Office address: Level 12, JacksonStone House, 11 Hunter Street, Wellington 6011 
Website: www.jacksonstone.co.nz 
Year established: 2011 
Company type: staffing and recruiting 
Employees: 30+ 
Expertise: executive search, professional contracting, health, infrastructure, education and academia, local government, senior leadership and governance, government and crown entities, finance, permanent recruitment, project management, change programs 
Parent company: Accordant Group 
Key people: Andrew Watson (managing partner); Rachelle Russell (general manager); Anastasia Gyson, Helen Cox, Kendall Bushby, and Liz Ruscoe (principal consultants); Emma Dewson (research associate) 
Financing status: corporate backed or acquired 
 

JacksonStone & Partners is an executive search, recruitment, and contracting agency based in Wellington. They specialise in senior-level roles which include chief executive and board appointments across the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors. The firm’s team services clients nationwide by operating from their Wellington office, with remote staff ensuring comprehensive coverage across Aotearoa. 
 

History of JacksonStone & Partners

JacksonStone & Partners was founded in 2011 by seasoned recruitment specialists Richard Stone, Lindsay Jackson, Annabel McCallum, Darryl Templeman, and Andrew Watson. The company was established because its founders had previously worked together and shared a vision to create a leading executive search and recruitment firm. The firm saw changes in leadership over time, with new additions and departures playing a role in shaping its growth.  

The company became part of CFR, an international alliance of executive search firms, broadening its global reach and resources. JacksonStone & Partners joined the Accordant Group in 2019, the largest recruitment firm in New Zealand listed on the NZX. The organisation is now led by Andrew Watson as managing partner, guiding its operations and client partnerships through significant leadership transitions. 
 

Products and Services of JacksonStone & Partners 

JacksonStone & Partners provides a wide range of recruitment and HR services. Key offerings include: 

• executive search: identifying and placing top executives for leadership roles
   
• professional contractors: connecting businesses with skilled contractors for project needs
   
• permanent recruitment: sourcing and securing long-term employees for organisations
   
• international search: leveraging global networks to recruit international talent
   
• career guidance: supporting candidates in achieving their professional aspirations
   
• job placement: matching job seekers with roles that align with their skills and goals
   
• Kaupapa Māori: specialising in recruiting Māori talent and partnering with Māori organisations
   

JacksonStone & Partners delivers professional search and recruitment services through a blend of virtual tools and in-person collaboration. As part of the Accordant Group, they leverage resources from sibling firms with offices across 21 locations in New Zealand, ensuring broad and effective coverage. 
 

Culture at JacksonStone & Partners 

JacksonStone & Partners promotes a culture of inclusivity and transparency and ensures a work environment where everyone feels respected, valued, and treated equitably. The company’s commitment to diversity is shown in its recruitment practices. This approach is strengthened through partnerships and memberships aimed at advancing diversity and equality: 

• membership with Diversity Works NZ: supporting efforts for equal employment opportunities and inclusive workplaces
   
• engagement with TupuToa: promoting pathways for Māori and Pasifika leadership development
   
• collaboration with the National Council of Women of New Zealand: advancing gender equality initiatives
   

The firm values expertise, with consultants bringing specialised knowledge and practical experience from their respective industries. Their insights enable them to understand workplace dynamics and organisational strategies deeply. JacksonStone & Partners actively supports local communities and collaborates with charities, arts organisations, and not-for-profits, which include: 

• charity and health support: partnerships with Wellington Free Ambulance and IHC
   
• gender equality and advocacy: collaborations with the National Council of Women of New Zealand
   
• arts and cultural sponsorships: contributions to Tāwhiri Aotearoa New Zealand Festival of the Arts and Footnote New Zealand Dance
   
• environmental initiatives: involvement with Ngā Manu Nature Reserve
   
• communication and community projects: support for the Community Comms Collective 
   

JacksonStone & Partners combines extensive recruitment expertise with a proven ability to connect organisations with exceptional talent. Their authentic representation makes sure that the clients' requirements are met effectively in competitive markets.  

About Managing Partner Andrew Watson and Key People 

Andrew Watson serves as managing partner, overseeing JacksonStone & Partners' consulting and contracting services for a diverse range of clients. Previously, he worked as a consultant at PowerHouse People, Wheeler Campbell, and Morgan & Banks, and is also a licensed pilot. Watson earned a BCA and BA from Victoria University of Wellington. 

The JacksonStone & Partners team comprises experienced professionals in diverse roles. Key people include: 

• Rachelle Russell acts as a general manager, Māori, advancing kaupapa Māori recruitment and fostering relationships with Māori organisations
   
• Anastasia Gyson serves as a principal consultant, specialising in executive-level recruitment and providing strategic advice to clients across various sectors
   
• Emma Dewson as JacksonStone & Partners’ research associate, conducts in-depth market research and supporting talent acquisition strategies for high-level appointments
   
• Helen Cox is a principal consultant, managing client partnerships and leading senior-level recruitment projects with a focus on long-term organisational fit
   
• Kendall Bushby serves as a principal consultant, handling specialised recruitment needs and delivering tailored solutions for clients in niche industries
   
• Liz Ruscoe, acting as a principal consultant, facilitates recruitment processes and ensuring effective placement outcomes for senior roles 
   

The Future at JacksonStone & Partners 

JacksonStone & Partners supported Pink Shirt Day 2024 by promoting unity against bullying and advocating for inclusion and respect in the workplace. The initiative reinforced their commitment to creating a safe and welcoming environment for everyone, regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation, age, religion, or cultural background. These values continue to guide their interactions with employees, clients, and candidates, reflecting their focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion. 

The company has recently partnered with the Karori Lions Club to support projects that benefit children, families, and youth in the Wellington/Wairarapa region. This sponsorship highlights their dedication to impactful community initiatives by contributing to meaningful causes that match with their values. By actively engaging with local organisations, JacksonStone & Partners continues its mission to foster positive change and support the well-being of New Zealand communities.