Conducting an Executive Search for Trade and Investment Commissioners for high profile international economic development
The Brief
Future Leadership’s partnership with this state government department extends back to 2017. The first search assignment was to place a Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner for China (based in Shanghai). The following year, we partnered again to appoint the departments Trade & Investment Commissioner, North America (based in San Francisco).
The departments economic engagement with North America had traditionally been around minerals and energy and there had been a marked shift in its strategy. The department had shifted its focus to promoting start-up’s and tech communities. On this basis, the North American headquarters in Houston, Texas was to be relocated to San Francisco, California, on the doorstep of Silicon Valley and in order to position the state department as Australia’s most innovative and dynamic trading economy, it was vital that the new Trade & Investment Commissioner had deep knowledge, networks and credibility in the sector.
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
The Future Leadership search, led by Deborah Komesaroff, had previously worked in international economic development, including in North America where she had extensive market knowledge and networks. Future Leadership targeted a range of international business people who had connections to Australia and who possessed sound credentials within technology and innovation related sectors. The people presented for shortlist consideration were located in multiple geographies across the world but all had backgrounds in public and private organisations, offered excellent track records in business development and possessed good exposure to commercialisation. Notably, Senior Government level approval was required to formalise the appointment.
Emerging Capabilities
Public Sector Leadership
Experience in navigating the public sector landscape, balancing regulatory compliance with effective service delivery.
Analyses Performance
Applies commercial tools and judgement to manage trade-offs, resource allocation or other conflicts.
Stakeholder Engagement
Skilled in fostering productive relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, industry, and community organisations.
Operational Excellence
Expertise in driving efficient, transparent operations that align with the organisation’s goals and improve public outcomes.
Values-Driven Leadership
A strong commitment to public service, ensuring alignment with the organisation's mission to support individuals and communities in need.
The Outcome
The successful candidate was appointed to the role of Trade and Investment Commissioner in 2019. Bringing more than 20 years’ experience in international business, with a focus on the technology sector in and around Silicon Valley. Born and raised in Australia, they moved to the USA in 2001 as VP of Marketing for a software platform for internet and wireless applications. They also worked with the Forum for Women Entrepreneurs and at an organisation specialising in launching overseas tech companies in the American market. The candidate was reappointed to the position in 2023.
The department also partnered with Future Leadership in 2020-21 to search for a new Senior Trade & Investment Commissioner, South Asia position (based in India). In June 2021 the then Premier announced the appointment. The successful incumbent had specialised in international trade and investment for the previous 15 years, working for a range of governments, corporates and NFPs. Active in the innovation ecosystem as an angel investor and advisor to several start-ups. Future Leadership subsequently partnered with the department to place Trade Commissioners in Indonesia, Korea, Taiwan, ASEAN (based in Vietnam) and the Pacific (based in Brisbane) as well as Korea.
