Expertise

Executive Search
in Government

Perrett Laver’s proven track record in successfully supporting national and local government, statutory bodies and agencies with key leadership appointments means we are the first-choice executive search firm for organisations seeking the best talent.

 

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Today’s world expects effective, transparent governance and a diverse, representative group of individuals in public bodies.

By leveraging our extensive network and deep understanding of the civil service and governmental landscape, we connect you with world-class leaders who are committed to public service excellence and transformative governance.

Our inclusive and confidential selection process is representative of different backgrounds and perspectives. As a trusted third party in the selection process, we add an element of transparency which can enhance public trust in the appointment. This is particularly important in government, where public scrutiny is high.

 

Recent Clients

City of Ottawa
NWO
The Marine Institute
UK Research & Innovation
Teqsa
Australian American Leadership Dialogue

Where We Can Help

We source visionary leaders who know how to navigate the complexities of public administration. These are candidates with a proven track record of strategic oversight, policy implementation, and interdepartmental coordination. 

Our rigorous selection process ensures that these executives possess the critical thinking, ethical standards, and leadership qualities necessary to drive governmental agencies towards achieving their strategic objectives. 

With proven experience conducting searches across Policy & Planning, Perrett Laver excels at identifying policy leaders and strategic planners who can shape and influence public policy. 

We focus on sourcing candidates with a strong analytical foundation, a deep understanding of legislative processes, and the ability to develop innovative policy solutions. 

Our expertise ensures that these professionals are adept at stakeholder engagement, regulatory compliance, and executing a long-term strategic vision. 

Whether you’re looking for policy analysts, advisors, or strategic planners, we bring you top-tier talent capable of driving impactful policy initiatives and advancing your organisation’s mission. 

Our market-leading expertise in Professional Services unlocks access to an unparalleled network of top-tier professionals who excel in their respective fields.

Operating both within government and drawing in talent from other sectors, we identify leaders who are poised to achieve transformational impact in government.

By matching your organisation with candidates who not only fit with your culture but are also a perfect match for your professional standards, we help you build a resilient and dynamic team that drives operational excellence.

Perrett Laver is highly experienced in recruiting for department-specific governmental leadership roles in critical areas like education and health. We specialise in sourcing leaders who possess deep discipline-specific knowledge, strategic capabilities, and the ability to lead complex organisations. 

Our tailored approach ensures that these leaders are equipped to tackle the unique challenges and opportunities within their respective departments. 

We support the appointment of even the most senior local government roles, focusing on finding leaders who can effectively manage municipal operations, drive community development, and implement local policies. They must have a strong understanding of governance, fiscal management, and community engagement and be dynamic leaders who are dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for local residents and achieving strategic local objectives. 

When looking outside government for exciting talent to bring into the sector, we seek evidence of building consensus among diverse stakeholders, and fostering sustainable growth. 

Meet Our Experts

Birgit-Brandt
Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific

Dr Birgit Brandt

Sarah John - Regional Managing Partner - UK, Africa & Middle East
Regional Managing Partner, UK and Africa & Middle East

Sarah John

Gordon Lobay - Regional Managing Partner - Americas
Regional Managing Partner, Americas

Dr Gordon Lobay

Jospehine Scholten - Regional Managing Partner, Europe
Regional Managing Partner, Europe

Josephine Scholten

Chichester_Arabella_Global Senior Partner
Global Senior Partner

Arabella Chichester

Global Senior Partner

Dr Sinéad Gibney

Thomas Weinberg Joint Managing Partner for the UK and Global Head for Knowledge and Innovation Economies
Global Managing Partner

Thomas Weinberg

Country Managing Partner, United States & Chair, Employee Ownership Trust

Erik Jackson

Country Managing Partner, Australia

Janelle Entwistle

Bing Han, Country Managing Partner, China
Country Managing Partner, China

Bing Han

Country Managing Partner, Hong Kong

Katharine Poundstone

Country Managing Partner, Ireland

Michelle Scanlon

Country Managing Partner, Germany

Dr Nicole Shea

Country Managing Partner, The Netherlands & Head of Research, Europe

Dr Lisbeth Van Cauwenberghe

Dr Birgit Brandt

Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific

Birgit Brandt is Regional Managing Partner, Asia Pacific.

Her experience includes Chief Executive and Senior Academic and Administrative appointments in Higher Education and Research, Schools and Global Non-Profit Practices with Asia-Pacific.

Birgit holds a PhD from the University of Warwick in Sociology and MAs in Race and Ethnic Studies and Political Science from Warwick and the Freie Universitat Berlin, respectively. Birgit began her career as a Research Fellow in Berlin moving to the University of Warwick to work in the Centre for Research in Ethnic Relations and the Department of Politics and International Studies.

She moved on to join a novel research grants programme that sought to support partnerships between UK universities and charities and was appointed Head of Grants at the Royal Society and Director of Programmes at the British Academy.

She has travelled extensively, including six months in PRC learning Mandarin.

Sarah John

Regional Managing Partner, UK and Africa & Middle East

Sarah is a Regional Managing Partner, UK and Africa & Middle East, working with colleagues across our different sectors to serve clients as they pursue new leadership.

She has worked for the firm for over a decade and has a particular breadth of expertise and experience in leading senior level executive search for Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive, senior academic and professional services leaders, and non-executive governance appointments globally within the Higher Education and related sectors. Her clients include universities in both research-intensive and teaching focused environments, as well as specialist HEIs. She is always keen to support the sector more broadly, working with organisations such as Advance HE and the Women in Higher Education Network in pursuit of better diversity and inclusion in universities.

Sarah holds a BA (Hons) in English and Related Literature from the University of York. Prior to joining Perrett Laver, she worked for an HR consultancy in the account management function and also trained as a career coach.

Dr Gordon Lobay

Regional Managing Partner, Americas

Gordon is the Regional Managing Partner, Americas. He leads our Canadian operations and delivers senior-level searches across all of the sectors in which we operate.

He began with the firm in our London office and subsequently opened the Vancouver office in 2013 and the Toronto office a few years later.

Gordon holds a B.A. in Classics and Anthropology from Alberta, an MPhil in Archaeology from Glasgow, PhD (on the looting and illegal trading of antiquities) from Cambridge (Homerton College) and a Corporate Executive Certificate from the Alberta, School of Business.

Before joining Perrett Laver Gordon held junior research positions at Texas (Institute of Classical Archaeology) and Westminster (ESRC Project on the UK’s Dealing in Cultural Objects Offences Act 2003) and he was Collections Management Advisor at Alberta (Museums and Collections Services). He was also an Associate Scholar on the Intellectual Property in Cultural Heritage Project and continues to write book reviews for a few academic journals.

He also brings government experience from the UK (Parliamentary Ombudsman) and Canada (Government of Alberta), where he managed a socioeconomic program evaluation team and received a Premier’s Award for outstanding client services.

Josephine Scholten

Regional Managing Partner, Europe

Josephine is a Regional Managing Partner, Europe.

Her experience of senior level executive search includes Board, Chief Executive, Senior Academic and Administrative appointments throughout Europe, within the Higher Education, Research and Innovation, Social Impact and Environment and Arts and Culture Practice.

Prior to joining Perrett Laver, Josephine gained extensive experience in the Higher Education sector having served as the Executive Director of the Universities of the Netherlands (VSNU) for over 7 years. In addition, she was an active member of the European University Association (EUA).

Acting as an Adviser to University Presidents, she was responsible for the national lobbying strategy towards the Dutch Government. Under her responsibility, important strategic projects such as the open access strategy and the national research programme ‘digital society’ were initiated.

As Senior Vice President HR Josephine spent 3 years living in Geneva working for an international trading firm. She brings over 10 years of experience as interim manager in the public- private domain.

Josephine holds a Masters in Political Science from the University of Amsterdam and is an IMD alumna.

Arabella Chichester

Global Senior Partner

As Global Senior Partner, Arabella is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.

Arabella has been at Perrett Laver for over twelve years and was Global Head of the Social Impact and Environment Practice for 8 years. Arabella scaled and diversified Perrett Laver’s Social Impact and Environment Practice to become one of the leading advisors on leadership recruitment in the sector.

Arabella’s experience at Perrett Laver includes senior Chair, Board and Chief Executive appointments across the Social Impact and Environment Sector. This includes working with INGOs, Foundations, domestic non-profits, the UN, research institutes, social enterprises and at the intersection of the social impact and private sector.

Arabella holds a MA (Hons) in Ancient History from the University of Edinburgh and a PG Dip in Psychology at the Institute of Education, University of London.

Dr Sinéad Gibney

Global Senior Partner

As Global Senior Partner, Sinéad is responsible for the long-term strategic development of Perrett Laver alongside the acceleration of its commercial growth.

During her ten years at Perrett Laver, Sinéad established and led the firm’s operations in Amsterdam and Dublin, while continuing to grow Perrett Laver’s Research, Technology and Innovation, and Higher Education practices across Europe.

Sinéad’s experience at Perrett Laver includes advising on senior executive and non-executive appointments for universities, public and privately funded research institutes, as well as research-oriented charities and non-profits.

Sinéad holds an honours degree in Natural Science from Trinity College Dublin and a PhD in Neuroscience from University College Cork.

Thomas Weinberg

Global Managing Partner

Tom has been with Perrett Laver for twelve years, having served as Joint Managing Partner for the UK and Global Head for Knowledge and Innovation Economies.

Tom has grown Perrett Laver’s work across Latin America and the Middle East, co-led Perrett Laver’s largest region through a significant period of growth and spent two years in the US opening the company’s first office there.

Tom has advised upon senior executive and board appointments for institutions in over twenty countries, for institutions including the University of Oxford, NYU, Monterrey Tec, the University of Cape Town, Imperial, INSEAD, HKUST and Nanyang Technological University and at organizations such as the Chatham House, NEOM and the Africa Health Research Institute.

Prior to joining Perrett Laver he worked in the communications industry. He holds an MA (hons) from the University of Edinburgh.

Erik Jackson

Country Managing Partner, United States & Chair, Employee Ownership Trust

Erik is Managing Partner for Perrett Laver’s work in the US and is based in Raleigh, North Carolina.

His experience in senior level executive search includes Board, Chief Executive and other senior leadership appointments our Social Impact & Environment, Higher Education, and Research, Technology & Innovation sectors.

Erik holds BA in History from Menlo College in California, where he was class Valedictorian and an MSt in History from the University of Oxford. Before joining the firm, he held the position of Business Development Manager for the geopolitical consulting firm Oxford Analytica.

Janelle Entwistle

Country Managing Partner, Australia

Janelle is Managing Partner of our Australian operations and leads our office in Sydney.

Her senior level executive search experience includes Senior Academic and Administrative appointments globally in higher education and research and for organisations across the cultural and sports sectors.

She holds a Bachelor degree in Social Science and a Master degree in Marketing from The University of Newcastle, and a Master degree in Management from The Australian National University.  Janelle has significant experience in strategic marketing and communications, student recruitment, relationship management, events, business development and international relations. Prior to joining Perrett Laver, Janelle held senior management roles at the Australian National University and the University of Newcastle and is experienced in sports administration having held the position of General Manager for Netball Tasmania, and has also held senior marketing and communications positions in the mining and not-for-profit sectors. Janelle has travelled extensively, particularly across Asia.

Bing Han

Country Managing Partner, China

Bing is a Partner at Perrett Laver and is now leading Perrett Laver’s new Hong Kong office, opened in January 2015.

His experience includes Chief Executive and Senior Academic and Administrative appointments in Higher Education and Research within Asia-Pacific.

A native of Beijing, Bing was most recently Director for China Programmes at the Alliance for Global Education, where he led the design of all Alliance for Global Education academic programmes in China, developed and maintained institutional relationships with more than 200 universities in both the U.S. and China and oversaw the Beijing, Shanghai, and Xi’an centers of operations.

Bing has many years of experience at senior management in global higher education and prior to that has taught in China and in the US at Asian Studies Department at Vassar College and Williams College.

He has been central in building scholarly exchanges and joint programmes between US and Chinese Universities and brings a deep understanding of Mainland China and Hong Kong higher education and research sectors.

Bing Han earned a BA in Electrical Engineering in 1996, a BA in International Business in 1997, and an MA in Communications Technology in 2000 from the Harbin Institute of Technology and the Beijing Institute of Microwave Metrology & Measurement respectively.

Katharine Poundstone

Country Managing Partner, Hong Kong

Katharine is a Partner at Perrett Laver and co-lead of our Hong Kong operation.

Her experience includes Chief Executive and Senior Academic and Administrative appointments in Higher Education and Research within Asia-Pacific.

Katharine has until recently been the Resident Director for the Alliance for Global Education in Beijing. A native of Kentucky, Katharine, has lived and worked in mainland China for many years, beginning with a study abroad experience in Beijing in 1992-93.

After graduating from Reed College (BA in Chinese Language & Literature; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology) she spent a year in China as a Thomas J. Watson fellow and then completed her M.H.S. at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. In 2000 Katharine returned to China, where she has worked as epidemiologist on various public health projects, including projects focussing on AIDS/STD prevention and control, with the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, the World Health Organization, and the Chinese government. She also received a fellowship from the Blakemore Foundation to study advanced Mandarin Chinese at Tsinghua University in 2008-09.

Michelle Scanlon

Country Managing Partner, Ireland

Michelle is a Managing Partner.

Michelle works in Perrett Laver’s Dublin office. She is a Partner, former Head of the Project Management team and has worked across a number of Perrett Laver’s global Offices including London, Chicago and Hong Kong. She works with organisations across our Global Higher Education, Sport, Social Impact and Health sectors.

Dr Nicole Shea

Country Managing Partner, Germany

Nicole is Managing Partner, Germany.

Her experience of senior level executive search includes Board, Chief Executive, Senior Academic and Administrative appointments throughout Europe, within the Higher Education, Research, Technology and Innovation, Social Impact and Environment sectors.

Prior to joining Perrett Laver, Nicole was Executive Director of the Council for European Studies at Columbia University (CES) and the Executive Editor and Founder of the journal EuropeNow. She oversaw the renowned annual International Conference of Europeanists, the prestigious World Society Foundation Global Fellowships as well as the Mellon-Dissertation Completion Fellowships, among others, and supported 17 Research Networks, including those addressing the Environment, European Culture, Immigration and Social Movements.

She is the author of The Politics of Prostitution in ‘Berlin Alexanderplatz’ and the editor of The Many Voices of Europe: Mobility and Migration in Contemporary Europe. She holds a PhD in Comparative Literature from Binghamton University.

Dr Lisbeth Van Cauwenberghe

Country Managing Partner, The Netherlands & Head of Research, Europe

Lisbeth is the Managing Partner, Netherlands & Head of Research Europe.

Her experience of senior level executive search includes Senior Academic, Chair and Professorial appointments globally across all disciplines in higher education.

Lisbeth holds an MSc in Biology, a subsequent MSc in Environmental Management and Sanitation, and a PhD in Environmental Toxicology, all from Ghent University, Belgium. Her doctoral research focussed on the occurrence, effects and risks of marine microplastics. Lisbeth is fluent in Dutch and English, and speaks basic French and German.

Notable Appointments

Professor Aoife McLysaght appointed Government Science Advisor in Ireland

15 Oct 2024

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