Executive search consultants

Based in Sydney, Craig Bernhardt is a Senior Managing Director at Robert Half’s executive search division, where he leads retained searches for C-suite and senior executive appointments across Australia and New Zealand. His expertise spans finance, technology, human resources, marketing, sales, and executive management roles.

With more than 25 years of global experience, Craig has worked across mature, emerging, and high-growth markets, partnering with private equity firms, family-owned enterprises, ASX-listed companies, multinational corporations, and dynamic middle-market organisations. His strategic insight into leadership and organisational design has made him a trusted advisor to boards and executive teams navigating complex transformation, growth, or succession challenges.

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Precision in every placement

Craig takes a bespoke, partnership-first approach to every search, investing the time to deeply understand his client’s strategy, culture, and leadership needs before recommending candidates. His track record of building high-performing leadership teams has earned him a reputation for discretion, effectiveness, and long-term impact.

"Great executive search isn't just about finding top talent, it's about delivering leaders who align with your vision, drive results, and fit your culture from day one."

With a bespoke approach to every search, Craig aims to ensure his clients build superior leadership teams, thus enabling them to create sustainable and competitive advantages in their respective markets.

Experience

Having joined Robert Half in London in 1999, Craig has held senior leadership roles across the firm in both the UK and Australia, bringing a well-rounded, globally informed perspective to executive search. Today, he brings a rare blend of global search expertise and regional insight to clients seeking to attract transformational leaders in competitive and fast-changing markets.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Private equity-backed leadership hiring
Organisational transformation
End-to-end, tailored search delivery
Region: Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore

Case studies

Gareth Whalley is a Managing Director at Robert Half’s executive search division, specialising in retained search for C-suite and senior leadership roles across finance, technology, human resources, marketing, sales, and executive management in Australia and New Zealand. His approach is defined by deep market insight, strategic thinking, and a genuine commitment to aligning leadership capability with business transformation.

With a career spanning multiple countries, Gareth has more than twenty years of experience in human capital, executive search, and recruitment. He partners with mid-market to enterprise organisations - many of them private equity-backed or undergoing significant change - to place senior leaders who can drive growth, lead through complexity, and deliver measurable impact.

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A relationship-driven approach

Gareth is known for his ability to immerse himself in the culture and strategy of each organisation he works with. He takes the time to understand not just the technical requirements of a role, but also the company’s broader vision, leadership dynamics, and the change agenda at play - whether it’s a transformation program, cost optimisation, M&A integration, or business-as-usual leadership.

“The best part of my role is getting to know an organisation from the inside out, understanding where they are today, where they want to go, and finding the right leader to take them on that journey. Cultural fit is just as critical as technical capability, and I genuinely enjoy helping clients define what that means for their unique environment.”

His reputation is built on long-standing relationships, rigorous process, and a strong track record of delivering outcomes in high-stakes, business-critical hires. Clients often describe working with Gareth as a collaborative, transparent, and highly professional experience.

Experience 

After qualifying as a Chartered Accountant with Ernst & Young in London, Gareth joined Viacom in an International Business Process Analyst role where he travelled around the world working in Viacom’s international operations. In 2006, Gareth joined Robert Half in Sydney and has specialised in facilitating senior placements across a variety of functions and industries. 

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Transformational leadership
Leadership consulting
Culture-first search methodology
Region: Australia and New Zealand

Case studies

Cameron Eustice is the Senior Managing Director at Robert Half’s executive search division. Based in Melbourne, he specialises in C-suite retained executive search, partnering with Boards, CEOs, and senior leadership teams to deliver transformative leadership appointments.

With more than 25 years of experience spanning executive search and commercial leadership, Cameron Eustice brings both strategic insight and commercial acumen to every search mandate.

Cameron’s client portfolio is diverse and expansive, ranging from ASX-listed companies and global multinationals to private equity-backed ventures, growthstage SMEs, and family-owned enterprises. He works across multiple sectors, including technology, financial services, mining and resources, healthcare, retail, consumer products, construction, professional services, and industrial manufacturing.

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A search partner who listens and delivers

Known for his solutions-focused approach, genuine engagement style, and deep commitment to finding the right fit, Cameron is widely regarded as a trusted advisor in the executive search industry. He is candid and confident when offering insights, always prioritising the long-term success of the client and candidate alike.

“Successful executive search isn’t just about completing the mandate. It’s about unlocking the potential of leadership teams and ensuring connected teams achieve business growth with great culture.”

Experience

Before joining Robert Half in 2007, Cameron held senior commercial finance leadership roles with two major listed multinational firms, following his foundational career in Big 4 consulting. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Melbourne and has been a qualified Chartered Accountant (CA ANZ) since 2001. Cameron is involved with supporting a number of advisory boards and is an active member of driving his cricket club’s coaching Committee.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Transformational leadership
Board advisory
Executive coaching
Region: Australia

Case studies

Building a scalable leadership team for a high-growth consumer health business
CFO placement for a leading engineering firm

Kevin brings nearly 30 years of executive search and human capital experience, partnering with clients across Australia. He also has extensive experience working in Asia and the UK.

Kevin specialises in C-suite and senior-level, retained search engagements across a wide range of industries and functional areas. He has worked with venture capital and private equity firms, not-for-profit organisations, ASX-listed companies, privately owned high-growth businesses, and global corporations. His track record spans sectors including financial services, technology, retail, real estate, manufacturing, renewables, healthcare, aged and disability care, and professional services.

Explore insights and articles from Kevin Jarvis, our expert in executive recruitment and talent strategy in Brisbane.

Insight-driven, strategic, and personal

Known for his discretion, effectiveness, and consistent delivery, Kevin takes a bespoke, consultative approach to each search. His work is grounded in a deep understanding of leadership capabilities and business strategy, and he is genuinely invested in his clients’ long-term success. By aligning executive talent with an organisation’s unique goals and culture, he helps build leadership teams that drive transformation and long-term value.

“Great executive search isn’t just about filling a role, it’s about understanding the business, challenging assumptions, and delivering leaders who drive lasting impact.”

Experience

Kevin began his recruitment career over 30 years ago in Sydney before relocating to London to further develop his expertise in the industry. After gaining valuable international experience, he returned to Australia and settled in Brisbane, where he now leads the Brisbane office. In addition to overseeing the team, Kevin plays a hands-on role in executive search, bringing decades of insight and leadership to clients and colleagues alike.

Areas of expertise

C-suite and senior executive recruitment
Transformational leadership
Leadership consulting
Culture-first search methodology
Region: Australia and New Zealand

Based in Sydney, Jennifer leads the Execution Team for Robert Half’s Executive Search practice, specialising in sourcing and placing C-suite and senior executives across all industries in the Asia Pacific region. A trusted partner to the firm’s Managing Directors, she has successfully completed many highly confidential search assignments across finance, sales and marketing, operations, technology, legal, and HR functions.

Strategic, discreet, and human-centred executive search

With over 25 years of experience in London and Sydney, Jennifer brings deep institutional knowledge and a rigorous, consultative search methodology. She is highly skilled in headhunting, succession planning, and engaging passive candidates, often for business-critical roles. Known for her discretion, influence, and emotional intelligence, she builds trust quickly with both clients and senior leaders.

Jennifer’s collaborative approach, process discipline, and attention to detail make her a valued advisor who consistently delivers results in complex leadership search mandates.

"Executive search is equal parts strategy, psychology, and precision. It’s not just about who you know, it’s about how you engage them, earn their trust, and align their potential with the future of your client’s business."

Experience

Jennifer joined Robert Half in 1997, starting her career in the Financial Services practice of the company. Over the past 25+ years, she has held a variety of operational and leadership roles in both London and Sydney, giving her a comprehensive understanding of the international Robert Half business.

John Pappas (known as JP) is a Senior Associate in Robert Half’s executive search division, specialising in C-suite retained search across a broad range of industries and functional areas. Based in Melbourne, JP brings a wealth of executive search and commercial leadership experience, partnering with clients across Australia, New Zealand, and the Asia Pacific region.

His client portfolio spans multinationals, growth-stage SMEs, private equity-backed ventures, and privately held businesses. JP has developed deep expertise in sectors including banking, financial services, private wealth, funds management, superannuation, asset management, healthcare, and professional services.

Precision meets partnership

As a Senior Associate, JP takes a research-led, detail-driven approach to every engagement. With a strong focus on market mapping and data-backed talent intelligence, he consistently uncovers high-calibre candidates others might miss. His commitment to creating a seamless candidate experience, paired with transparent communication and professional integrity, has earned the trust of senior executives and clients alike.

JP is known for his ability to manage complex search processes with efficiency and precision—from first outreach to final placement—ensuring every engagement is executed to the highest standard.

“Great search outcomes start with rigorous research, clear communication, and a commitment to getting the details right. Every interaction shapes the experience.”

Experience

Before joining Robert Half, JP was a senior leader at a domestic executive search firm and previously served as the owner and shareholder of an international executive search and advisory firm for over a decade. Prior to entering the executive search arena, JP worked in investment banking, specifically in mergers & acquisitions (M&A), successfully completing deals across various sectors and jurisdictions. He holds a Bachelor of Laws from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Economics from Monash University. He also earned a Master of Applied Finance from Macquarie University and is a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). JP is currently also a NonExecutive Director (NED) of an aged care facility in Melbourne’s east.

Karen Flanagan is an experienced business leader and Senior Associate at Robert Half’s executive search division, working closely with clients to source and place senior executives and C-suite leaders across a wide range of industries, including technology, manufacturing, healthcare, professional services, mining, and agriculture.

Shaped by extensive experience across large corporates and high-growth businesses, Karen’s recruitment expertise gives her a deep appreciation for what strong leadership looks like at every stage of a company’s journey. She understands the pressures her clients face and the kind of leaders who can make a real difference, not just on paper, but in practice.

Placing leaders who deliver, not just impress on paper

Karen draws on Robert Half’s bespoke tools and networks, along with her open, honest communication style and commitment to making the process as smooth and transparent as possible.

Karen brings energy, empathy, and expertise to every search. She is deeply collaborative, taking the time to understand each client’s strategic goals and leadership needs. She doesn’t just deliver a list of candidates—she presents a thoughtfully curated group of individuals who are capable of driving meaningful, long-term impact.

"I follow a ‘no surprises’ philosophy. By the time an offer is made, both sides should feel fully informed, aligned, and genuinely excited about what’s ahead. It’s not just about matching skills; it’s about aligning values and culture. That’s what leads to lasting, successful placements."

Experience

With more than 20 years of leadership and commercial experience across the Australian business landscape, Karen joined the executive search division of Robert Half in 2022 and has since been instrumental in ensuring smooth and effective search processes across the team. Her recruitment expertise is shaped by a career that spans both large corporates and fast-moving, high-growth businesses. Originally from Northern Ireland and calling Sydney home since 1999, Karen brings a warm, grounded, and insightful approach to every executive search engagement.

Claire Jarvis is a Senior Associate in Robert Half’s executive search division, based in Brisbane and supporting both national and international mandates. With over 25 years of combined experience in executive recruitment and commercial HR leadership, she has a strong track record in identifying, engaging, and developing top-tier talent at the C-suite and senior management level.

Claire partners with a diverse client base, including private equity-backed businesses, multinationals, and complex global organisations, bringing particular strength in navigating varied business environments and leadership needs across both Australian and international markets.

Tailored search with strategic focus

As a Senior Associate, Claire takes a rigorous, research-led approach to every engagement, mapping talent with precision and applying data-driven insights to uncover high-calibre, often hard-to-reach candidates.

She is known for her client-centric mindset, taking time to deeply understand an organisation’s strategic objectives and cultural DNA to ensure the best possible match. Her collaborative and commercially minded approach makes her a valued partner to clients and colleagues alike, shaping role briefs and contributing strategic input across each phase of the search.

Claire is adaptable and solutions-focused, able to pivot seamlessly as priorities shift while upholding the highest standards of professionalism, discretion, and trust. These qualities have helped her build lasting relationships and deliver consistent success across the executive search landscape.

“The best outcomes come from listening first, asking the right questions, and being relentless in the pursuit of the right fit.”

Experience

Claire brings a unique blend of experience from both external executive search firms and internal HR functions within global blue-chip companies, including roles at Coca-Cola Amatil and Honeywell. She began her journey with Robert Half in London in 2000, and today continues to collaborate with many of her UK colleagues in Australia. Her well-rounded background underpins her commitment to delivering an exceptional experience for both clients and candidates.

Swati Kumar is an Associate in Robert Half’s executive search division, based in the Sydney office. She specialises in C-suite and senior-level retained search engagements across a broad range of industries and functional areas, including technology, finance, operations, sales, marketing, and HR.

Strategic search with a human touch

Swati’s consultative approach is grounded in a blend of industry knowledge, technical expertise, and a commitment to empowering the people she works with. She brings a strong balance of strategic research, stakeholder management, and attention to detail to every engagement.

She excels in deep market mapping and candidate identification, leveraging data-driven insights to uncover high-impact executive talent. Her ability to build trusted relationships with both clients and candidates ensures alignment, clarity, and confidence throughout the search process. Known for her precision and organisation, Swati manages complex search logistics seamlessly, coordinating interviews, preparing documentation, and upholding the highest quality standards from start to finish.

“For me, great executive search is about building trust, asking the right questions, and finding the leader who not only fits the brief, but elevates the business.”

Experience
Swati began her talent acquisition career in 2011 and has since built a truly global portfolio, having lived and worked across India, Switzerland, the USA, and the Middle East. Throughout her career, she has led and delivered end-to-end search engagements across multiple geographies, with a strong focus on the hospitality, construction, and marketing sectors. Her experience spans both in-house talent functions and external search consulting, giving her a well-rounded understanding of recruitment from both client and candidate perspectives.

Emanuela Piras, affectionately known as Manu, is the Executive Search Coordinator at Robert Half’s executive search division, based in Sydney. She plays a vital role in supporting retained search mandates for C-suite and senior leadership roles across finance, technology, human resources, marketing, sales, and executive management throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Manu partners closely with Managing Directors across Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane to ensure the smooth delivery of complex, business-critical search assignments. Her role is defined by meticulous coordination, exceptional stakeholder care, and a deep commitment to process excellence.

A detail-driven and people-first approach

With a background spanning retail, hospitality, sales, and people management, Manu brings a dynamic, customer-centric lens to every search engagement. She is known for her collaborative nature, warm communication style, and ability to anticipate the needs of clients, candidates, and associates alike.

Manu is valued for her discretion, integrity, and strong sense of urgency. Her attention to detail and professionalism help uphold Robert Half’s high standards across every interaction, ensuring a seamless and polished experience for clients and candidates.

“Behind every successful executive search is a well-orchestrated process. I love being the calm in the chaos—bringing structure, clarity, and a personal touch to what can often be a high-pressure environment. Supporting a successful appointment is incredibly rewarding.”

Experience

Manu joined the executive search division of Robert Half in 2021 and has since become a cornerstone of operational excellence within the team. Her ability to manage competing priorities with grace, solve problems on the fly, and maintain a high standard of delivery has made her a trusted partner to internal and external stakeholders alike.