Get to know our team.
We are proud to introduce you to Queensland's most trusted, respected and experienced advisors.
Contact our team
Queensland’s most respected and experienced executive search, leadership, and human resource advisors.
RUSSELL FAIRBANKS
Managing Director
“I would highly recommend Russell as a person you can trust to get the job done and keep you informed.”
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With over 20 years in senior executive roles at leading global consulting firms, Russell founded Luminary in 2019 to provide leadership advisory services to Queensland's most respected organisations.
Russell is experienced at identifying leaders for positions such as
Chairperson and Non-Executive Directors.
Chief Executive Officers and Directors-General.
C-level executives (all disciplines)
Russell has managed senior executive mandates across utilities, education, community, government, public service and local government administration. He holds degrees from the University of Sussex and the University of London. He has professional qualifications in leadership and is a graduate of the AICD.
Russell is a non-executive director, has founded two businesses and is a regular presenter on workforce trends, leadership and organisational design, including a regular guest spot on Sky News Business and ABC Radio.
JANE ELLIS
Managing Partner,
Executive & Boards
“Jane was wonderful to deal with, pragmatic and brought us an excellent candidate pool.”
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With over 20 years’ experience in talent acquisition, and executive search, Jane has worked in small, medium, and large enterprise businesses with a primary focus on executive search mandates and end-to-end talent acquisition.
She strives to deliver and execute talent strategies by creating genuine, meaningful, and impactful relationships with key stakeholders, colleagues, and candidates.
Jane leads c-suite assignments and holds operational responsibility for the consulting team.
MEGAN MAILMAN
Managing Partner,
HR Advisory
“Megan provided us with the clarity and steady guidance we needed during one of the most challenging situations our firm has faced.”
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Megan is a co-owner of our specialist HR advisory business. As a former Head of Human Resources with the Bank of Queensland and QSuper she has a wealth of knowledge in consulting with private and public sector organisations.
She is passionate about working collaboratively with clients to help them design and implement practical people-focused solutions which have a real and positive impact on their business.
Megan specialises in organisational design, human resource capability, leadership development and coaching, as well as driving employee engagement and performance within organisations.
With a combination of local knowledge and international connections, Megan understands the changing demands of globalisation, technology, mobility, and innovation throughout an organisation.
KENDALL SOICH
Head of Customer Experience & Strategy
“Kendall is extremely professional and knowledgeable. Without a doubt the best experience I have had with any recruiter or firm.”
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Having joined us from Suncorp, where Kendall led Strategic Partnerships for the Bank, Kendall and her team are responsible for ensuring quality assurance at all stages of the engagement and recruitment process,
Kendall has a specialist expertise in customer engagement and value creation, working with our clients on candidate onboarding strategies and our team to ensure our candidates have the highest level of career advice, support and advice.
Kendall takes great pride in developing and growing ongoing and enduring relationships. She specialises in recruitment, human resource capability, leadership development and coaching, as well as driving employee engagement and performance within organisations.
MATILDA UNDERHILL
Manager of Impact
“Matilda made the entire process effortless. Her insight, creativity, and attention to detail transformed a complex brief into a campaign we’re incredibly proud of.”
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As Luminary’s Manager of Impact, Matilda shapes how clients, candidates, and the wider market experience the Luminary brand. She partners with employers of choice to articulate and present their unique value in a way that is both authentic and compelling, helping attract senior leaders whose values and aspirations align with organisational goals.
Matilda leads Luminary’s brand and marketing initiatives, ensuring every touchpoint reflects trust, creativity, and impact. With a focus on safeguarding brand integrity and enhancing customer engagement, she develops strategies that inform, inspire, and connect, supporting clients to stand out in competitive talent markets while strengthening Luminary’s position as Queensland’s leading executive search and leadership advisory firm.
KERRY LARKIN
Senior Associate
“Kerry's professionalism, insightful guidance, and thorough communication made the process seamless and stress-free.”
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As a trusted and results-driven executive search consultant, Kerry specialises in connecting innovative organisations with top-tier executives who have the skills, expertise and passion to drive sustainable growth.
With a track record of successful placements across diverse industries, she has developed an extensive network of high-calibre professionals ready to take on leadership roles.
Kerry has previously worked for global executive search and selection firms, and has worked on board and c-level mandates across every industry sector.
Kerry is driven by a passion for securing the best opportunities for her candidates with employers of choice.
ELENA RYAN
Senior Associate &
Head of Talent Insights
“Ellie was very supportive, responsive and helpful. She has a great sense of humour and it's been a pleasure to go through this process with her.”
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As Head of Talent Insights, Ellie leads our Search, Research, and Talent Mapping team, driving strategic talent discovery and market intelligence to support executive recruitment and workforce planning across sectors.
With a deep expertise in research and targeted search, Ellie specialises in delivering precision-led global executive searches and bespoke talent mapping initiatives. Her work focuses on uncovering high-potential candidates, many of whom are not actively seeking new roles, enabling proactive pipelining and informed hiring decisions.
Ellie partners closely with leadership to translate market data into actionable strategies, guiding teams with insights into competitor landscapes, diversity pools, and high-calibre talent movement. Her approach ensures alignment across stakeholders and enhances strategic talent acquisition outcomes.
ASHLEIGH MCMILLAN
Senior Associate
'“Ashleigh took the time to really understand what we needed in the role. She was clear, calm and easy to work with. I’d happily work with her again.”
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As Senior Associate, Ashleigh focuses on senior executive and C-suite searches, helping Queensland organisations find the leaders they need and helping leaders find roles where they can make the greatest impact.
Ashleigh specialises in talent acquisition, executive assessment and development, and has led recruitment projects for organisations across a range of settings. She also brings more than 20 years of hospitality and business management experience, which gives her a practical understanding of what it takes to lead people and run an organisation.
Ashleigh builds partnerships that align with an organisation’s strategic goals and values. She is passionate about connecting people with purpose, and takes a personal, trust-based approach with both clients and candidates.
JAMIE O’CALLAGHAN
HR Business Partner
“Jamie brings a rare blend of warmth, clarity and commercial insight. She quickly understood what was really going on and provided practical, thoughtful advice that was invaluable.”
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Jamie brings a thoughtful, grounded approach to HR, shaped by experience across the public sector, community services, and complex organisational environments. She has partnered with leaders navigating growth and change, helping organisations strengthen workforce capability, engagement, and retention while balancing care for people with commercial realities.
Jamie’s experience spans strategic workforce planning, generalist HR, and leadership advisory, with a strong focus on helping leaders make confident, well-considered people decisions. She is known for her ability to look beneath the surface, understand what’s really happening within organisations, and bring clarity to complex people challenges.
DAVID REYNOLDS
Senior Partner,
Executive & Boards
“David was excellent at all stages of the process, very knowledgeable about the market and the hiring company and always accommodating of my availability”
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David has over 30 years’ experience as a business executive and management consultant with specialist expertise in executive and board recruitment, HR consulting, leadership development, career management, strategic planning, business development, remuneration advisory, organisational development and succession planning.
David has over 35 years' experience initially as a chartered accountant (a partner in an international firm of chartered accountants) and then as a leader of two of the largest HR consultancies in Australia.
More recently David was a leading executive recruiter focusing on C-Suite and Board roles.
SHANNON KEYS
Executive Search Consultant
“My experience working with Shannon has been brilliant. She understands what I am looking for, provides detail, is very considerate and seems to genuinely care. I can't recommend her enough.”
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Shannon is an experienced advisor who provides dedicated support to board candidates throughout the application process.
Known for her genuine and collaborative approach, she combines excellent interpersonal and organisational skills with the ability to operate seamlessly at both strategic and operational levels. Respected for her professionalism and consistency, Shannon is recognised for delivering service excellence grounded in her core values of integrity, trust, and building long-term relationships.
EMILY EDEN
Customer Experience Lead
“Emily was such a calming and supportive presence throughout the process. She kept me informed at every stage and made what could have been a stressful experience feel easy and personal.”
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Emily leads Luminary’s Customer Experience team, ensuring every interaction with clients and candidates reflects the highest standard of service and care. With a sharp eye for detail and a passion for excellence, she safeguards the quality of all deliverables and communication across the recruitment journey. Emily is dedicated to building trust at every touchpoint, making sure our processes not only meet expectations but consistently exceed them.
LEANNE NUNAN
Customer Experience Manager
“Leanne has been a real pleasure to deal with. She checks in at the right moments, listens to what we need and follows through, which has made working with Luminary feel easy.”
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As Customer Experience Manager, Leanne is our dedicated client partner, staying close to the organisations we work with so their experience of Luminary is as strong as the results we deliver. She also manages our Luminaries community, helping Queensland leaders feel connected with their peers across all industries, and works directly with Russell Fairbanks, Managing Director, on HR and leadership projects.
Leanne brings more than a decade of recruitment experience, spanning executive search, research and talent mapping. She has partnered with senior consultants on strategic searches and managed processes from candidate identification and screening through to client and candidate management, which gives her a close understanding of what a good experience looks like from both sides.
ANN GARCIA
Customer Experience Manager
“Ann couldn’t have been lovelier. She double-checked everything, made sure I felt prepared, and wished me luck. It was such a thoughtful touch that made me feel genuinely supported.”
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Ann plays a vital role in supporting Luminary’s recruitment operations, working closely with consultants and clients to keep processes moving with accuracy and care. She combines administrative expertise with a warm, approachable style, ensuring communications are clear and timely. Ann’s commitment helps foster positive experiences and lasting relationships with both clients and candidates.
ISABELLE PUGH
Customer Experience Manager
"Isabelle makes every interaction feel personal and warm, from the moment you walk into an event. She has this natural way of making you feel like you're genuinely part of something, not just another name on a guest list."
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Isabelle brings Luminary's community to life through the events, campaigns and content that shape how our clients, candidates and leaders experience us. With a creative eye and a genuine love of connection, she delivers everything from intimate leadership breakfasts to our large-scale marquee events, alongside the stories, collateral and digital content that keep our brand warm, consistent and true to who we are. Isabelle is dedicated to turning every touchpoint into a moment of genuine impact, ensuring our community stays connected, engaged and well cared for.
LUCAS FAIRBANKS
Customer Experience Manager
“Lucas was fantastic! He is warm, personable, and genuinely happy to help. You can tell he really enjoys connecting with people, and it makes all the difference.”
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Lucas brings a creative edge to Luminary’s Customer Experience team, blending service excellence with marketing know-how. He manages candidate-facing platforms, including dedicated recruitment websites, to ensure opportunities are presented with clarity and impact. By aligning communication with brand, Lucas helps clients attract the right leaders and ensures candidates feel informed and supported throughout their journey.
