Kathy Townsend

Kathy has worked at Partner level in executive search for more than thirteen years. She came to the industry from senior executive roles in the Commonwealth Government. Kathy grew up in Melbourne but spent twelve years living and working in Perth, Canberra, Malaysia and Pakistan. She has a particular interest in leadership and the importance of values in organisations. Her diverse career has resulted in a powerful national and international network of individuals and companies.

Her particular strengths lie in the ability to master a brief, appreciate the nuances of a role, and provide both clients and candidates with honest, direct advice. Her sense of humour and relaxed style enable Kathy to relate well with clients and candidates, but it is her professional attention to performance that ensures clients are introduced to the kind of candidates who will really make a difference.

Kathy is the Deputy Chancellor of Swinburne University of Technology and sits on Board Committees for Australian Volunteers International and Fitted for Work.  She is also a member of the selection panel which advises the Governor General on the appointment of the Public Service Medal.  She has been a member of a number of significant government inquiries including the Bracks’ Government’s Inquiry into Business Tax reform and the Rudd Government’s Disability Investment Group. 

Kathy has an M.Ed Studies, a BA and a Dip Ed all from Monash and is a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Management and a Graduate Member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.