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Executive Search

Appointing a Board Chair and Non-Executive Directors for a Digital Infrastructure Organisation

Date Posted:2 October 2025

Delivering an Executive Search to Strengthen Governance and Strategic Capability for a National Infrastructure Organisation

Commonwealth Health Agency

The Brief

Future Leadership™ was engaged by a Commonwealth-endorsed national infrastructure organisation to appoint an Independent Chair and four Non-Executive Directors to its Board. The organisation plays a critical role in maintaining the integrity, accessibility and security of Australia’s internet domain infrastructure.
The engagement required a highly tailored and multi-layered search and selection process to meet the organisation’s constitutional requirements, governance standards, and strategic priorities. The process was further complicated by the need to balance continuity with renewal, ensure diversity of skills and perspectives, and manage multiple stakeholder interests across government, industry and civil society.
9.19.1

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.

10,000+10,000+

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.

50.5%50.5%

We maintain genuine relationships with past candidates and continue to support them with leadership solutions long term, after they land their role.

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.

98%98%

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™ undertook a comprehensive and highly bespoke executive search process tailored to the governance, regulatory and strategic needs of a national internet infrastructure organisation. The engagement began with in-depth consultation with an internal Nominations Committee, Board Chair and Company Secretary to understand the organisation’s strategic direction, governance requirements and desired board composition. A dual-track approach was implemented, combining targeted advertising in national media with a proactive search strategy to identify candidates with expertise in governance, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, stakeholder engagement and public policy.
The team reviewed over 100 applications across Chair and Director roles, conducted initial screening interviews with 40 candidates, and shortlisted 20 for further evaluation. All shortlisted candidates underwent rigorous assessment, including panel interviews, referee checks, probity screening and AusCHECK clearance. Final candidates presented their strategic vision and governance approach to a panel comprising Board and Committee members.
Comparative evaluations were conducted using a Board Skills Matrix and capability mapping to ensure alignment with the organisation’s future needs. Future Leadership also prepared detailed selection reports and governance impact assessments to support the Board’s final decision-making process.

Top 5 Capabilities

01.

Governance and Compliance

Deep understanding of board responsibilities, regulatory frameworks and governance reform.

02.

Stakeholder Relations

Proven ability to engage constructively across government, industry and civil society.

03.

Digital Literacy

Expertise in cybersecurity, digital infrastructure and emerging technologies.

04.

Strategy and Purpose

Strong strategic acumen and alignment with organisational mission and public impact.

05.

Culture and Engagement

Inclusive leadership styles and commitment to ethical, transparent decision-making.

The Outcome

The process resulted in the appointment of a highly experienced Independent Chair and four Non-Executive Directors, each bringing distinct strengths in governance, digital infrastructure, stakeholder engagement, and strategic leadership. The Chair appointment was particularly significant, with two final candidates presenting contrasting but equally compelling leadership styles. The Board was provided with comparative assessments and governance impact analysis to support a considered decision. The final appointments reflected a balance of continuity and renewal, with a mix of existing board members and new entrants selected to strengthen the organisation’s strategic oversight and stakeholder responsiveness.
The outcome also demonstrated Future Leadership’s ability to manage a complex, multi-stage selection process involving constitutional requirements, probity checks, government liaison, and stakeholder engagement. The organisation now benefits from a refreshed and strategically aligned Board, equipped to navigate the evolving digital landscape and uphold its role as steward of Australia’s internet infrastructure.

Consultant

Dr Marianne Broadbent

Managing Partner View Profile

David Spencer

Partner, Executive Search View Profile

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