Our people

Jacqui Wightman is Chief Executive Officer of Davidson and a Director on the Board. She leads the Group’s direction, growth and performance across Davidson Strategy & Performance, Davidson Executive & Talent, and Davidson Technology Consulting.

Jacqui joined Davidson in 2018 and has held several executive roles across the business, including Chief Operating Officer. She was appointed CEO in November 2025 as part of a planned leadership succession. 

Her experience spans strategy, operations and organisational performance, with a focus on creating the clarity, accountability and connection teams need to deliver.

Trent joined Davidson in 2018 and has held several senior leadership roles, including Group CEO. He brings an enterprise-wide perspective to the role and a deep understanding of the business, its clients and markets. 

He transitioned from CEO to CFO in November 2025 as part of Davidson’s planned leadership succession.

Stacey Lacy is Chief of Staff at Davidson, working with the Executive Leadership Team to align strategic priorities and support delivery across the business.

Her experience spans senior technology, operations and transformation roles across Asia-Pacific, including the leadership of complex, enterprise-wide programmes. 

Stacey brings a structured and collaborative approach to execution, helping connect strategy with the people, priorities and decisions needed to move work forward.

Darren Frlan leads Davidson’s Technology Recruitment business, connecting organisations with specialist technology talent across permanent, contract and project requirements.

His experience spans technology recruitment and workforce solutions, with particular expertise across software engineering, data and AI, cloud, cyber security, enterprise systems and technology transformation. 

Darren focuses on understanding the capability organisations need, building strong specialist talent networks and creating recruitment solutions that can scale as workforce needs change.

Abby brings broad experience across People & Culture, commercial leadership and business operations, helping organisations navigate growth, change and complex people matters.

She combines contemporary HR practice with commercial understanding to help leaders make clear, considered decisions. Her experience spans employee relations, organisational change, workforce strategy, leadership development, talent, performance and workplace culture.

As Davidson’s Senior Manager People & Culture, Abby leads our people strategy and turns it into practical action. Her focus is on strengthening leadership, supporting business performance and creating an environment where people can do their best work.

Aleksandra leads Davidson’s Transformation Delivery practice nationally, partnering with organisations to turn complex transformation into practical, lasting change.

She brings experience leading major digital, operational and regulatory transformations across government and corporate environments. Her expertise spans transformation delivery, program and portfolio leadership, assurance, operating models and organisational reform.

Known for her pragmatic, hands-on approach, Aleksandra brings clarity to complex delivery challenges. She works alongside clients to mobilise transformation, strengthen delivery and build the internal capability needed to sustain change over time.

Betty brings more than 19 years of experience across recruitment, strategic account management and workforce solutions across commercial and government markets.

As Client Engagement Director within Davidson Executive & Talent, Betty leads client engagement and business development across Victoria’s professional recruitment market. She works closely with senior leaders, Talent Acquisition and People & Culture teams to understand workforce priorities and connect them with the right specialist expertise.

Betty is known for her relationship-led approach and focus on long-term partnerships. She helps clients look beyond individual vacancies to navigate broader workforce challenges and build recruitment solutions that support sustainable outcomes.

Christian brings more than 30 years of global executive recruitment experience, partnering with organisations on senior leadership appointments across Australia and international markets.

He brings deep expertise across procurement, supply chain and logistics, operations, manufacturing, engineering and finance. Christian works with clients to appoint leaders from management through to C-suite who can navigate change and complex operating environments.

Christian is known for his forthright, relationship-led approach and strong industry connections. A CIPS Committee Member since 2013 and current Vice Chair, he combines deep sector involvement with a global perspective to help clients make considered leadership appointments with confidence.

Christen brings more than 20 years of experience across business operations, technology consulting, recruitment and commercial environments, with a strong understanding of what supports effective client and consultant experiences.

As Client & Consultant Experience Operations Lead at Davidson Technology Consulting, she connects the people, processes and systems that underpin delivery. Her work helps create a consistent experience for clients and ensures consultants have the structure and support they need throughout their engagement.

Christen takes a practical, commercially focused approach to operations, using technology, data and AI to simplify processes and improve visibility. Her focus is on making it easier for clients, consultants and delivery teams to work together effectively.

Emma is a Senior Partner in Davidson’s Queensland and Northern Territory Executive & Talent practice, partnering with boards and executive teams on senior leadership appointments.

She brings experience across critical infrastructure, utilities, government and commercial organisations, combining market insight with a strong understanding of the environments leaders are stepping into.

Emma is known for building trusted relationships and brings a broad perspective shaped by more than a decade in local government and international engagement. With proficiency in Mandarin, she helps clients navigate complex leadership appointments with insight, care and sound judgement.

Imogen brings 20 years of experience across recruitment, workforce solutions and business operations, with a strong track record of leading complex client solutions across government and commercial sectors.

She brings a strategic and commercial lens to designing workforce solutions, drawing on her experience leading national key accounts, recruitment teams and project RPOs.

As General Manager, Group Operations & IT, Imogen leads Davidson’s technology, transformation and process optimisation agenda. This gives her a practical understanding of how people, process and technology come together to build stronger, more effective organisations.

Jenny brings more than 20 years of experience across talent and recruitment, partnering with senior leaders to navigate complex people, talent and broader organisational challenges.

As Client Services Director at Davidson, Jenny works across our business to understand each client’s priorities and connect them with the right expertise across People, Strategy, Technology. Within Davidson Executive & Talent, her experience spans specialist and professional appointments through to executive and board search.

Jenny is known for her relationship-led approach and commitment to partnerships that evolve as organisations change. She listens closely, brings relevant market insight and provides honest advice, helping clients look beyond immediate needs and make considered decisions for the longer term.

Jess brings more than 15 years of experience across business operations and project coordination, including six years within the recruitment industry.

As Manager - Recruitment Operations Jess enables Davidson’s national recruitment business by connecting people, process, systems and data. Her remit spans operations, reporting, compliance, process improvement and project coordination.

Jess is known for her organised, practical approach and focus on continuous improvement. She works across recruitment projects and strategic initiatives to strengthen processes, manage risk and support consistent delivery, helping our teams perform effectively and meet client commitments.

Kate brings more than a decade of experience across executive search and human resources, partnering with organisations to appoint leaders across the public and not-for-profit sectors.

She specialises in executive and specialist appointments, taking the time to understand the organisation, its context and the person behind the CV. Her approach combines market research with thoughtful talent engagement to identify leaders with the capability, judgement and values to succeed.

Kate is known for her warmth, curiosity and ability to build trusted relationships. She brings experience across government, statutory authorities, local government and purpose-led organisations, helping clients navigate complex appointments with professionalism, integrity and care.

Kelly partners with boards, governing bodies and executive teams on executive and leadership appointments across education and for-purpose organisations, bringing experience across executive search, psychology, counselling and organisational leadership.

She brings a people-centred and evidence-informed approach to executive and board appointments, taking the time to understand the organisation, its context and the leadership capability needed to succeed.

Kelly is known for her considered approach and ability to build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders. Her experience in executive search and leadership assessment helps organisations make confident appointment decisions, with a clear understanding of both the person and the environment they are stepping into.

Kristy is a Senior Partner in Davidson Strategy & Performance, bringing more than 20 years of senior commercial and leadership experience across public and private sectors.

She specialises in people strategy and leadership, helping organisations strengthen operating models, build capability and solve complex people challenges. Her experience spans leadership development, capability frameworks, coaching and strategic people initiatives.

Kristy is known for her practical and collaborative approach, shaped by senior leadership roles across education, industry and media. She works alongside leaders to strengthen teams and build the capability needed to deliver lasting organisational outcomes.

Luke Henningsen leads Davidson’s Executive Search business, partnering with boards and executive teams on senior leadership appointments. 

He specialises in appointments where governance, enterprise risk, technical credibility and stakeholder influence matter. 

Luke brings experience from both executive search and senior corporate leadership, giving him a practical understanding of organisational complexity and the leadership capability required to perform in demanding environments. 

Luke Heine leads Davidson Strategy & Performance nationally, working with executives and senior leaders to turn strategic priorities into practical, measurable change. 

His experience spans government, energy and utilities, corporate and education sectors, with particular expertise in strategy, operating models, service improvement, financial sustainability and transformation. 

Luke brings a practical, commercially focused approach to complex organisational challenges, connecting the right expertise across Davidson where clients need broader support.

Michael Donnelly leads Davidson’s Professional Recruitment business nationally, with responsibility for service delivery, and operational execution across our specialist markets. 

His experience spans recruitment, labour hire and advisory services, with deep expertise in accounting and finance across public and private sector organisations. 

Michael has held several leadership roles at Davidson and brings a practical, operational perspective to helping clients access specialist talent and workforce capability across Australia. 

Michelle brings more than 20 years of experience in permanent and interim executive search, partnering with organisations across corporate, government and purpose-led sectors on critical leadership appointments.

She brings particular experience across health, education, government and not-for-profit organisations, supporting board, permanent and interim appointments. 

Michelle takes the time to understand each organisation and identify leaders with the experience and capability to meet its needs. She is known for her considered and relationship-led approach with clients and candidates. 

Her earlier career in senior marketing roles brings an additional commercial perspective, helping her understand the broader organisational context behind each appointment.

Natasha brings more than 20 years of experience across Australian and international markets, partnering with boards, chief executives and senior leadership teams on executive and board appointments.

She specialises in complex and high-impact appointments across Education, Local and State Government, Statutory Authorities, Not-for-Profit and Corporate sectors, bringing discretion, integrity and strategic insight to every search.

As a Senior Partner at Davidson, Natasha has built enduring relationships with leaders and Boards across the public sector. Her deep understanding of people, culture and governance helps organisations appoint leaders who can shape culture, strengthen performance and lead with confidence.

Patrick brings more than 19 years of recruitment experience, including over a decade specialising in public sector technology recruitment across Queensland.

As Practice Lead, Queensland Government Technology, Patrick partners with government and technology leaders to build capability and appoint specialist talent across cyber security, infrastructure, architecture, development and project services.

Patrick is known for his strategic approach and strong understanding of government environments. His experience in complex technology recruitment and long-term client partnerships helps organisations secure the capability they need to deliver critical services.

Renee brings more than 25 years of experience across recruitment, workforce solutions and strategic client partnerships, working with organisations to navigate complex workforce challenges.

As Client Services Director, Government Practice at Davidson, she partners with Federal, State and Local Government clients to understand their priorities and shape practical workforce solutions that support both immediate needs and longer-term capability.

Renee is known for her collaborative and considered approach. Her experience across complex operating environments and workforce transitions gives her a strong understanding of governance, risk and delivery, helping clients make clearer workforce decisions and build trusted partnerships.

Spencer brings more than 30 years of recruitment experience, specialising in technology, data and digital talent solutions across public and private sectors.

As National General Manager he leads Davidson’s technology recruitment offering for government clients. Spencer brings particular experience across government, higher education, defence and healthcare, with a strong track record in senior and executive technology appointments.

Spencer also leads Inspired Corporation, providing security-cleared specialists to government and defence clients. His combination of market knowledge, technical understanding and leadership experience helps clients navigate complex talent needs and build capability for the future.

Steph brings a strong foundation in recruitment and talent acquisition, with experience across Local Government, Utilities, State Government and the private sector.

As Manager Projects & Operations within Davidson’s Executive Search team, Steph supports the effective delivery of executive search assignments. She oversees operational processes and project coordination, helping ensure searches stay on track and clients and candidates receive a consistent, well-managed experience.

Steph is known for her collaborative and solutions-focused approach. Drawing on her understanding of the executive search lifecycle, she strengthens the processes and operational foundations that help our consultants deliver high-quality outcomes for clients and candidates.

Stephen Veness leads strategic client partnerships nationally and Davidson’s Executive Search business across Queensland, Northern Territory and South Australia. 

His experience spans infrastructure, water, utilities, energy, resources and the public sector, with a strong focus on building relationships and connecting market insight with client needs. 

Stephen works closely with leaders across these sectors and contributes to industry initiatives that strengthen his understanding of the issues, investment priorities and leadership challenges shaping their organisations. 

Tessa leads Davidson’s National Delivery Team, connecting clients with specialist technology talent across complex project, transformation and consulting environments.

With a recruitment background in technology Project Services, she brings strong expertise across project and programme management, business analysis, change and broader technology delivery roles. Tessa combines targeted sourcing with a clear understanding of the capability each engagement requires.

She is known for building trusted candidate relationships and looking beyond technical alignment. Tessa and her team help strengthen Davidson’s technology capability by identifying people who can step into complex environments and deliver meaningful outcomes.

Tomson brings 18 years of experience delivering complex banking and technology transformation across Australia, the Middle East and Africa.

A former Big Four partner, he specialises in large-scale, business-led technology transformation for financial institutions. His experience spans M&A integration, technology strategy, core banking transformation and complex technology delivery, including three end-to-end post-merger integrations.

At Davidson Technology Consulting, Tomson brings a practical, delivery-focused approach to transformation. He helps financial institutions make clear technology decisions, manage delivery risk and turn strategy into technology change that can be implemented and sustained.