Leading a national humanitarian organisation through its next phase of impact, advocacy and transformation
The Brief
Future Leadership was engaged by one of Australia’s most prominent and influential international humanitarian organisations, to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer following the resignation of a highly successful incumbent. The appointment was critical to ensuring continuity of leadership while positioning the organisation to deliver its next strategic phase of impact, innovation and advocacy. Reporting to the Board, the Chief Executive is accountable for the overall performance, sustainability and strategic direction of the organisation, leading a national workforce and extensive volunteer network while operating as the primary public spokesperson. The role also carries significant international responsibility. The Board sought a values-driven, highly credible leader with deep humanitarian sector experience, strong governance capability and the ability to navigate complex political, funding and operating environments. The successful candidate needed to demonstrate outstanding leadership through crisis and change, bring strong commercial and fundraising acumen, and embody the organisations commitment to equity, inclusion, accountability and long-term systemic change.
Candidate net Promote Score
Future Leadership combines truly personalised relationships with innovative technology solutions to ensure an approachable and efficient process for all our Net Promoter Score across clients, successful candidates and unsuccessful candidates is well above industry standard.
Candidates supported every year
We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.
Senior Women Appointed since 2002
Over half of the executive search assignments undertaken by our team have resulted in the appointment of outstanding female or LGBTQI+ leaders to high profile roles.
Candidate Retention Rate for 12 months since 2002
Our thorough briefing process and ability to engage passive candidates mean that we go to great lengths to find the right person for the role – long term!
The Process
Future Leadership designed and delivered a comprehensive executive search process tailored to the scale, complexity and global footprint of the organisation. The search commenced with an in-depth briefing with the Board to clarify strategic priorities, leadership challenges and the critical capabilities required to lead the organisation through its next chapter. Particular emphasis was placed on alignment with its values and approach, and the expectations associated with representing the organisation domestically and internationally. A targeted national search strategy was implemented, leveraging Future Leadership’s networks to identify senior leaders with proven experience operating at scale, managing complex stakeholder environments and leading through crisis. The search approach balanced proactive outreach with a public campaign to ensure both active and passive candidates were considered. Five shortlisted candidates were assessed through structured, evidence-based interviews focused on leadership capability, governance acumen, strategic judgement, and alignment with the organisations mission and values. Detailed referencing explored candidates’ track records in organisational transformation, income generation, staff engagement and public representation. Throughout the process, Future Leadership maintained close engagement with the Board, providing market insights, assessment feedback and guidance to support confident, well-governed decision-making.
The Outcome
Following a rigorous and values-aligned search process, the appointed Chief Executive Officer brings more than two decades of leadership experience in the international humanitarian and development sector, including over five years as an Executive Director. With deep expertise in organisational governance, crisis leadership, large-scale transformation and income generation, alongside a strong commitment to staff wellbeing and inclusive leadership. The appointment positions the organisation to deliver on its ambitious strategic agenda, strengthen its national and global influence, and continue advancing at scale.
