Aotearoa, New Zealand – A new executive search brand, LEAD Executive Search offers a fresh, purpose-driven approach to leadership recruitment. With a focus on identifying and connecting organisations with transformative, impact-focused leaders, LEAD is reshaping how companies across New Zealand and beyond discover and engage executive talent.
As businesses prepare for the challenges and opportunities ahead in 2025, the expectations placed on leaders are shifting. It’s no longer enough to drive financial results alone. Today’s most effective leaders are those who can create long-term value: leading with clarity, purpose and a commitment to positive impact.
“The definition of leadership is changing fast,” says Angela Cameron, CEO at LEAD. “We’re seeing more businesses wanting leaders who can balance performance with purpose—who can scale impact, build inclusive cultures, and lead sustainable change.”
Addressing a critical gap in executive search
LEAD’s launch tackles a growing issue in the executive search industry: the most impactful leaders are rarely active job seekers. Instead, these leaders are often deeply focussed in their current businesses, driving the company mission and building meaningful change.
“Traditional approaches that rely on searching through active job seekers or maintaining static networks miss a crucial segment of the talent pool – the impact leaders who are quietly transforming their organisations.” Angela explains.
Rethinking leadership criteria
At the heart of LEAD’s approach is a reimagined view of what leadership looks like in 2025 and beyond. It’s not only about experience or qualifications—it’s about mindset.
“Impact leadership isn’t just about having the right skills or experience. It’s about building and emphasising a unique mindset that balances business results with impact leadership, embracing innovation, and driving short-term results that lead to long-term sustainability. These leaders don’t just adapt to change; they proactively shape it,” explains Angela.
“This is why we’re taking a different approach to executive search. We’re not just waiting for the right candidates to come to us – we’re proactively identifying and engaging with leaders who have demonstrated their ability to drive meaningful change, regardless of whether they’re actively seeking new opportunities.”
LEAD offers a proactive and research-led approach that identifies and connects with these hidden leaders—people who may not be ‘looking,’ but are open to opportunities where they can make an even greater impact.
A new kind of executive search
LEAD’s approach is grounded on four core principles:
- Performance + Purpose – Seeking leaders who deliver strong results and build enduring value.
- Proactive Engagement – Identifying and connecting with purpose-aligned leaders beyond the active candidate pool.
- Future-Focused Thinking – Partnering with organisations that are building for tomorrow, not just today.
- Impact Leadership – Prioritising leaders who champion inclusion, innovation, and sustainability—and who navigate complexity with clarity and purpose.
“We’re not just filling roles—we’re shaping leadership in New Zealand for the future,” says Angela. “Whether it’s placing a CEO, a CMO, or a future board director, our focus is on finding those who lead with intention, integrity, and impact.”
Supporting purpose-led growth across Aotearoa and beyond
Based in Auckland, LEAD partners with forward-thinking companies, boards, and founders across New Zealand and beyond. The team brings a strong understanding of local and global leadership dynamics, and a passion for building more inclusive, resilient, and high-performing organisations.
“As we expand LEAD, we’re committed to connecting forward-thinking organisations with leaders who can drive performance and purpose. The next generation of impactful leadership might not be found through traditional channels or conventional searches,” says Angela.
Connect with LEAD
Organisations looking for transformative leadership, or leaders ready for their next meaningful challenge, can connect directly with LEAD to explore opportunities.
For more information, contact LEAD at [email protected]
Follow LEAD on LinkedIn.
About LEAD
LEAD | Executive Search | Impact Leadership | New Zealand
At LEAD Executive Search, we believe transformative leadership starts well before leadership roles become available. Our integrated approach to executive search and impact leadership means we’re already connected with exceptional talent before opportunities even arise, giving our clients access to leaders who are ready to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s succession plans.
We specialise in finding the kind of executive talent that’s hard to reach: the leaders who can truly help a business grow, evolve, and thrive.
And we’re proud to play a role in advancing impact leadership across New Zealand and beyond.
LEAD — Tomorrow’s Leaders. Today.
