Justin Hanney

Senior Partner
Davidson

Leading recruitment, advisory and technology consulting firm Davidson is expanding its business advisory division with the appointment of one of Australia’s most experienced public sector leaders.

Former City of Melbourne CEO Justin Hanney will take up the role of Senior Partner with Davidson’s renowned national team on February 6, 2023.

The move is a natural progression for Justin, who brings decades of experience across all tiers of government, including roles with the Victorian Government’s various economic departments as well as Department of Premier and Cabinet and through the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Regional Australia.

“We’re excited to welcome Justin to the Davidson team,” said Clare McCartin, Managing Partner, Search and Advisory at Davidson.

“With his unparalleled experience and networks, and intimate, real-world knowledge of public sector operations, he will be an incredible addition, adviser and advocate for the organisations that we proudly partner with to enhance their workplace performance.”

Justin, who led the City of Melbourne through the COVID pandemic and one of Australia’s longest lockdowns, is proud to join Davidson, lauding an alignment of values and noting the company’s extensive contribution to Australia’s public sector.

“In my capacity with the State Government as Head of Employment, Investment and Trade, much of my focus was on applying my skill sets directly to the private sector in wealth creation, and for me this was always about how this support contributes to public benefit,” he explained.

“I have always believed in the importance and value of the public sector, and the capacity to guide and assist organisations to interact with governments in a more effective manner.

“This new role draws on my extensive career in the public service across the three tiers of government to apply my knowledge and experience to the benefit of Davidson’s valued clients.”

Alongside his professional pursuits, Justin also has a strong philanthropic and community-minded presence.

He is a board member of Save the Children Australia as well as a member of the National Basketball League Advisory Committee.

It’s this community-minded approach that arose during his first conversation with Davidson Executive Director Bruce Davidson and Group CEO Trent McMahon.

“During our conversations, I explained it was really important I continued to play a community role through some of the philanthropic sporting organisations and they were very supportive,” he said.

“They saw it as complementary to this new role and the values of the organisation.”

It speaks further to the opportunity Justin foresees in his new role to effect real and meaningful change through his work with organisations both in the public and private sectors.

“I think the best CEOs draw on the best advice from the best people around them,” he said.

“So, the support CEOs can draw on from Davidson, and the enhanced breadth of Davidson’s offering, means we are going to see more effective organisations, more effective CEOs and more effective executives.

“I’m really looking forward to using all I have learnt over the past decades to assist CEOs and executives to meet their challenges and grasp opportunities for growth.”



Find out more about our