artistic and modern approach to all branding and marketing projects. She always goes the extra mile to drive all things Watermark and always has the company's best interests at heart.
Alison has spent over 14 years within Executive Search and Agency Recruitment. Prior to her role as Head of Research at Watermark Search, Alison worked as a Researcher at Derwent Executive, and previously as a Consultant and Researcher at Atticus Search, where she was responsible for researching and recruiting specialists across Asia Pacific's Financial Markets IT and Gaming Sectors.
Alison's experience covers permanent and contract positions of differing levels of seniority. Alison is well versed in recruiting on a global level and has successfully worked for clients in Hong Kong, Tokyo, Singapore, Sydney and Melbourne. Prior to Recruitment, Alison spent 4 years in a business development and research role for a global management consultancy.
Bronwen joined Watermark as an Engagement Manager with a wealth of experience built up over 20 years working in the executive recruitment industry. Her recruitment and research skills have primarily covered the industrial, environmental and manufacturing industries, however more recently she has been focusing on the consumer and retail markets.
Prior to joining Watermark, Bronwen worked at The Insight Group as a Business Manager where she built upon her significant expertise by undertaking assignments for many large-scale projects. Her major clients include a Top 50 steel manufacturer, a global waste recycling organisation, as well as national and global financial and professional services firms. Before that, Bronwen was employed as a Consultant with a boutique search firm based in North Sydney. Bronwen's role encompassed the national recruitment of senior executives via search activity, coordinating and performing aptitude tests on behalf of clients and managing medium-scale recruitment drives.
Bronwen has recruited for many senior general management roles including CEO, CFO, national management roles and other line management roles.
Bronwen holds tertiary qualifications in Psychology, a Masters in Human Resource Management and Industrial Relations from the University of Sydney.
Job Titles:
- Coach
- Executive
- Senior Partner
Caroline McAuliffe is a Senior Partner and specialises in interim executive search, helping organisations find and deploy senior C-suite executives with deep functional and leadership expertise for short-term projects or roles.
With over 18 years of experience in interim executive search, Caroline leads the interim executive team in Sydney, serving a diverse range of sectors, including ASX 300, government, for purpose, human services, higher education, infrastructure, transport, energy, utilities, industrials, and manufacturing.
She is passionate about enabling organisational transformation and performance improvement through interim executive solutions.
She is also the co-author of The Rise of the Interim Executive, an award winning book for executives who want to explore and succeed in the interim executive marketplace - theinterimexecutive.com.au
Caroline is a qualified executive coach and a lifelong learner, has completed a Graduate Certificate in Careers Education and Development, currently completing a Bachelor's Degree in Social Sciences (Psychology) and is Certified in HR Management.
Job Titles:
- Partner - Executive Search
Chris is an experienced Executive Recruitment Professional with more than 20 years experience across varied disciplines and industry sectors in both Japan and Australia. He has provided search and recruitment solutions for major Multinationals, ASX, For-Purpose and Government related organisations. He has handled all manner of niche, complex and senior specialist roles focused on appointing the best human solution to meet the myriad needs of busy clients and the changing requirements of a modern-day workforce.
Clients and candidates alike value his expertise in the field as well as his insights and transparency. Chris offers a straight-forward communication style while ensuring the rigour of a professional process to allow both clients and candidates to make informed and accurate decisions regarding their executive appointments.
Chris has a BA from Melbourne Uni and spends his weekends chasing his kids around the state playing competitive basketball.
Job Titles:
- Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Search Consultant
Claire is an experienced search consultant, who has assisted a broad range of government, not-for-profit and commercial organisations to identify and attract outstanding candidates for senior executive and board positions. Her more recent work has been focused supporting indigenous organisations identify commercial leaders and skilled board practitioners; working with clients to replace long standing CEOs and assisting both government and for-purpose clients with new board creation and specific skill set identification.
Claire works closely with her clients to ensure a search is tailored to their individual needs and timeframe. Regular communication throughout an assignment ensures a transparent client focused process and a no surprises approach to search.
An early career in research has given Claire broad networks and an ongoing passion for quality candidate care. She has a genuine interest in diversity and offers an inclusive search that supports diversity in its many forms.
Originally from the United Kingdom, Claire holds a BA (Hons) History Degree from the University of East Anglia, UK.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Partner
- Partner - Executive Search
Dani White is a Partner in the Education practice at Watermark Search International. Having commenced her career as a Physiotherapist, Dani has over 15 years' experience consulting to the Health and For-Purpose sectors. Since transitioning into Executive Search, Dani is committed to thoroughly understanding her clients' strategic and cultural drivers, ensuring that each assignment she delivers is grounded in these insights.
Dani understands that exceptional leadership in the Education sector is more crucial than ever. She is committed to helping mission-driven organisations identify, evaluate, and recruit leaders who can positively shape their future. Recognised as a people person, clients and candidates consistently attest to Dani knowing and understanding them well.
Dani has a strong track record nationally in appointing Executives and Board Directors and has recently led searches to appoint the CEO of a medical educational college, an Executive Director in one of Australia's largest social service organisations and a Chief Commercial Officer for a not-for-profit organisation and one of Australia's household brands.
Dani holds a Bachelor of Physiotherapy from the Australian Catholic University.
Job Titles:
- Leader
- Partner - Executive Search
- Search Consultant
Daniel brings Watermark Search over two decades of executive search experience, working across Asia and Australia. He began his search career with an established search firm in Tokyo, leading and growing their functional search practice, specialising in finance, operations, information technology, human resources and legal appointments. He then set up a Tokyo-based boutique search firm as one of three founding partners, growing its coverage across ten countries.
With Watermark, Daniel is a leader in our Government practice, with in-depth exposure to transport, infrastructure, health and human services sectors at the executive and board level. He also has coverage of our for-purpose and association practice and a strong interest in the renewable energy and wellness sectors. Throughout Daniel's recruitment career, he has built broad expertise in assessing and recruiting a range of roles across general management, operational, service delivery and technical positions.
Daniel is a search consultant who enjoys being hands-on in the execution of searches, working closely with his clients and candidates to understand their unique requirements and abilities. He prides himself on his ability to deliver exceptional shortlists that provide a balance of diversity, contemporary leadership skills and organisational fit.
Originally from New Zealand, Daniel has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Auckland University. He is an accomplished speaker of Japanese.
As Managing Partner, David is responsible for the leadership, strategy and direction of Watermark Search International. David leads the firm's Private Equity and Board Director's practice, appointing Chairs, CEOs and their direct reports typically in Private Equity backed businesses. Whilst leading the firm, he also conducts executive searches and personally focuses on building and shaping leadership teams to grow businesses. David gets involved at due diligence stage assessing Leadership teams and their capacity to grow as well as conducting executive searches to identify the best global talent and supporting them throughout their journey.
Prior to his role at Watermark, David led the Sydney operation for a Global Search firm and earlier was on the Executive Leadership team for a Global HR Outsourcing business where he grew Technology, Outsourcing and Executive Search business. After the successful exit, David transitioned with the business to work for the world's largest private HR firm with revenues of $12bn, based in Dubai; he was on the European Executive leadership team.
David is the host of Watermark's "Agile Leadership Lessons" podcast, where he draws on the experience of current leaders to help listeners better achieve their business and career goals. To listen to our episodes, please click here. David also leads our diversity research initiatives, including the Board Diversity Index, which you can view here. This index, in conjunction with Deloitte and AICD, is Australia's go-to resource for board diversity. David's dedication to diversity and inclusion has been recognised globally. He was honoured with the IDEA award for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access by the Global Association of Executive Search Consultants.
Outside of work, you'll see David spending time with his young family or enjoying his passions of classic cars and supporting Australian sport. David possesses a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Sydney in Psychology and English, is accredited in the suite of Hogan Assessment tools including the Leadership forecast series as well as the Hogan 360 and is a qualified Mental Health First Aider.
"We were delighted to appoint three senior executives to support the CEO on our ambitious growth journey. From the first conversation, it was clear that David Evans and Watermark understood the brief, could provide good suggestions on the market, and had excellent organisational and salary insights.
David actively led the search and assembled the appropriate team within Watermark to support this project. Throughout the entire process I was kept informed of the progress, timeline, and market feedback. David and Watermark identified individuals that not only fit the brief but importantly had a cultural alignment and connection to the purpose of the organisation. We were very happy with the whole process and the three senior executives that were appointed."
Job Titles:
- Chartered Accountant
- Partner
- Partner - Interim Executive, Melbourne
Donna's background combines a career of 25 years in chartered accounting, assurance, advisory and human resources partnering with businesses.Her passion for seeing businesses thrive and solving problems has led her to her role at Watermark. She has local and global experience ...
Donna has been a partner at Watermark since 2018, deploying senior level interim executives in both private and public sectors. She has a particular focus on CEOs, CFOs, COOs, HR Executives, and change and turnaround professionals. She has successfully completed interim search assignments across a diverse range of industries including Financial Services, Government agencies, Peak Member and Regulatory bodies, Not-for-Profit, Healthcare, ASX listed, Energy and Utilities.
Donna is a qualified chartered accountant (1996), affiliate of the AICD (2021) and Melbourne Business School alumni (2007). She is passionate about health, fitness and wellbeing with a particular focus on nutrition (pursuing further studies in this area).
Erin provides excellent administrative and project support for our search assignments.
She has a significant background in executive search project management, having managed multiple searches with competing timeframes simultaneously.
Erin has a wealth of experience with supporting senior stakeholders, both locally and globally.
With a warm, friendly and efficient approach to communication, Erin works closely with our clients to ensure all aspects of the search run in a smooth and timely fashion.
Prior to joining Watermark Search, Erin worked in support roles within the recruitment and advertising industries.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Associate Partner - Interim
Francesca is a qualified lawyer with over a decade-long commitment to sourcing and managing talent to deliver exceptional client service. With a diverse background spanning legal practice, recruitment, talent management, career coaching and starting and leading interim businesses, Francesca brings a unique blend of skills to the table....
Georgina provides administrative and project support for our assignments. She works closely with our clients to ensure all aspects of the search run in a timely fashion. Prior to joining Watermark, Georgina has a background in urban planning in the UK. She holds a Masters in Town and Regional Planning.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Partner
- Associate Partner - Interim
Grace Atkinson is an Associate Partner, in Watermark Search International's Interim Executive search practice. Based in Sydney, Grace specialises in Interim Executive search and placements, deploying experienced C-Suite leaders in short-term leadership roles across the Property, Retail and Consumer markets.
Grace brings a wealth of experience as she has been leading executive search assignments at Board and C-Suite levels since 2010. Her extensive experience spans: Property, Consumer, Aged Care, Disability, Housing, Community Services, and Humanitarian organisations.
Grace is passionate about supporting candidates at the portfolio stage of their career and completed the Company Directors course with the Australian Institute of Company Directors in 2024.
Job Titles:
- Community Manager - Interim
- Community Manager for Our Sydney Interim
India is the Community Manager for our Sydney Interim team, having transitioned from her previous role as an Executive Assistant within the Search Practice. In her current role, India plays an integral part in supporting our network of interim executive candidates across Australia. She ensures the smooth running of day-to-day operations and contributes to the planning and delivery of events and initiatives that help strengthen Watermark's interim candidate community. India's move into the Interim Practice reflects her growing impact within the business and her commitment to building meaningful relationships across our national interim executive network.
A partner with Watermark Executive Search, Jacinta is an award-winning author, thought leader and popular speaker on the concept of Interim Executives, Portfolio Careers and future ways of working. She leads the Melbourne office of Watermark and has over 25 years' experience starting and leading Interim businesses in Hong Kong, New York and Australia.
Jacinta advises corporates and governments on the Executive Interim marketplace. She is regularly asked to speak to Boards and business leaders looking to stay abreast of the way organisations are engaging executive talent.
Jacinta has a BA Bus, is a GAICD (2008) and a Harvard Business School Alumni (2018). She is an APAC council member of the Association of Executive Search Consultants governing body (AESC) and in 2023 was bestowed with the AESC "Award for Excellence" which is global recognition for her services to the executive search industry.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Search Consultant
Jennifer (Jen) D'Arcy-Smith is an experienced search consultant joining the Watermark Search International Melbourne team in October 2018 and is a member of the firm's Board Practice. She focuses on Board, CEO and C-suite level searches and is trusted with high profile, often confidential, sensitive engagements. With more than a decade in executive search, Jen has managed complex Board and executive search assignments in both the public and private sectors in a diverse range of organisations that includes: government, healthcare, higher education, consumer, agribusiness, community and not for profit in Australia and New Zealand.
Jennifer joined Watermark Search International as a Research Manager. Prior to this, Jennifer led the Sydney research department of The Insight Group and utilised her considerable skills to identify appropriate candidates across a broad range of executive search assignments. Joining The Insight Group as a Research Associate ...
Job Titles:
- Partner - Executive Search and Board
Jocelyn is a Partner in the healthcare practice at Watermark Search International. Having worked in the sector, Jocelyn deeply understands the significant challenges in Australia's healthcare landscape stemming from our ageing population, access to quality care, and the role that technology plays today and in the future.
Her healthcare experience is broad and spans different ownership models: public, private and private equity.
Jocelyn has experience in assisting public sector organisations (state and federal) which are customer facing, have significant reform agendas, solve complex problems, and care for the most vulnerable in our communities whilst balancing public resources.
Jocelyn has an affinity in supporting commercial healthcare businesses. She enjoys working with companies who are committed to improving health outcomes and demonstrating high levels of clinical care in our urban, rural and regional communities. She understands investment cycles, capital raising and has worked in mergers and acquisitions for private equity backed and privately owned companies.
Jocelyn holds a Bachelor of Economic and Social Sciences from the University of Sydney, majoring in Economics and Commercial Law. Jocelyn spent her early career in tax consulting at EY. Outside of work her interests include winter sports, floristry and cooking.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Partner - Executive Search and Board
- Community Manager - Interim
Prior to joining Watermark, Lizzie has worked in account management and support roles within theadvertising and events management sectors, both here and in the United Kingdom.
Mia provides administrative and project support for our search assignments.
Job Titles:
- Associate Partner, Interim
Pip Westhoff has over 20 years' experience and a strong track record in Senior Executive Search, delivering search engagements for blue-chip, fast-growing customers across Financial Services, Professional Services, Telecommunication, and Fintech.
She is passionate about enabling organisational transformation and performance improvement through interim executive solutions.
With an excellent track record in delivering outcomes in Consulting and Advisory, permanent and interim talent, Pip has built a trusted network with senior and emerging leaders.
Job Titles:
- National Leader for Professional Services
- Partner - Executive Search
Robert is the national leader for Professional Services at Watermark and a Client Services Partner in our Financial Services / Industry practice. He is passionate about supporting our clients and people to make a real impact in our business community.With over 20 years' experience in providing strategic talent advice across Financial S...
Job Titles:
- Operations Manager - Interim
Suzanne has gained over twenty years' experience as an office manager, executive administrator and data analyst. Having spent many years in the entertainment sector for the BBC and 20th Century Fox, Suzanne then took this experience and became an interim professional for 13 years providing extensive administrative support services and project management skills to growing businesses when required.
Suzanne came to Watermark in 2014 and is responsible for the successful delivery of many projects focused on the growth of our interim business. Suzanne provides laser-like attention to the maintenance of our candidate management system and pulls the insights we need to ensure we remain current and fully briefed across market dynamics. Suzanne is also responsible for the seamless execution of many of our client and candidate events and is passionate about the growth in the interim market within Australia, especially for women.
Job Titles:
- Partner, Executive Search
Tim leads Watermark's Consumer, Family Business, Sports Sectors and our Chief Marketing Officer functional practice.
Tim has over two decades of Executive Search experience and a passion for delivering talent solutions for his clients. He is able to leverage deep industry knowledge and his broad executive level network to complete search assignments with large multinational organisations, ASX Listed groups and Private Equity and Family-Owned organisations.
Tim enjoys engaging with his clients to gain deep insight into their business goals and strategy and develops the search methodology, accordingly, ensuring that the talent acquired will drive and support this strategy for the organisation.
Prior to joining Watermark, Tim established and led his own Executive Search firm, he successfully grew and sold this business to a global Executive Search firm.
Tim has a Bachelor of Arts, Communications (Advertising) from Charles Sturt University.
Outside of his professional life, Tim enjoys spending time with his family and coaching his children's sporting teams.