Searchlight Group

Searchlight Group is an executive search firm that recruits only for the public sector and for-purpose organisations, including not-for-profits and community organisations. It is based in Melbourne. It says its team has worked in government and not-for-profit roles, and that it assesses candidates for cultural fit, core values and mission alignment as well as technical skills.

Michael Holdway founded the firm after starting his career in public service, public education and not-for-profit organisations, and moved into recruitment in 2003. Ruth Hayes works in executive search and also coaches leaders through career transitions.

Its clients span local, state and Commonwealth government, government business enterprises and statutory authorities, in areas such as energy, resources, health and human services, arts and tourism, large-scale infrastructure, transport, emergency services, economic development and justice. It says it has made appointments at Board, Divisional Head, CEO and Executive level, across policy, regulatory, corporate and quasi-commercial positions. It reports more than 40 years of combined executive search experience and more than 1000 appointments.