Colvin Expertise
We focus on what drives meaningful impact: leadership, growth, and performance. From appointing exceptional executives to strengthening board oversight and guiding sustainable growth, we tailor every project to your organisation’s goals.
We view every search as a partnership, aiming for an outcome where both client and candidate succeed. With a 92% satisfaction rating across engagements, we take pride in delivering quality results that stand the test of time.
At Colvin, we bring international experience and a personal, values-driven approach to every assignment. Clients trust us for our sharp focus on leadership, our commitment to quality, and our ability to deliver strategic outcomes with discretion and integrity. We don’t just fill roles, we build trusted partnerships, apply rigorous thinking, and enable clients to lead, grow, and perform at their best.
We also support long-term career development for our candidates, ensuring placements reflect not only role fit but future opportunity and alignment.
C-Suite Search
At Colvin, we help organisations secure executive leaders who deliver more than just experience – they bring clarity, resilience, and transformational impact. We specialise in identifying, evaluating, and appointing exceptional talent for C-suite roles, including CEO, CFO, Chief People Officer, and Chief Risk Officer.
Our approach is deeply consultative and grounded in real-world leadership insight. We begin by understanding your organisation’s strategy, culture, and leadership context. We then craft a brief that reflects both immediate business priorities and longer-term goals, ensuring candidates are aligned not only in capability but in purpose and impact.
With decades of experience operating in global markets and within highly regulated, high-stakes environments, we know what distinguishes high-performing executives from good ones. Our methodology – refined at top-tier executive search and consulting firms – blends analytical rigour with commercial judgement and cultural intelligence.
What sets us apart is the way we assess potential. Our structured evaluation framework goes beyond the CV, using behavioural insights, track record analysis, and in-depth interviews to assess leadership effectiveness, strategic thinking, and the ability to lead through complexity. We also consider how leaders will perform under pressure, in change scenarios, and within your unique culture.
Clients trust us to deliver not only the best available candidate, but the right leader for the challenge ahead.
Talk to us about your next C-suite appointment and how we can help you secure leadership that drives lasting success.
Colvin Clients
Tony Shepherd AO,
Former President of the Business Council of Australia, Chair of Transfield Services, and numerous other Senior Chair Roles
I have known John Colvin as a consultant, trusted advisor and a friend for some 20 years. John brings to the table unique national and international experience in a wide range of business and industries over many years as an executive and a Director.
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As a consultant he built successful teams and a reputation across business for delivery and materially improving the business of his many clients while resolving issues, lifting Board effectiveness and recruiting executives and Directors.
John Denton,
Sec Gen ICC, NED IFM, CEO Corrs Chambers Westgarth
During my tenure as Senior Partner and CEO of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, I used John Colvin’s services in a variety of areas. He was instrumental in bringing several market-leading partners to our firm. These partners remain the leading practitioners in their practice today, with over a decade of service to the firm. In addition to Partner searches, he helped recruit experienced directors to our board.
He also assisted me in strategic assignments based on his long career as a professional services CEO and consultant. He is deeply connected with the professions in Australia and the leading ASX100 companies. I regularly tapped into his knowledge and experience to help me keep up to date with developments in the legal and corporate markets in Australia and globally.
John has always worked professionally and collaboratively with me and colleagues and was a valued strategic partner of my firm.
The following testimonials reflect the qualities that define our work: long-term relationships built on trust and results, a strategic focus on growth, genuine care for the people involved in every process, and a deep understanding of professional services firms and board performance. They highlight how we bring fresh ideas informed by rigorous research and apply a disciplined approach that consistently delivers impact. This combination of strengths has contributed to a historic win–win ratio of 92% in our search business, while our consulting clients continue to achieve significant growth outcomes.
Partner Search
At Colvin, we understand that partner appointments are among the most strategically significant decisions a professional services firm can make. They shape culture, drive revenue, and influence the firm’s long-term direction.
John Colvin has personally recruited nearly 100 partners during his time as CEO of a major consulting firm and a leading law firm, now Ashurst. Over the past 15 years, he has supported professional services firms through dozens of successful partner appointments across Australia and internationally. This depth of experience gives Colvin a uniquely practical, insight-led approach to Partner Search – rooted in real leadership, not theory.
We recognise that successful partner hires must align on multiple fronts: technical excellence, commercial drive, cultural fit, and long-term contribution. That’s why our process starts with a clear understanding of your firm’s strategy, values, and growth ambitions. We then tailor the brief to reflect the nuances of your partnership model, client base, and internal dynamics.
Our search methodology is both discreet and rigorous. We engage only with individuals who bring proven track records, strong client relationships, and the leadership capability to contribute meaningfully from day one. Beyond qualifications, we assess a candidate’s adaptability, collaborative mindset, and ability to influence outcomes in complex, often matrixed, environments.
Whether you’re expanding a high-performing team, entering a new market, or building your future leadership bench, Colvin delivers trusted advice, sound judgement, and lasting results.
Let’s talk about how we can help your firm attract and secure the right partner to support your next phase of growth.
Colvin Clients
The following testimonials reflect the qualities that define our work: long-term relationships built on trust and results, a strategic focus on growth, genuine care for the people involved in every process, and a deep understanding of professional services firms and board performance. They highlight how we bring fresh ideas informed by rigorous research and apply a disciplined approach that consistently delivers impact. This combination of strengths has contributed to a historic win–win ratio of 92% in our search business, while our consulting clients continue to achieve significant growth outcomes.
John Denton,
Sec Gen ICC, NED IFM, CEO Corrs Chambers Westgarth
During my tenure as Senior Partner and CEO of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, I used John Colvin’s services in a variety of areas. He was instrumental in bringing several market-leading partners to our firm. These partners remain the leading practitioners in their practice today, with over a decade of service to the firm. In addition to Partner searches, he helped recruit experienced directors to our board.
He also assisted me in strategic assignments based on his long career as a professional services CEO and consultant. He is deeply connected with the professions in Australia and the leading ASX100 companies. I regularly tapped into his knowledge and experience to help me keep up to date with developments in the legal and corporate markets in Australia and globally.
John has always worked professionally and collaboratively with me and colleagues and was a valued strategic partner of my firm.
Scott Atkins,
Former Chair HDY, Global and Australian Chair Norton Rose Fulbright
Over two decades, John Colvin has provided incisive, strategic counsel that has shaped the direction of leading law firms and major Australian companies. His board advisory for Henry Davis York spanned rigorous CEO succession planning, cost and governance reviews, and ultimately the firm’s transformative combination with Norton Rose Fulbright — one of the largest legal mergers in Australian history. That brought together a storied Australian firm of 125 years standing with one of the world's legal powerhouses.
John’s deep knowledge of law firm economics, governance, and board performance make him an indispensable advisor through complex transactions and strategic engagements which reshape the agenda. His work in strengthening financial discipline, recruiting exceptional leaders, and fostering strategic clarity leaves a lasting mark on both the legal profession and corporate Australia.
He is a trusted strategist of exceptional calibre and integrity and has done more than most to influence the shape and discussion in Australian boardrooms.
Growth Consulting
At Colvin, we work with leaders who are ready to take bold steps toward growth – whether that means expanding market share, enhancing capability, or reshaping their business for the future.
John Colvin has led two major professional services firms as CEO – one in consulting and one in law – over a 20-year period. In both roles, he instilled a strong growth mindset that translated into transformative results. Under his leadership, each firm tripled its revenue through a combination of strategic acquisitions, targeted partner recruitment.
This experience shapes the way we approach growth consulting today. We understand that growth is not just about scale – it’s about clarity of vision, strategic execution, and leadership alignment. Our engagements often begin with the development of a clear, actionable growth strategy that reflects the organisation’s goals, culture, and competitive landscape. From there, we partner closely with clients through implementation, providing tailored support that may include leadership structuring, market entry planning, and identifying opportunities for team or firm acquisitions.
We’ve advised on some of the market’s most significant transactions, bringing insight, judgement, and a strong track record of execution to every engagement. Our clients value our ability to think commercially while navigating complexity and change with confidence.
Get in touch to explore how we can help your organisation grow with purpose, agility, and impact.
Colvin Clients
The following testimonials reflect the qualities that define our work: long-term relationships built on trust and results, a strategic focus on growth, genuine care for the people involved in every process, and a deep understanding of professional services firms and board performance. They highlight how we bring fresh ideas informed by rigorous research and apply a disciplined approach that consistently delivers impact. This combination of strengths has contributed to a historic win–win ratio of 92% in our search business, while our consulting clients continue to achieve significant growth outcomes.
Scott Atkins,
FormeFormer Chair HDY, Global and Australian Chair Norton Rose Fulbright
Over two decades, John Colvin has provided incisive, strategic counsel that has shaped the direction of leading law firms and major Australian companies. His board advisory for Henry Davis York spanned rigorous CEO succession planning, cost and governance reviews, and ultimately the firm’s transformative combination with Norton Rose Fulbright — one of the largest legal mergers in Australian history. That brought together a storied Australian firm of 125 years standing with one of the world's legal powerhouses.
John’s deep knowledge of law firm economics, governance, and board performance make him an indispensable advisor through complex transactions and strategic engagements which reshape the agenda. His work in strengthening financial discipline, recruiting exceptional leaders, and fostering strategic clarity leaves a lasting mark on both the legal profession and corporate Australia.
He is a trusted strategist of exceptional calibre and integrity and has done more than most to influence the shape and discussion in Australian boardrooms.
Mark Johnson,
ForFormer CEO PwC
I have known and worked with John over many years and have always valued his insight, integrity, and judgment. He brings a rare combination of deep talent expertise and broad business acumen. His contribution has extended well beyond executive search.
His strategic perspective and thoughtful advice on organisational and operational matters have made a lasting impact and added real value for our owners both in attracting great people and improving business performance.
Board Reviews
At Colvin, we help boards sharpen their focus, enhance performance, and strengthen their contribution to long-term organisational success. Our approach is grounded in deep practical experience and a strategic understanding of governance.
John Colvin has served as a director on prominent boards in London and Sydney for over 20 years. Alongside this hands-on involvement, he has spent the past decade analysing how high-performing boards operate –combining practical insight with academic and industry best practice. This dual perspective allows us to bring a uniquely informed approach to every board review.
Our work goes beyond standard assessments. We conduct in-depth, strategic evaluations that explore how effectively the board is guiding the organisation through complexity, change, and growth. Each review is tailored to the specific context of the organisation and designed to identify where the board can have a greater impact.
This often leads to broader support, such as refining board composition and capabilities, facilitating the appointment of directors with specific experience, or coaching existing members on new ways of working. We are regularly asked by chairs to support CEO succession planning – both internal and external, which often evolves into a full executive search. In these cases, we work closely with the board to clarify expectations and refine the criteria as feedback from stakeholders comes in.
Clients engage us not just for our method, but for our ability to combine discretion, insight, and real-world experience in the boardroom.
Contact us to explore how our board review process can help your board lead with clarity, purpose, and lasting impact.
Colvin Clients
The following testimonials reflect the qualities that define our work: long-term relationships built on trust and results, a strategic focus on growth, genuine care for the people involved in every process, and a deep understanding of professional services firms and board performance. They highlight how we bring fresh ideas informed by rigorous research and apply a disciplined approach that consistently delivers impact. This combination of strengths has contributed to a historic win–win ratio of 92% in our search business, while our consulting clients continue to achieve significant growth outcomes.
Tony Shepherd AO,
Former President of the Business Council of Australia, Chair of Transfield Services, and numerous other Senior Chair Roles
I have known John Colvin as a consultant, trusted advisor and a friend for some 20 years. John brings to the table unique national and international experience in a wide range of business and industries over many years as an executive and a Director.
​
As a consultant he built successful teams and a reputation across business for delivery and materially improving the business of his many clients while resolving issues, lifting Board effectiveness and recruiting executives and Directors.
John Denton,
Sec Gen ICC, NED IFM, CEO Corrs Chambers Westgarth
During my tenure as Senior Partner and CEO of Corrs Chambers Westgarth, I used John Colvin’s services in a variety of areas. He was instrumental in bringing several market-leading partners to our firm. These partners remain the leading practitioners in their practice today, with over a decade of service to the firm. In addition to Partner searches, he helped recruit experienced directors to our board.
He also assisted me in strategic assignments based on his long career as a professional services CEO and consultant. He is deeply connected with the professions in Australia and the leading ASX100 companies. I regularly tapped into his knowledge and experience to help me keep up to date with developments in the legal and corporate markets in Australia and globally.
John has always worked professionally and collaboratively with me and colleagues and was a valued strategic partner of my firm.