Executive Search

Appointing a Chief Executive Officer for a National Industry Association

Date Posted:15 April 2026

Delivering an Executive Search to secure influential leadership for a national member‑based organisation

The Brief

Future Leadership was engaged by the Board of a national, member‑based industry association headquartered in Canberra to appoint a Chief Executive Officer. The organisation represents a large and diverse membership across Australia and operates at the intersection of government, industry and community interests.

The appointment was critical to the delivery of a new multi‑year strategic plan and required a leader capable of providing credible industry representation, managing complex stakeholder relationships and navigating a dynamic regulatory and policy environment. The Board sought a candidate with strong advocacy capability, commercial acumen and the ability to lead a small, high‑performing secretariat.
9.19.1

Candidate Net Promoter 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%

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.

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!

Future Leadership undertook a comprehensive national executive search tailored to the organisation’s strategic context and governance requirements.

Key steps included:
Briefing and Strategy Development: Conducted an in‑depth briefing with the Chair, Board Directors and incumbent executive leadership to clarify strategic priorities, regulatory challenges, cultural context and leadership expectations.
Targeted Candidate Search: Executed a national search across Australia and New Zealand, supported by a public advertising campaign and direct market engagement across industry associations, corporate affairs, government relations and related sectors.
Candidate Assessment: Reviewed more than 140 expressions of interest, developing a diverse long list that included both internal and external candidates. Shortlisted candidates progressed through structured screening, assessment and multi‑round panel interviews with Board members.
Final Evaluation: Final candidates were assessed on leadership style, stakeholder engagement capability, governance experience and strategic alignment, with detailed insights provided to the Board to support final decision‑making.

Future Leadership Capability Framework

01.

Stakeholder Relations

Works strategically and systemically to encourage diverse thinking with all types of people. Actively contributes to teamwork, and deliberately builds relationships and networks across a range of people and communities.

02.

Strategy and Purpose

Leads transformational processes, motivates teams, and influences commitment to a shared purpose that individuals and the workforce will require to enable sustained organisational success. Builds and promotes a culture underpinning the vision, purpose and values the organisation aspires to achieve.

03.

Governance and Compliance

Engages stakeholders inclusively with sensitivity and regard for diversity and facilitates a psychologically safe environment for social or cultural differences affecting behaviour.

04.

Communication and Influence

Communicates with clarity and impact to facilitate individual and collective understanding, inspire action and enable information exchange. Leverages human-centric communication and storytelling to effectively influence stakeholders across the physical and virtual realms.

05.

Commercial Acumen

Provides a deep understanding of relevant industry, marketplace and business drivers as applicable to the organisation. Leverages the application of commercial tools and frameworks to manage opportunities, conflicts and trade offs. Able to focus on customer service requirements and acts proactively to raise the customer experience.

The Outcome

The process resulted in the appointment of a seasoned Chief Executive Officer with extensive experience leading not‑for‑profit, member‑based organisations in complex policy and stakeholder environments.
The appointed executive brought a strong background in government relations, advocacy, media engagement and corporate governance, along with proven experience as the public face of a national organisation. Their leadership style was described as dynamic, contemporary and forward‑thinking, positioning the organisation to strengthen its influence, deliver value to members and advance its strategic agenda.

Consultant

David Baber

Senior Partner, Executive Search View Profile
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