Debbie Graham & Associates : Everything you need to know

Contents
  1. History of Debbie Graham & Associates
  2. Products and Services of Debbie Graham & Associates
  3. Culture at Debbie Graham & Associates
  4. About Debbie Graham & Associates Director Debbie Graham and Key People
  5. The Future at Debbie Graham & Associates

Office address: Level 6, Kyndryl Building, 1 Albert Street, Auckland 
Website: www.dga.nz  
Year established: 1990 
Company type: staffing and recruiting 
Employees:
Expertise: finance and accounting recruitment, contracting for candidates and businesses, search and selection, executive recruitment, workforce planning, talent acquisition, leadership roles, commercial banking recruitment, organisational consulting, HR services 
Parent company: N/A  
Key people: Debbie Graham (director); Carlos Kirkwood-Ale, Chris Jeffery, Liz Huntley, and Tonia Calderwood (associate directors) 
Financing status: N/A 
 

Debbie Graham & Associates is a recruitment firm headquartered in Auckland, with associate offices in Christchurch, Wellington, Australia, and London. The company specialises in banking, finance, and senior executive recruitment, delivering tailored recruitment solutions for both multinational corporations and SMEs. The firm uses a personalised approach and partners with clients and candidates to meet complex recruitment needs effectively. 
 

History of Debbie Graham & Associates 

Debbie Graham & Associates was founded in 1990 by Debbie Graham to provide recruitment solutions in banking, finance, and accounting for businesses in New Zealand and overseas. The company gained recognition for connecting businesses with skilled candidates and supporting the development of high-performing teams. The firm built strong relationships with industry leaders by focusing on long-term connections and thorough research.  

It established a clear approach based on transparency, discretion, and accessibility to deliver targeted recruitment services. Over the years, it has helped shape the careers of many executives in banking, finance, and commercial sectors.  

Debbie Graham & Associates operates from its Auckland base and continues to work with key organisations to support their recruitment needs. 
 

Products and Services of Debbie Graham & Associates 

Debbie Graham & Associates offers a comprehensive range of services to support both employers and job seekers in achieving recruitment success: 

  • recruitment services: targeted placements in banking, finance, and executive roles across New Zealand and abroad
     
  • HR consulting: strategic guidance on organisational performance and workforce optimisation
     
  • job seeker support: career advice, CV preparation, and interview training
     
  • employer services: talent acquisition, workforce planning, and employee retention strategies
     
  • DGA Career Compass: a unique tool for career development and navigation 
     

Debbie Graham & Associates aims to provide tailored recruitment solutions backed by deep market knowledge and sector expertise. With a staff turnover rate of less than 5%, the firm delivers reliable services and makes sure that even the most complex roles are filled effectively. 
 

Culture at Debbie Graham & Associates 

Debbie Graham & Associates believes its behind-the-scenes efforts set it apart from competitors by focusing on how services are delivered, not just what is done. The firm continually evaluates how it creates value for clients and candidates and optimises processes to ensure success. This commitment to improvement underpins its achievements and drives ongoing growth. 

The company seeks to stay ahead by adopting advanced tools and techniques to exceed the expectations of clients and candidates. The firm values innovation as essential for delivering successful recruitment outcomes. This forward-thinking approach ensures its services remain relevant and effective in a competitive industry. 
 

About Debbie Graham & Associates Director Debbie Graham and Key People 

Debbie Graham is the director of the firm, leveraging over 30 years of recruitment experience across London, Singapore, Australia, and New Zealand. Her career includes building strong preferred supplier agreements with major international institutions. Graham holds expertise in recruiting for senior and executive roles in banking, finance, and management. 

The accomplished leadership team at Debbie Graham & Associates includes: 

  • Carlos Kirkwood-Ale serves as an associate director, bringing extensive experience in placing investment professionals across NZ and AU
     
  • Chris Jeffery, as an associate director, focuses on banking and finance recruitment, leveraging a strong network within the industry
     
  • Liz Huntley as associate director drives client-centric hiring solutions and strategic workforce planning
     
  • Tonia Calderwood is an associate director, managing executive searches and leadership development initiatives 
     

The Future at Debbie Graham & Associates 

Debbie Graham & Associates partnered with Aotea Asset Management to recruit an Investment Associate in Auckland. Aotea Asset Management, one of the largest locally owned private credit managers, focuses on corporate lending and supports diverse clients. This collaboration highlights Debbie Graham & Associates’ commitment to connecting top talent with leading organisations in specialised financial sectors. 

The company recently supported the INFINZ Corporate Career Pathways event, which focused on creating opportunities for young Māori and Pasifika professionals. Through its sponsorship and active participation, including panel moderation by associate director Carlos Kirkwood-Ale, the firm emphasised its dedication to empowering underrepresented communities. This initiative aligns with Debbie Graham & Associates’ mission to foster diverse talent and strengthen pathways to professional success in New Zealand.

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