Delivering an Executive Search to Support Strategic Growth for a Health Research Institute
The Brief
Future LeadershipTM was engaged by QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, a leading statutory body in Queensland, to appoint a Chief Operating Officer (COO) who would play a pivotal role in supporting the Institute’s mission to deliver better health and wellbeing through impactful medical research. The search was initiated following a period of transition in the COO role, with the Chief Administrative Officer temporarily covering key operational duties.
QIMR Berghofer is renowned for its collaborative research programs, addressing major health challenges and advancing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equity. The Institute’s vision is to lead innovation in health outcomes, both nationally and globally, through ground-breaking, sustainable research. The COO position was identified as critical to bridging corporate and research functions, fostering a service-oriented culture, and enabling the Institute’s strategic growth. The ideal candidate would demonstrate operational leadership across multiple functions, inspire multidisciplinary teams, and build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders—including government, education, and philanthropic partners. The role required a balance of financial acumen, people leadership, and an understanding of the unique needs of a medical research environment.
The Process
Future LeadershipTM undertook a tailored search strategy, commencing with detailed briefings with the orgaisations executive team and Council members, including the Director and CEO, Chief People Officer, and chairs of key committees. The process included:
- Stakeholder Engagement: In-depth consultations to clarify strategic priorities, operational challenges, and the desired candidate profile.
- Council Collaboration: Council members contributed to candidate identification and provided input on governance, risk, philanthropy, and commercialisation requirements.
- Targeted Candidate Search: Outreach to professional networks in medical research, health, university sectors, and the broader corporate world. The search considered candidates with experience in complex organisations, fiscal management, and political landscapes, as well as those with professional services backgrounds.
- Advertising Campaign: A digital advertising package was deployed across Seek, LinkedIn, and the Future Leadership website, with the campaign designed maximise reach and deliver additional passive candidates to the robust talent pool developed from search activities.
- Assessment and Selection: Candidates underwent behavioural interviews, psychometric assessment, and panel interviews during the structured search process. Internal candidates were considered and managed sensitively to ensure a positive experience. The process included referencing, probity checks, and negotiation of terms with the preferred candidate
The Outcome
The search resulted in the appointment of a collaborative and strategic Chief Operating Officer, equipped to drive innovation, operational excellence, and financial sustainability. The appointee is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of leadership experience across multiple universities, known for driving high-performing operations teams aligned with strategic institutional goals. Most recently, he led transformative change, overseeing a $600 million annual budget and delivering key achievements including the establishment of key campuses, a ten-year infrastructure plan, a comprehensive budget process review, and successful enterprise agreement negotiations. Previously he spearheaded the creation of corporate shared services, international strategy, and ICT strategic plans. Holding a PhD from Victoria University and postgraduate qualifications in business and commerce the appointee is recognised as a charismatic and inclusive leader who builds strong relationships and loyalty.
