Executive search Perth – Proven leadership recruitment

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.

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

• CEO appointment for a private equity-backed agribusiness
• HR Director appointment for a PE-backed consultancy undergoing expansion

Explore insights and articles from Gareth Whalley, our expert in executive recruitment and talent strategy in Sydney and Perth.

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.

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.

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

• CFO placement for a high-growth technology company undergoing transformation
• CEO appointment for scaling, private equity–backed e-commerce business
• Appointing a GM for founder-led business

Explore insights and articles from Craig Bernhardt, our expert in executive recruitment and talent strategy in Sydney and Perth.

Based in Sydney, Nitin Kumar is an Associate in Robert Half’s executive search division. He specialises in retained search for senior leadership and C-suite roles across accounting, finance, and executive management in Sydney and the wider Australian market. His approach is defined by technical expertise, market insight, and a consultative style that ensures both clients and candidates achieve long-term success.

With more than a decade of recruitment experience, including seven years with Robert Half, Nitin has built a trusted reputation for connecting exceptional talent with leading organisations across a broad range of industries.

A consultative, relationship-driven approach

Nitin is known for his ability to combine attention to detail, stakeholder management, and a strong professional network to deliver tailored solutions. He takes the time to understand both the technical requirements of a role and the cultural dynamics within an organisation, ensuring the leaders he places are positioned to drive meaningful impact.

“Executive search gives me the opportunity to combine my technical background with my passion for connecting people. Every search is about more than just filling a role, it’s about aligning leadership capability with business goals and setting both clients and candidates up for long-term success.”

His reputation is built on discretion, rigorous process, and a commitment to quality, bringing clarity and confidence to every engagement.

Experience

After qualifying and working as an Accountant, Nitin moved into recruitment in 2014. He specialised in accounting and finance recruitment across both permanent and contract markets, gaining deep expertise in Sydney’s commercial sector. Over the years, he has built long-standing relationships with clients and candidates by consistently delivering high-quality outcomes. Now, in executive search, he leverages his technical foundation, proven headhunting skills, and consultative approach to place senior leaders who can drive organisational growth and transformation.

Areas of expertise

• Accounting and finance leadership recruitment
• Market mapping and targeted headhunting
• Consultative, relationship-driven search methodology
• Region: Australia-wide