Our team is comprised of highly experienced professionals who bring their industry expertise and understanding to assist clients in the appointment of successful leaders and the provision of board consulting services.

As an experienced Office and Accounts Manager Alison has spent 25 years’ working in the financial and hospitality sectors in Australia, South Africa and the UK.

In her role as Accounts Associate for Gerard Daniels she supports the Commercial Manager and is responsible for invoicing, payroll and the production of financial reports.

In her previous roles Alison has worked for organisations ranging from small family owned businesses through to large national corporations.

New to Gerard Daniels, Alison is enjoying now being part of a friendly and professional team.

Anna joined the Corporate team at Gerard Daniels as an Executive Assistant in late 2022, where she now applies a process driven approach and impeccable attention to detail to support the firm and its clients.

As a genuine people person, Anna enjoys welcoming people to the Firm and making them feel welcome. She takes initiative, brings imagination to her work, and prides herself on being hard working, motivated, good humoured and optimistic. Anna also works well under pressure, and capably and enthusiastically takes on new tasks and assignments.

A brief stint as a Public Relations Researcher equipped Anna with insight into leveraging data from digital footprints. Other previous roles have provided her with knowledge and experience in licencing and compliance.

Testament to her work ethic and attitude, throughout her career Anna has received several professional accolades recognising her can-do attitude and her ability to apply original thinking to her work.

Barry is an experienced senior executive with a global career that spans more than 30 years. He is passionate about culture, talent and transformation, and understands that leadership is the most critical factor in organisational performance, success and sustainability.

Throughout his career Barry has worked in over 50 countries and across eight diverse industries to develop deep expertise in Board leadership and effectiveness; CEO succession; onboarding; executive and non-executive facilitation; development and coaching; and executive team formation. To design solutions that deliver exceptional value to clients, Barry draws on considerable professional, technical and real-life experience, insight and expertise in these disciplines.

Prior to joining Gerard Daniels Barry held a number of relevant roles in the private and public sector, including: Group Managing Director for People at Worley; Head of Organisational Transformation at Monash Health; Global Practice Leader: Leadership and People Development at Rio Tinto; and client facing roles with PwC and McKinsey & Company.

In his new role as Global Partner for Board and Executive Leadership at Gerard Daniels, Barry enjoys having the opportunity to positively impact organisations, economies and societies by working with leaders as they learn, grow, solve and lead.

Bruno joined Gerard Daniels in 2023 as a Principal for the London practice. In this role he supports the Firm’s Partners in research and builds on the high standard of service already provided to clients in the EMEA, APAC and Americas regions.

Throughout a 13 year career to-date, Bruno has performed a range of leadership roles within Executive Search and supported many appointments across mining, engineering, energy, oil and gas. His diverse experience includes mid and senior level Executive appointments that range from Chief Operating Officer and Operations Director to Finance Director and VP Technology.

Bruno sets high standards, which together with his personable and results-oriented approach have led him to win various high-achiever awards. Directly contributing to the success of a Nordics focused upstream oil and gas recruitment team – that started as a duo in London, and eventually opened a full office in Norway – has been another career highlight.

Networking comes naturally for Bruno, making Executive Search a natural fit. He also nurtures a growing professional interest in sustainable energy, critical minerals and climate change.

Caron is a highly skilled Executive Assistant with more than 20 years’ global experience supporting c-suite executives, and coordinating, planning and supporting managerial, operational and administrative functions.

While working in high-pressure environments in mining, renewable energy, media and more recently in executive search and Board consulting, Caron has managed community grants and performed event management, conference presentation and training roles domestically and internationally.
In her current role Caron supports Jennifer Grove (Partner), Geoff Curran (Practice Leader for NSW), Barry Bloch (Global Partner for Board and Executive Leadership) and provides ad-hoc support to the wider team as required.

Caron’s dedication, consistency, attention to detail and friendly demeanour position her well for corporate support roles, and she enjoys collaborating with others and the diverse and fast paced nature of supporting an international team. Caron thrives on the ever-changing priorities, dynamics, people and networks and variety of her role.

Chris brings considerable value to clients through his broad industry exposure and deep technical expertise, having spent 16 years supporting clients and candidates across multiple international jurisdictions.

During his 10 year tenure with Gerard Daniels Chris has led and successfully executed many technical and senior leadership appointments. In addition to his role as Principal Consultant Chris is also Head of Research for the Firm’s Asia Pacific region, and has a particular interest in emerging markets like renewables.

Chris previously spent a decade living and working in Japan where he was responsible for building and leading the medical device and pharmaceutical function for a boutique Tokyo-based recruitment firm. During this time Chris also led the Japanese Life Science Practice for a leading global recruitment firm.

Chris enjoys connecting the right executive talent with roles where they can really add value. He is driven by a desire to make a difference and has a genuine interest in the career progression of candidates.

Claire joined Gerard Daniels in late 2022. Her appointment builds on a career working in leading global Executive Search firms that spans more than 22 years. During the past three years Claire worked with global consultancies specialising in professional services, including the appointment of sustainability and key leadership roles.

As an Executive Search Consultant, Claire brings deep experience researching and appointing board and operational roles. She combines this with a specialism for Non Executive Director placements and experience working as a Career Coach. During the past three years Claire has worked with global consultancies specialising in professional services appointments, including sustainability and key leadership roles.

Claire thinks strategically on behalf of clients and uses a meticulous and tenacious approach to consistently find the very best candidate for each role. Her warm and engaging communication style and strong listening skills, very quickly make people feel at ease.

Claire enjoys working on diverse placements, and she gets a kick out of learning about new client industries and sectors, particularly in the renewables space. She is also passionate about Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and advocates for workplace neurodiversity as a member of the UKbusiness-led forum, Neurodiversity in Business.

Darlene leads the Corporate Services team at Gerard Daniels. She brings 21 years of experience working in executive search and over a decade as office manager for the Spotless Group.

In her current role as Corporate Services Manager Darlene works across varied functions including finance, commercial lease management, IT solutions and infrastructure, CRM implementation, privacy compliance, HR and marketing and branding. She is based in Perth, but supports all regions and regularly travels to the firm’s UK, US and Sydney offices. 

Darlene has led the implementation of General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other key legislation for Gerard Daniels. Supporting several commercial property moves and confidential projects have been other career highlights.

Darlene has considerable project management and strategic growth planning experience. She has also been involved in the implementation and strategies that govern the day-to-day operational activities of the organisation. 

Darlene brings value to clients by overseeing the work that goes on behind the scenes managing the many processes and procedures that are applied across each assignment. She takes pride in ensuring the corporate services team provides clients with best practice and enjoys being part of a strong, cohesive team that works closely with the leadership of the firm.

Geoff is a deeply experienced business leader and executive search professional with over 35 years’ experience across the Asia Pacific market. Originally from Perth, Geoff resides in Sydney where he heads up the Gerard Daniels Practice.

During his career Geoff has also completed many executive appointments in the Philippines, Singapore and early on in London.

He has gained multi-sector experience and substantial functional expertise in general management, technical, sales and marketing, operations, finance and customer management.

Today Geoff continues to serve as trusted adviser to a wide range of clients including listed, private and not-for-profit organisations. He delivers value by combining broad experience with persistence and the capacity to really understand a client brief.

Geoff enjoys providing sound advice, building relationships and being able to positively influence and gain the trust of the clients and candidates that he supports.

Geraldine brings broad international experience to the executive search	team at Gerard Daniels, having worked for leading management consulting and executive search firms for more than 15 years.

Geraldine's early recruitment career began in Sydney, before she relocated to Singapore and moved into executive search. While in Singapore	Geraldine worked with several European and American technology companies, assisting	their expansion into Asia by placing their inaugural Head of Asia.

Geraldine made a career change into public relations while living in Dubai – an experience that helped her to develop a deep market understanding and a strong network across the Middle East.

On returning to Australia Geraldine also returned to executive search. Today she brings diverse research expertise to senior executive placements for clients across diverse industries and sectors. She also offers niche functional experience placing candidates in senior level technology roles.

Geraldine’s ability to identify standout candidates that align with a client’s needs and culture brings substantial value to her assignments. She enjoys supporting varied clients, and is known for tenaciously and methodically approaching each search until the best candidate can be appointed.

Holly is an experienced and talented senior researcher with 8 years’ experience working in executive search. She brings a wealth of experience specialising in board consulting, policy and executive search, and broad experience gained from working in government, education, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors.

Holly began her career in the political arena, which provided a solid foundation in policy analysis, excellent written and strategic stakeholder engagement skills.

Prior to joining Gerard Daniels she spent time as Manager of Government Relations for Curtin University and also served as Manager, Policy and External Relations at the Committee for Perth, an independent think tank representing the business sector within the Perth metropolitan region.

As a member of the Gerard Daniels international research team, Holly has successfully delivered on many projects at C- Suite, Board and senior technical levels, sourced through local, national and international markets. Clients and candidates benefit from her broad sector experience and diversified skill set, strong problem solving ability and positive energy.

Being part of a values-driven organisation with a genuine team ethos is important to Holly. She also enjoys the diversity that comes with working across the breadth of sectors and clients that Gerard Daniels supports.

Ivan joined Gerard Daniels in 2010 as Senior Research Associate, progressing through roles before being appointed as Partner in 2020. Today he combines extensive industry knowledge with rigorous search processes to source and recruit exceptional executive talent across a wide range of industries and disciplines.

Working from Perth and London, Ivan has successfully delivered executive and senior management level appointments in the resources and industrial sectors. He has also acted for leading companies with operations across South East Asia, Europe, Africa and South America.

Ivan has particular experience supporting clients in delivering C-suite and executive level roles. He is driven by a desire to make a difference, and is widely recognised by clients and colleagues as someone who operates with integrity and delivers a high standard of customer service.

James is a highly skilled consultant with 15 years’ experience working across human resources and executive search disciplines.

Having spent the early part of his career as a generalist HR advisor for a global energy services business in Western Australia and Singapore, James later took on senior HR and executive search roles for global organisations based in Sydney and London.

Since joining Gerard Daniels in the UK James has been predominantly focused on delivering executive appointments for high calibre clients in the energy and industrials sector.

A genuinely collaborative approach allows James to build trusted international networks, which he leverages to partner with leading organisations and to acquire outstanding leadership talent throughout the UK, Europe, Middle East, North America, Australia and Asia.

By combining these networks with vast functional expertise James has successfully delivered mandates from Board, C- Suite, Functional and Regional leadership level across a diverse range of Energy (including oil and gas, power, renewables and clean technology), Private Equity, Industrial and Technology-focused clients.

When James began his career in executive search he spent several years with an international executive search firm based in the UK. In 2019 he later joined Gerard Daniels, where he continues to work as an experienced Senior Research Associate focused particularly on the energy, natural resources, infrastructure and financial services sectors.

Throughout his career James has acquired vast experience executing global searches at Board and senior executive level across the functions of CEO, CFO, COO, HR Director, General Counsel, General Manager, and Senior Technical (Mining and Energy). Through these assignments James has supported globally listed entities, private companies and private equity backed businesses across the Asia Pacific, Americas and EMEA markets.

In addition to his work in research, James has held executive search consulting roles where he successfully won and delivered on executive level appointments - experience that enables James to own the result of his executive searches today.

With every search James is passionate about building the sources and layers of research that uncover the best possible individuals, using an approach that combines thoroughness, creativity, transparency and a commitment to deliver high quality shortlists.

James finds it rewarding making a substantial difference to the careers of candidates and the performance of companies. He also enjoys the variety of his work, knowing that no two searches are ever the same.

Jennifer has more than 20 years’ experience working as a trusted adviser in executive search, supporting the Boards and CEOs of some of Australia’s largest and most influential organisations.

Her background as a former political adviser to a Federal Attorney-General and as a political journalist with The West Australian, allows Jennifer to bring high functional expertise to external/corporate affairs, communications, investor engagement and general commercial roles. Jennifer also maintains a large network of contacts within both State and Federal political, media and Government circles, which she uses to great effect.

Jennifer naturally gravitates towards roles with a high level of people engagement and takes pride in offering exceptional client and candidate service through her transparent, honest and open approach.

Jennifer enjoys understanding people and why they might fit into leadership roles, and her ability to think laterally helps her to source candidates and match skills from less obvious places. Testament to the value she brings to her clients, Jennifer also maintains a very high level of client/candidate satisfaction and repeat business.

John joined Gerard Daniels in mid-2023 as a Research Associate and works closely with consultants on Executive Search assignments across the Asia Pacific region. Having spent much of his prior career establishing, operating and growing successful businesses in the NSW fitness industry, John brings unique and highly transferrable skills and experience to support the Firm and its clients.

John’s work experience has equipped him with both leadership and functional expertise across all aspects of business operations, including marketing, 360 degree interviews and other recruitment processes. Owning and operating a small business during the pandemic’s extremely challenging operating conditions also bolstered John’s resilience, which can be seen in the tenacity he brings to each new search assignment.

A people person at heart, John has an innate ability to listen, to connect with people, and to quickly build trust and rapport. From his earlier career experience, John appreciates the synergy between helping clients to achieve personal goals and career progression through executive search, knowing there are no shortcuts for either endeavour.

John enjoys building long term relationships to deliver sustainable results, and working alongside people who he can help to make a difference.

Julia is a senior research and marketing associate with more than 20 years’ experience working in professional service firms, including 15 years in global executive search. She has lived, worked and supported executive appointments in the UK, North and South America, Southern Africa, South East Asia and Australia.

Before starting in research Julia was a consultant for an Adelaide based executive search, and earlier, was a graphics and desktop publishing specialist for a global management consulting and executive search firm based in London.

To support clients and candidates, Julia also draws on project management and marketing experience, and functional expertise in C-suite, Board and upper management executive roles, and those roles deemed specialised or hard to fill.

Julia offers exceptional support to clients through her professionalism, responsiveness, dedication and tenacity.

She enjoys the continued learning opportunities and diversity that her current role brings and takes satisfaction from being part of a process that places candidates where they should or need to be – especially for roles and organisations that make a positive impact on the world.

Kester is an experienced international professional with extensive experience working across the Asia Pacific, CIS, EMEA and Americas markets with a strong track-record completing C-suite, Non-Executive Director, Country Manager, Regional and functional leadership appointments for listed entities, private companies and private equity backed businesses.

With a particular interest in the Energy sector, Kester has a developed specialism in Sustainability and ESG mandates, and their evolving impact on the extractive industries. He has also established deep functional expertise in Renewables and Decarbonisation projects, including Hydrogen, Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Sequestration, Offshore Wind and Hydropower.

Kester is motivated by the personal and intellectual challenges of partnering with boards and C-suite leadership to ensure that they have the right teams in place to ensure both success today and critically, relevance tomorrow.

Lloyd established Gerard Daniels in 1986, together with CoFounder and Director Michael McAnearney. Since then the firm has grown to service diverse clients and markets, nationally and internationally.

For more than 35 years Lloyd has gained extensive board and executive search experience in Australia, New Zealand, UK, USA, and South East Asia. He has also developed and maintained extensive networks of key executives in all regions.

As a trusted advisor to many of Australia’s leading CEOs Lloyd regularly works with boards on the appointment of Chairs, Non-Executive Directors, Managing Directors and CEOs. He enjoys the responsibility that comes with this trust, knowing that both clients and candidates want to be successful in what they do, personally and for the organisations they represent.

Lloyd has a strong philosophy around building and supporting community, culture and health. Over the years he has made a number of high-profile CEO appointments and undertaken significant pro-bono work in these sectors to build the capacity of Not-For-Profits.

Clients value Lloyd’s deep understanding of what it takes to be successful in an executive role, and his ability to look beyond the more obvious selection criteria to truly understand the human capabilities that individuals can deliver to make a difference.

Member of the Curtin Business School Advisory Council (9 years)

Immediate Past Chairman of the Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (7 years)

Michael has over 30 years’ experience acting for the Boards and CEOs of some of the world’s most successful companies. With significant experience in international markets, Michael has strong commercial expertise in placing effective appointments across the oil & gas, mining & minerals, industrial and infrastructure sectors.

Michael is a founding director of the company and is responsible for the international development of Gerard Daniels. He was instrumental in establishing the company’s offices across the EMEA and the Americas and retains predominant responsibility over both regions.

A firm advocate of education and not-for-profit enterprises, Michael is an Adjunct Professor in the Business School at the University of Western Australia and is a Board Member of the Telethon Kids Institute.

He holds a Bachelor of Psychology from the University of Western Australia.

Nona joined Gerard Daniels in 2023 as a Partner in the London office, strengthening the Firm’s natural resources and industrial sector footprint in the EMEA region. She draws on 15 years of experience – including a decade spent working in the mining and infrastructure industries – advising senior decision makers on anticipated socio-political and human capital trends impacting their businesses as well as connecting Executive talent with the right opportunities globally.

Nona is driven to help clients understand what the right profile looks like for a given role, and to identify and deliver candidates that are the right fit. Understanding that the mining sector’s challenges and opportunities are complex and multifaceted, Nona also draws on her knowledge of regional and global business critical trends to advise clients on:

Socioeconomic factors impacting the natural resources sector

Human capital and technology trends and the anticipated impact of technological innovation

Anticipated challenges for the future leaders

To-date Nona has appointed senior leaders as well as board directors in Canada, the USA, Chile, Peru, the UK, South Africa, Guinea, Australia amongst other places. Having lived and worked in several countries, she has established enduring relationships and enjoys continually learning from a network of experienced professionals around the globe.

Nona also has strong coaching skills, and a keen interest in talent development and mentoring.

Paul has spent his 18-year executive search career working with and helping to grow Gerard Daniels across the international resources sector. During this time he has delivered many successful appointments, including some highly challenging roles, placed into most parts of Australia, USA, Canada, Indonesia and Africa.

Throughout his career Paul has developed broad technical, metallurgy, sales and marketing management experience working in R&D, projects, operations support, business development, product development and consulting roles.

Paul’s diverse executive search skills are complemented by experience gained working with leading international organisations in mining, mining services and OEM sectors, and from direct involvement in coal, gold and diamond mining, iron ore and alumina production.

Paul has specific technical experience in the life extension of components in mining, crushing and mineral processing, hands-on experience in slurry pumping (for process plants and tailings disposal) and the application of high-pressure grinding rolls (HPGR) in mineral circuits. 

Building on significant Board and Committee experience, Paul is currently Director and National Treasurer for Materials Australia. He previously chaired MA’s National Committee for Technical Training and was Chair of a Technical Committee with Weld Australia. Paul has also been Chair/Convenor for a number of technical conferences and seminars.

As a Managing Partner/Practice Leader at Gerard Daniels, Paul brings honesty, tenacity and passion for delivering high quality appointments. He enjoys being a trusted advisor to senior industry representatives and growing relationships with candidates that later become clients.

Ryan joined Gerard Daniels in 2023 as Partner for Asia Pacific, where he now helps to grow the Firm’s impact and network across the region. This role builds on a 19-year career that spans London, Johannesburg and Perth, where Ryan has helped many clients to attract and retain top tier talent, and secured appointments that have delivered competitive advantage and driven long term performance.

Ryan brings deep and diverse experience to the Firm and its clients, having previously served as Country Director (South Africa) and later as a State Director (Western Australia), for a world-leading recruitment consultancy.

Moving from an early investment banking career into executive search has allowed Ryan to shape the appointment of senior finance roles across many industries and locations. A passion for ESG has also helped him to deliver impactful appointments and to build this internal capacity.

As a consultant Ryan appreciates the often undervalued art of listening, and relishes in opportunities to meet with current and future industry leaders. As a leader Ryan combines his own experience with expertise from across the firm, to deliver exceptional client outcomes. He is intentionally approachable and determined to make a difference by investing in diverse and inclusive workplaces, and by hiring, developing, rewarding and promoting the right talent.

Samala supports the Directors and Co-Founders of the firm Lloyd Smith and Michael McAnearney and assists the team across all offices where necessary.

As a professional C-Suite Level Executive Assistant, Samala brings a wealth of experience and more than 20 years’ experience supporting senior executives in various industries across the globe. She creates calm out of chaos, while delivering high quality results.

Samala brings honesty, effective communication and strict confidentiality to her work, and she is focused, consistent, punctual, reliable, organised and trustworthy. Samala is also consciously accessible, and makes it a priority to understand the needs of her team whilst managing multiple schedules.

Collaborating with colleagues and regularly meeting diverse groups of people are highlights for Samala in her current role. She also enjoys opportunities for interesting interactions with clients and candidates.

Scott has contributed to several significant placements since he joined the Gerard Daniels research team in March 2022.

His research experience has been predominately across the mining and finance industry. With a background in elite sport and coaching Scott brings fresh perspective and a unique skill set to his role at Gerard Daniels.

Outside of research and sport Scott has worked as a currency trader and account manager. Transitioning to executive search in a high performance, international environment like Gerard Daniels has been a fulfilling change for him.

Originally from Perth, Scott has also spent time living and working in Beijing.

Bachelor of Science (Exercise and Sports Science)

Master of Science (Strength and Conditioning)

Siobhan joined Gerard Daniels as a Principal in January 2023. She is a Chartered Account and brings a wealth of diverse experience, having spent much of her career working with a leading global investment bank and "Big 4” accounting firms.

In previous senior and executive roles, Siobhan has acquired a deep knowledge of the financial services and banking industries, and significant exposure to leadership, business management, accounting, auditing and assurance. She has previous experience reporting directly into senior management including a Chairman, CEO and COO, and maintains an extensive executive network across many sectors.

Siobhan prides herself on surpassing people’s expectations, conducting herself and promoting the highest level of integrity. This approach has often attracted the attention of colleagues and superiors, and allowed her to quickly earn their respect.

In 2009 Siobhan was awarded the UBS APAC Investment Bank President’s Thank You Award for “Making it Happen”.

Siobhan was hand-picked in 2011 by the UBS Chief Operating Officer, to take part in the Financial Executive Institute (FEI) mentoring program.

In 2015 she was later chosen for the UBS Advance Leadership Program, targeting high achieving females within the investment bank a program sponsored by the Global Investment Banking CEO.

In 2020 Siobhan was appointed as the first employee of Poynton Stavrianou, entrusted with managing the start-up phase for this new, but now thriving business.

A true people person, Siobhan thrives on regular client interaction. She also enjoys positively impacting organisational culture and shareholder value by placing the right candidates.

Susan is an ambitious and self-motivated Executive Assistant who brings more than 20 years of experience supporting senior executives to the firm.

Having worked previously in financial services, biotechnology and the resources sector, Susan is well accustomed to supporting fast paced and high performing teams. She delivers on deadline, takes initiative and utilises exceptional communication and computer skills. 

Susan also has a high level of cultural awareness and adaptability and is well suited to working with and supporting diverse teams.She enjoys learning from her colleagues and values the fact that every day in her role is a little different.

Our Team

Alison Truter

Anna Gent

Barry Bloch

Bruno Tolosa

Caron Melville

Chris Tan

Claire Deacon

Darlene Sambell

Geoff Curran

Geraldine Allan

Holly DeVaney

Ivan Zuvela

James Christian

James Nichols

Jennifer Grove

John Salter

Julia Turner

Kester Guy-Briscoe

Lloyd Smith

Michael McAnearney

Nona Sichinava

Paul Howard

Ryan Hathrill

Samala Nicolaou

Scott Andrews

Siobhan Ferreira

Susan Stanley

We invite you to discuss your executive search or board consulting needs.

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