Office address: Level 25, 500 Collins Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000
Website: www.brookerconsulting.com.au
Year established: 1999
Company type: staffing and recruiting
Employees: 7
Expertise: recruitment, CEO recruitment, executive search, board recruitment, life sciences and biotech, health and education, interim leadership, not-for-profit, associations and advocacy, research, for purpose
Parent company: Lawson HR Group
Key people: Lesley Lightfoot (MD), Dr Rachel Cameron (principal), Leighton Cantrill (senior consultant), Barry Vienet (director), Lisa Pratt (leadership coach), Effie Cambasis (finance manager), Anja Locke (marketing manager)
Financing status: N/A
Brooker Consulting, a Melbourne-based executive search firm with seven staff members, specialises in aligning visionary leaders with forward-thinking organisations. With 25 years of experience, they offer tailored talent acquisition and board advisory services across diverse sectors. Focused on pivotal roles like CEO, C-suite, and interim executives, they provide bespoke solutions to meet each client’s unique needs.
Brooker Consulting was established in 1999, driven by a strong commitment to quality and ethical practices. Over the years, the firm has maintained its position as a leader in executive search, continuously evolving to meet the demands of various industries. The company’s association with the Lawson HR Group positioned it alongside other specialised brands, enhancing its reach and impact.
In 2021, the company undertook a significant recruitment process for the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association (AHHA), a key milestone in its history. The firm also launched 'The Brooker Prize' in 2024, an awards program celebrating excellence in the life sciences sector. This blend of strategic growth and sector-specific initiatives marks Brooker Consulting’s distinguished journey.
They provide a comprehensive range of executive search services tailored to the specific needs of different sectors:
associations and advocacy: identifies leaders who can drive policy change and represent member interests effectively
not-for-profit: focuses on finding leaders with a strong alignment to organisational missions in the charitable sector
life sciences and biotech: specialises in sourcing executives who can lead innovation and research within the life sciences and biotechnology fields
health: provides tailored search services for leadership roles within hospitals, healthcare providers, and related organisations
higher education: assists in recruiting top-tier academic and administrative leaders for universities and research institutions
interim leadership solutions: offers temporary executive leadership to support organisations during transitions or specific projects
Brooker Consulting excels in finding executive leaders who bring both strategic insight and operational expertise to their roles. Their tailored search services, spanning CEOs to interim specialists, ensure clients receive leadership that aligns with their unique organisational goals.
Brooker Consulting’s culture blends local expertise with a global outlook, enabling them to match leadership talent to the unique needs of diverse sectors. Their work environment focuses on understanding and aligning with the specific cultures of their clients, ensuring leadership solutions are precisely tailored. This approach allows them to consistently identify leaders who fit both the local market context and global standards:
visionary leadership is central to their approach to organisational success
their executive search process is thorough and adaptable, ensuring candidates align with the client’s mission
they focus in finding leaders who bring innovation, influence, and inspiration to their roles
The company prioritises community, diversity, and inclusion by fostering leadership that reflects societal diversity. They believe diverse leadership drives innovation and effective decision-making and actively support inclusive practices through various community initiatives:
acknowledgement of traditional custodians: honours Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their cultural contributions particularly the Wurundjeri people of the Kulin Nation in Naarm (Melbourne)
community engagement: supports initiatives like Anti-Poverty Week and the Beyond Blue Wellness Run
support for children’s wellbeing: backs the Alannah & Madeline Foundation to aid children and young people
Brooker Consulting’s holistic approach is comprehensive, ensuring each step from consultation to placement is customised to the organisation's needs. By thoroughly understanding the client's mission and culture, they identify leaders who are the ideal fit for the organisation’s goals. Serving as a crucial link, they connect purpose-driven firms with leaders who align perfectly with their values and vision.
Lesley Lightfoot is the managing director at Brooker Consulting and a director at Lawson HR Group. Her career includes roles as associate partner at Fisher Leadership and operations manager at Ion Global. She holds a BCom in economics from the University of South Africa and a diploma in HR management from the Zimbabwe Institute of Management.
She is supported by a team of key professionals who play important roles in the operation and success of the company:
Dr Rachel Cameron, serving as principal, oversees executive search projects and ensures the alignment of leadership talent with client needs
Leighton Cantrill, a senior consultant, manages recruitment processes and specialises in sourcing high-impact leaders across various sectors
Barry Vienet, as a director, leads client relationships and ensures the successful execution of strategic executive search initiatives
Lisa Pratt, serving as a leadership coach, provides coaching and development services to enhance leadership effectiveness within client organisations
Effie Cambasis, as a finance manager, handles financial operations, budgeting, and financial planning to support the firm’s objectives
Anja Locke, a marketing manager, develops and implements marketing strategies to enhance the firm’s visibility and brand presence
The company recently launched a refreshed brand identity, reflecting its ongoing commitment to excellence, integrity, and innovation. This updated identity strengthens their role as the essential link between purpose-driven organisations and mission-aligned leaders, improving engagement with clients and candidates. With a new logo reflecting their vision, Brooker Consulting will continue driving success by connecting visionary leaders with firms dedicated to making a meaningful impact.
In 2024, they launched the Brooker Mentorship Link Program, providing mentees with valuable leadership guidance over an 8-month period. The company also continues to support the Brooker Prize, which honours excellence in leadership and innovation across various sectors. Looking ahead, the company remains focused on nurturing emerging talent and fostering transformative leadership to drive future success.
