TEAM
Our team aligns people, culture, and vision to create meaningful impact.
With many of us contributing over a decade of experience at Kerridge & Partners, we have built a culture defined by integrity, collaboration, and genuine care for the work we do.
Peter Kerridge
Partner
Peter Kerridge, our founding partner, established Kerridge & Partners in 2005. Peter works across all our practices including search, governance and leadership.
-
Peter understands what makes boards tick and how the right leaders can transform a business. He relishes the chance to work with clients to ‘solve complex problems’ in the board and executive arena. His reflective style and ability to connect people to both people and concepts is valued by our client community.
He has been asked to lecture MBA classes, speak at international conferences on how organisations achieve excellence, lead board and leadership sessions for top level businesses, and is in demand for leadership development advice from clients in New Zealand and offshore.
Peter’s experience spans four continents. He has an eclectic set of expertise across listed, privately owned, multinational and not-for-profit organisations. Following an M.A. in Engineering from the University of Cambridge, Peter joined the graduate programme at ICI in the UK. As well as working in the UK’s industrial belt, he spent time in Germany and sales operations in Hungary. On his way to New Zealand, he enjoyed a variety of experiences in South America as well as West and East Africa.
In New Zealand Peter joined Mercury Energy and then the listed gas business Enerco New Zealand, where his last role was on the executive team. Upon leaving the corporate world for the second time, Peter began his consultancy career, at first with a boutique business which was soon acquired by a major offshore business, soon thereafter, Kerridge & Partners was born.
Peter is an Ambassador for Leadership New Zealand and is the author of the book, “Filling the Talent Void”. He previously served on the global board for Association of Executive Search Consultants.
Outside of work and supporting the exploits of a very busy family, Peter loves the outdoors with the ocean being a clear favourite – surfski kayaking and ocean swimming balance the week.
-
Vikki Maclean
Partner
Vikki is a native of Scotland and as such brings her wit and directness to dealing with confronting issues. She joined Kerridge & Partners in 2006 and has earned a reputation for successful CEO, C suite and GM appointments, as well as many non-executive director engagements.
-
Renowned as an accomplished communicator, she has direct access to networks of talent in both New Zealand and globally.
Vikki has a respected eye for potential and emerging talent; she leads senior appointments across private, public and not-for-profit sectors, as well as SOEs and local government.
Building on her career successes, Vikki completed an intensive programme for executive search specialists at Cornell University in New York. This reinvigorated her appreciation of global leadership trends and reinforced her belief that the Kerridge & Partners’ approach is unique in the world of executive search.
Sixteen years at Kerridge & Partners has provided the opportunity to assemble an amazing team who share the same ethos. Many of the team have long-standing tenure with the organisation; they share the company’s vision of commitment to the wellbeing of our nation and commit to ventures outside of the business including pro bono work for the NGO sector and not-for-profits.
“When we talk about transforming the leadership landscape in New Zealand, we are really talking about allowing business access to the kind of leaders who can make a real difference. These are the leaders who enable New Zealand business to compete with the best.”
Vikki’s has invested 40 years in building her expertise in leadership talent. Her wealth of experience is built on the shifts in business and economies over years and across multiple continents. During previous economic and financial downturns and our latest global crisis Vikki’s passion for executive search is unwavering, reinforcing her mission to consistently appoint great leaders who will champion New Zealand business into the future.
Vikki is married with two sons. Outside of work, Vikki is an active supporter of the rowing community and commentates at Rowing New Zealand events. She has run the New York Marathon twice.
In the not-for-profit arena Vikki served on the board of CatWalk Trust and was a trustee for Look Good Feel Better. She is a trustee for Karāpiro Rowing Inc and Tania Dalton Foundation.
In business or in social environments, Vikki has a warm, engaging style, never missing an opportunity to learn about the constant shifts in business that demand new leadership attributes.
-
Cheewei Kwan
Partner, Leadership
Cheewei leads our Leadership Practice. He has close to 40 years’ experience, having held senior roles across government, corporate sectors and global HR, and leadership consulting firms.
-
As an organisational psychologist and a keen student of leadership, he has spent the bulk of his career working with leaders and leadership teams across Asia Pacific. Cheewei relocated to Auckland in 2011 with his family and works with the Kerridge & Partners team to design and deliver leading edge leadership solutions for organisations, which include;
Leadership assessments for executive level appointments
Chief Executive succession
Working with boards and executive teams to design and facilitate leadership team retreats and strategy days
Onboarding and coaching support for senior executives
Curating and facilitating Kerridge & Partners’ research initiatives, leadership conferences and events
Prior to Cheewei’s relocation to Auckland, he was the founding CEO of the Singapore Human Capital Leadership Institute (HCLI), a government funded institution whose mission is to develop strategic human capital capabilities and thought leadership for Asia. In addition to formulating strategies and initiatives on research and thought leadership, Cheewei was also the lead facilitator for HCLI’s flagship leadership programmes, seminars and conferences.
Since 2015, Cheewei has taken on an additional role as an adjunct faculty with Duke Corporate Education and is now the lead facilitator for senior leadership programmes for a number of Duke Corporate Education’s clients across Asia, with delivery in locations as far afield as Kazakhstan and South Africa.
Cheewei was educated in the UK under a Singapore government scholarship scheme and spent the first 10 years of his career as an organisational psychologist with the Singapore Armed Forces. He has a Bachelor of Science (Psychology) from Leeds University (UK) and an MBA from the University of Leicester (UK).
-
Claire Denison
Partner, Governance
Claire leads the Governance Practice at Kerridge & Partners managing board appointments, board reviews and governance development work for a range of clients.
-
She has worked with an extensive selection of New Zealand businesses evaluating the boards of listed companies, private businesses, investment companies, not-for-profits, co-operatives and various other industry organisations.
She has appointed Chairs, NEDs and Trustees, and has worked with many individual executives and directors advising them on their governance portfolios, or how to become involved in governance work. She has also hosted global thought leaders in a range of governance development events. She is passionate about improving the governance landscape in New Zealand.
Prior to coming to New Zealand, Claire worked in strategy, consulting and project management roles primarily in the pharmaceutical industry. She had considerable exposure to directors and senior executives in this capacity which formulated her interest in governance, and specifically, the impact of board dynamics on the effectiveness of a board and the board/management relationship.
Claire is qualified with a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Birmingham (UK) and an MBA from the University of Oxford (UK).
Outside of work Claire is kept busy with a young family; when time allows, she enjoys walks on the waterfront and good conversation over a tasty dinner and glass of wine.
-
Nick Edlin
Partner
Nick is a Partner in the executive search practice at Kerridge & Partners. He specialises in chief executive and senior executive roles and works across a range of sectors.
-
His experience is diverse and includes leading searches to appoint chief executives in many areas of the economy including transport, infrastructure, health, and professional services.
At executive level, Nick regularly works with some of New Zealand’s leading businesses and public sector organisations and has particular interest in the intersection of government and business.
Prior to joining Kerridge & Partners Nick spent 8 years practising law, first in New Zealand and then in the UK. His legal experience is broad and includes commercial and employment litigation, and public law. In London Nick worked as an in-house lawyer in central government advising the Home Office and Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs.
Nick lives in Auckland with his wife and two young children. He is passionate about sport, cricket in particular, although the demands of family life mean his playing days are behind him. Nick has written about cricket, rugby and a host of other sports for the New Zealand Herald in a freelance capacity.
-
Adelene Lynch
Partner
Adelene has been in the search and recruitment profession since 2008. She joined Kerridge & Partners in 2020 from Air New Zealand where she was the Talent Manager recruiting for the Senior Leadership team.
-
Adelene has led global searches for a range of New Zealand organisations from high growth start-ups to large corporates where several of her engagements sought top global talent from Asia-Pacific, US and UK. Prior to joining Air New Zealand, Adelene was the Global HR and Recruitment Manager for a New Zealand high tech organisation which was at the frontier of taking wireless power charging solutions to consumer electronics and industrial sectors.
Adelene’s search engagements span a diversity of functions and industries, with particular focus on C-suite roles in organisations that are globally-oriented or undergoing strategic transformation. Adelene has a keen interest in technology and future-focused organisations and enjoys working at the intersection of people, innovation and transformation. Adelene also leads many of our client engagements with high growth, export-oriented clients or niche industries seeking global talent.
Adelene is passionate about helping New Zealand organisations succeed on a global scale. She is an Agile-trained facilitator and certified in Hogan assessments. Prior to becoming a search professional, Adelene had a career in international sales and had lived in Singapore, Canada and Japan. This lends well to providing a very personal candidate experience when headhunting offshore talent.
Adelene graduated from National University of Singapore with Bachelor of Science (Hons). She is a Board Intern / Future Director on a NZ deep tech company and Advisory Board Member of Massey University Executive Education. Outside of work, Adelene is a nature lover, avid diver and wannabee sailor who hopes to sail around the world one day.
-
Tim Scanlan
Partner
Tim joined Kerridge & Partners in 2017 and leads our business in Australia, based in Sydney. As a Partner he works primarily in the executive search practice, with a focus on financial services and industrials across Australia and NZ. He leads search and succession processes for chief executives, senior leadership and technical specialists, often requiring extensive offshore reach.
-
Tim also established and still leads our work with private equity firms, primarily comprising growth / buyout and infrastructure funds active in Australasia. This spans the full range of search, succession and leadership assessment services for portfolio company executives and Boards.
Tim joined Kerridge & Partners shortly after completing a Bachelor of Commerce with First Class Honours in Finance. Outside of work, he plays tennis and is a keen recreational flyer.
-
Louise Thomson
Principal Consultant
Louise brings over 20 years of leadership experience in Executive Search, talent acquisition, and capability development across diverse sectors. She has a proven track record of partnering with growth-focused organisations and guiding them through complex structural change and workforce transformation.
-
Her Executive Search expertise was shaped at Korn/Ferry International, where she successfully led senior-level assignments from inception to placement, building enduring client and candidate relationships.
As Head of Resourcing at Contact Energy, Louise was a key member of the People & Culture Leadership Team. She drove initiatives that enhanced organisational performance, including a refreshed P&C strategy and Employee Value Proposition. She oversaw all recruitment activity - permanent and contingent - across Customer, Corporate, and Generation & Development divisions, while also advising the CEO and Executive Leadership Team on senior hiring, succession planning, and DEI strategies.
In her independent consulting career, Louise partnered with corporates, private enterprises, government bodies, and industry associations to deliver strategic hiring solutions and optimise talent management practices.
Prior to joining Kerridge & Partners, Louise was at NZX Ltd, where she supported the Smart CEO, Executive team, and Board during a period of rapid growth, including the headcount doubling and funds under management increasing by over 60% in three years. She established foundational people processes, including succession planning, capability assessments, and career development frameworks.
-
Sam Webster
Principal Consultant
Sam is a Principal Consultant in the executive search practice at Kerridge & Partners, where he works across CEO, C-Suite, and senior leadership appointments across the public and private sector.
-
Sam is a sector generalist and is passionate about complex and technical searches, as well as family enterprises. Before this, he spent fourteen years competing as a professional track cyclist, reaching the top of the sport with an Olympic silver medal, four Commonwealth Games golds, and three World Championship titles. Sam's commitment to high performance continues to inform how he thinks about strategy, execution, and leadership.
Transitioning from elite sport to executive search, Sam brings a firsthand understanding of leadership under pressure, high-stakes decision-making, and what separates good from exceptional. This background reinforces his ability to assess leadership capability, team dynamics, and the conditions required for sustained success.
Sam has supported Chief Executive succession and Directors appointments to large family enterprises. In 2025, he completed Cornell University's Family Business Leadership programme.
-
Erin Rapley
Consultant
Erin is a Consultant in the executive search team at Kerridge & Partners, where she contributes research, reporting, and client and candidate care to support executive searches across various industries
-
Erin is a Consultant in the executive search team at Kerridge & Partners, where she contributes research, reporting, and client and candidate care to support executive searches across various industries. She brings with her a passion for leadership and shaping the future of Aotearoa, which was sparked during her time at Be. Lab - a social change organisation.
With a distinctive perspective on accessibility and social impact, Erin draws on her diverse career spanning the public sector, travel, and events planning to assist organisations to discover their next leaders.
Erin holds a Bachelor of Laws with Honours. Outside of work, she is a craft beer enthusiast, powerlifter, and lifelong learner who enjoys the sun and spending time with friends and family.
-
Elizabeth Gretton
Associate Consultant
As an Associate Consultant with the Executive Search team at Kerridge & Partners, Elizabeth conducts research and prepares reports.
-
Additionally, she supports both clients and candidates in the recruitment process for C-Suite and Senior Leadership roles across diverse industries.
Before joining Kerridge & Partners, Elizabeth gained valuable experience in agency recruitment and people and culture roles. Her work with both external and internal recruitment teams provided her with deep insights into the job market and an understanding of candidate perspectives, further cultivating her interest in Executive Search.
Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Science with a dual focus on Psychology and Sustainability, alongside a Certificate in Health Science specializing in Māori and Pacific Health. These qualifications not only sparked her interest in research but also honed her skills in the field, which she effectively applies in her role at Kerridge & Partners.
Outside of work you’ll find Elizabeth with her family, baking, or watching sport, rugby and F1 in particular.
-
Gemma Torr
Finance Manager
Gemma is responsible for the finance of the business. She also works closely with our partners as secretary to the Kerridge & Partners board.
-
Highly organised and efficient, Gemma brings order to our very busy office.
Gemma honed her multi-tasking skills in the UK where she worked for several years as a management accountant before emigrating to New Zealand in 2002. She worked with the Auckland Regional Council and managed the finance team at the Auckland Regional Transport Authority prior to joining Kerridge & Partners in 2010.
She has a BA (Geography) from the University of Leeds (UK) and is an associate of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Gemma enjoys knitting and felting and is on the committee for Creative Fibre Auckland.
-
Amelia Long
Operations & People Manager
Amelia has been with Kerridge & Partners for many years. Currently her focus is on organising large-scale end-to-end events and workshops, as well as project management, internal business improvement projects and general executive assistant responsibilities in support of the business.
-
Previously to Kerridge & Partners, Amelia’s roles included working in the local government, real estate and insurance sectors.
She is currently working for Kerridge & Partners in a part-time capacity and is kept busy by balancing life around 2 young children.
-
Nicole See
Executive Assistant
Nicole joined Kerridge & Partners in 2022 supporting Tim Scanlan and Nick Edlin as an Executive Assistant, as well as supporting the wider business with events and project management.
-
Piror to joining Kerridge & Partners, Nicole worked in a variety of industries in both Australia and New Zealand, ranging from healthcare, engineering, to finance and fashion. She joined Kerridge and Partners with a keen interest in recruitment.
Nicole holds a Diploma in Executive Assisting functions, Certificate in Business Administration and Technology, and a Certificate in First Line Management.
Outside of work, Nicole enjoys hosting dinners at home, going to the gym, weekend trips away and painting, with 7 of her pieces sold to cafes/restaurants around Sydney.
-
Lesley Watts
Admin Assistant
Lesley assists the admin team with various tasks to help ensure the smooth operation of the office.
-
With a passion for providing exceptional service, Lesley manages front desk operations, coordinates administrative tasks, and supports the team with efficiency and professionalism.
Before joining Kerridge & Partners, Lesley worked on the front desk of a tier one law firm. In this role, Lesley's expertise and friendly, professional demeanour made her the welcoming face of the company. This experience has seamlessly translated to her current role at Kerridge & Partners, where she continues to excel in providing top-notch administrative support.
Prior to this, Lesley gained valuable experience in purchasing for a Pan-European networking company, honing skills in procurement, vendor management, and strategic sourcing. Since moving to New Zealand, Lesley has successfully transitioned into various administrative and office management roles, bringing a wealth of experience and a versatile skill set to each position.
Outside of work, Lesley is kept busy with her two children, balancing professional responsibilities with family life.
-
T +64 9 969 9900
Arezo Nazari
Data Entry | Office Admin Assistant
Arezo joined Kerridge & Partners in 2024, supporting the wider team with data and administration tasks.
-
She is a motivated first-year student at the University of Auckland, pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and Bachelor of Commerce. Arezo possesses excellent communications skills and values discipline, accuracy, and attention to detail in her work.
During the Afghan Evacuation, Arezo emigrated from Afghanistan to New Zealand. Since her arrival she has been keen to explore the country and learn about Kiwi culture. In addition to her studies and professional commitments, Arezo is currently a youth leader at Mixit - a youth organisation where young people from refugee backgrounds collaborate on creative projects.
Outside of work, Arezo enjoys reading books, hiking in nature, photography, and cooking.
-
T +64 9 969 9900
Mel Oosthuizen
Executive Assistant
Executive Assistant and Project Coordinator at Kerridge & Partners, providing high-level support to the Governance Practice, and contributing to the smooth delivery of the firm’s work with clients and communities.
-
Mel brings extensive experience supporting senior leaders across professional services, executive search, and consulting environments. Her role combines executive support, project coordination, and stakeholder engagement, ensuring clarity, consistency, and follow-through across complex and often sensitive work. She is highly organised and trusted to manage competing priorities with sound judgement and discretion. With a background spanning operations, customer success, finance administration, and property and facilities management, Mel offers a well-rounded and practical perspective.
Outside of work, she prioritises time with her husband and two children and enjoys staying active through physical challenges, having completed multiple sporting events, cycling tours, and a half marathon, with a constant focus on what challenge comes next.
-
Reuben Panting
Associate Consultant
As an Asssociate Consultant with the executive search team at Kerridge & Partners, Reuben conducts research and prepares reports to drive executive search across industries.
-
Before joining Kerridge & Partners, Reuben has worked in different roles in the science and research sectors, across both startups and national research institutions. A lifelong curiosity and a passion for science inform his drive to help the sector fulfil its potential both within New Zealand and internationally. A people-person to the core, he thrives when engaging with high-performing professionals in any industry and is always enthusiastic to learn more about a new field.
Reuben holds a Master of Science from the University of Auckland, wherein his research focused on molecular biology, plant pathology, and genetic engineering and modification. He is an avid reader of nonfiction, with a particular love for global history and finance. He enjoys running, hiking, and science fiction films.
-
Ben Keall
Associate Consultant
As an Associate Consultant with the executive search team, Ben conducts thorough research and prepares detailed reports to support executive search assignments across a broad range of industries.
-
Ben graduated from the University of Otago in 2024 with a Bachelor of Commerce, majoring in Human Resources and Management. His academic foundation, combined with hands-on logistics experience and a genuine passion for people and organisational dynamics, positions him well for executive search, enabling him to identify candidates who align with the unique needs of each organisation.
In his final year at university, Ben spent a semester on exchange at University College Dublin. While travelling through Europe, he took the opportunity to attend several English football matches. Outside of work, Ben enjoys football, cricket, both playing and watching and keeping active through running.
-
Zoë Whittington
Senior Consultant
As a Senior Consultant in the executive search team at Kerridge & Partners, Zoë provides key research, reporting, client and candidate support for C suite and senior leadership searches across a broad range of sectors.
-
Her breadth of insight and astute written work assist clients and candidates alike to find the right fit and enjoy a smooth search experience.
In addition to enabling the delivery of advice, Zoë plays a key role in upholding best practice for Kerridge & Partners’ internal systems - using her diligent nature and sharp attention to detail to ensure that we are providing top quality insights both internally and externally.
Zoë’s previous experience in management consulting and people and culture fostered her interest in executive search – finding the right person to take each organisation to the next level.
Zoë holds a Bachelor of Commerce (First Class Honours) specialising in Human Resource Management and Psychology from Victoria University of Wellington.
Outside of the office Zoë enjoys cooking, travel, and learning about film photography.
-
Matthew McGovern
Consultant
Matt is a Consultant in the executive search team at Kerridge & Partners, where he provides key research, reporting and client & candidate support for executive and senior leadership searches across a range of industries and functions.
-
He has over 25+ years of experience in research and leading teams, primarily within the Investment Banking industry, where he was last Global Head (Senior Vice President) of Barclays Business Information Research team in support of the global Investment Banking Division.
Matt began his career in New York City at Lehman Brothers as a researcher within the company’s Business Information Services team and progressed to the Americas Head of the group prior to the company’s acquisition by Barclays. Over the course of his career, he has also managed several functions outside of research including Barclays’ Records Management Physical Archiving Americas team and was also responsible for the oversight and management of Investment Banking’s global market data portfolio as part of the Banking Business Management team in New York.
Upon moving to New Zealand, Matt has transitioned to executive search, working with a boutique company prior to joining Kerridge & Partners in December 2025. Outside of work, he spends his time with his wife and two children and is a passionate about music and, in particular, live concerts. Matt plays guitar and, in a previous life, was the lead singer of a rock cover band based in New Jersey / New York.
-