Appointing a Chief Executive Officer to Lead Strategic Growth and Innovation in a National Leadership Education Organisation. This appointment was pivotal in shaping the future of a high-impact education provider delivering leadership development across Australia and New Zealand.
The Brief
A national leadership education organisation, part of a global education group, engaged Future Leadership™ to appoint a new Chief Executive Officer. The organisation delivers leadership development programs to over 8,000 learners annually and includes several specialist brands focused on women in leadership and school leadership excellence.
The CEO role required a visionary leader to drive strategic direction, business development, and stakeholder engagement, while ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative programs. The outgoing CEO had successfully transitioned the organisation from a founder-led entrepreneurial model to a more structured and process-driven entity, and the new appointment was expected to build on this foundation with a growth min.dset and commercial acumen
The Process
Future Leadership™ conducted a comprehensive executive search process, tailored to the organisation’s strategic goals and sector context.
- Stakeholder Briefing: Detailed consultations were held with senior leaders from the parent organisation and the leadership education unit to understand the cultural context, strategic priorities, and leadership expectations.
- Search Strategy: The search focused on identifying candidates with experience in education, training, and human services, with a particular emphasis on female leadership. Mapping activities targeted leaders across Australia and New Zealand with a track record in innovation and stakeholder engagement.
- Candidate Engagement: The team engaged widely across networks, seeking referrals and recommendations. Candidates were assessed for cultural fit, leadership capability, and alignment with the organisation’s mission.
- Advertising & Shortlisting: An online campaign complemented the search, expanding the candidate pool. Six candidates were shortlisted for panel interviews, which included senior stakeholders and representatives from affiliated leadership institutes.
- Final Selection: Two finalists underwent detailed reference checks. The successful candidate brought extensive executive experience in not-for-profit human services, education, and community sectors, along with board experience and a strong advocacy profile for women in leadership.
Top Capabilities Selected for the Role
Strategic Leadership
Ability to set and execute long-term vision aligned with organisational goals.
Stakeholder Engagement
Builds trusted relationships across government, education, and community sectors.
Commercial Acumen
Drives sustainable growth through diversified revenue streams and partnerships.
Operational Excellence
Leads day-to-day management with a focus on quality, compliance, and continuous improvement.
Innovation Orientation
Champions contemporary learning design and delivery models.
Advocacy and Influence
Promotes the importance of leadership development, especially for underrepresented groups.
The Outcome
The appointed CEO had previously held senior roles in national training and education organisations and demonstrated a strong ability to lead large teams, manage complex budgets, and drive strategic growth. Their appointment marked a new chapter for the organisation, with a renewed focus on innovation, stakeholder engagement, and expanding the reach of leadership development programs.
