Smart. Strategic. 

Unmistakably Underwood.

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ABOUT UNDERWOOD EXECUTIVE

We access the top 1%.
And we make them yours.

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At Underwood Executive, we do more than find exceptional talent. We identify the people who transform organisations. 

As South Australia’s premier executive search and talent management consultancy, we partner with forward-thinking companies to solve their most defining challenge: who will lead? Specialising in CEO appointments, C-suite placements and key executive roles, we deliver intelligence-led search for organisations that see leadership recruitment as a strategic advantage, not just a process. 

Backed by world-class methodology, deep market insight and award-winning results, we don’t rely on outdated recruitment models. Instead, we activate the entire talent market to engage high-performing, often untapped leaders, who are perfectly aligned to your purpose, culture and values.

We don’t just identify elite talent.
We engage them, win them over and make them yours.
It's what we do.   

Who we’ve worked with

Logo for Arteva Funding featuring three colored petal shapes in purple, red, and orange forming a stylized flower next to the black text 'Arteva Funding'.
SA Power Networks logo with a stylized black and orange power symbol next to the company name in black text.
Edel's logo in white cursive text on a red rectangular background.
Logo of Flinders Ports with the company name and stylized graphic of three blue and dark blue lines resembling a port or ship.
Logo for Uniting Communities featuring a green circle with white abstract lines and the words 'Uniting Nations' in blue and 'Communities' in green.
Workskil Australia logo with a blue icon and text.
Logo featuring a navy blue silhouette of the state of Australia followed by the word NCVER in capital letters.
Logo with the text "AngliCaresa" in blue and red colors, with a stylized letter 'A'.
Logo of the Government of South Australia, Department of State Development, featuring an emblem with a black eagle and red, yellow, and navy blue accents.
Electrnot logo with a geometric lightning bolt icon and the word 'electrnet' in lowercase letters.
Illustration of a historic building with the text 'YALUMBA' and 'Family Winemakers 1849' underneath.
Logo of Flinders University with a navy blue shield, a yellow sun, and white lines representing waves, next to the university name in navy blue text.
Keolis Downer logo with green and black text and symbol.
Logo of HealthPartners with the tagline "Health insurance. Made human."
Nerven logo in green with the tagline 'Connecting you with tomorrow' underneath

What we do

Underwood Executive provides high-impact executive search and consulting services that help organisations make smarter leadership decisions, with clarity, confidence and long-term impact.

  • Magnifying glass with a bar chart inside, symbolizing data analysis or search.

    Executive Search and Recruitment: Elite talent at your fingertips

    We don’t wait for leaders to find us, we find them. With intelligence-led campaigns, uncompromising research and a network that runs deep, we deliver game-changers the market doesn’t know are in play. Our results? Undeniable. We have the track record to prove it.

    UNLOCK ELITE TALENT
  • Line drawing of a medical backpack within a circular border on a black background.

    Consulting and Advisory: Smart, straight-talking strategy

    We advise Boards and executive teams on leadership, talent and structure. Whether it’s HR consulting, executive talent assessment, salary benchmarking, outplacement support, or coaching and mentoring services, we bring straight-talking strategy and a commercial edge to every stage of the people journey.

    GET GAME-CHANGING ADVICE

 Why choose us?

  • Red outline drawing of a rocket inside a red circle on a black background.

    Proven methodology. Unmatched outcomes.

    Our 100% placement rate and 98% retention after 12+ months reflect a process grounded in rigour, built on relationships and backed by results.

  • Red outline of a presentation board with an upward trending arrow, enclosed in a red circle.

    Recognised. Respected. Results-driven.

    We’re the only South Australian firm accredited by the AESC, the global gold standard in executive search.

  • Red outline of a globe with a grid pattern inside, enclosed by a larger circle, on a black background.

    Local intelligence. National reach. Global standards.

    Headquartered in South Australia, connected nationwide and aligned with global best practice, we give you access to extraordinary leadership talent, no matter their location.

  • Red and black icon of a badge with a person's silhouette and a camera above it.

    Inclusive. By design.

    Diversity isn’t a checkbox. Our search process embeds equity and representation at every stage, creating leadership teams that are more innovative, resilient and representative.

  • Red outline of a lightbulb inside a circle on a black background.

    Smart search. Strategically executed.

    We map the total market, not just active talent, using real-time data, attrition trends and talent flow to uncover hidden, high-value leadership talent.

  • Strategic sports play diagram with circles, arrows, and X marks on black background

    Rethink Recruitment. Redefine Results.

    We’re more than executive search consultants. We’re strategic partners who challenge your assumptions, elevate your process and level-up your recruitment game.

The executive edge

Tired of the same old career and search advice? Explore our latest articles to get fresh insights, bold perspectives and strategies that cut through the noise.

“You can’t build what’s next by hiring what’s familiar.”

NICOLE UNDERWOOD, FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR, UNDERWOOD EXECUTIVE

Don’t just take our word for it

  • “I would like to extend my thanks and appreciation for all the help Underwood Executive provided me in securing the Non-Executive Director role. Your guidance and professionalism throughout the process were invaluable and I truly appreciate the effort you put in to match me with such a meaningful opportunity.”

    – CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFER

  • “In all my interactions the team was very responsive and provided information proactively and in an open way. I felt supported through the process but was challenged (in a positive way) to ensure the role was the right fit and my motivations were right. The team was very professional.”

    - GENERAL MANAGER

  • “Thank you Underwood Executive for the support throughout the process. Your expertise and cordial approach made my experience enjoyable and easy. Notably I appreciate the time taken and the level of engagement with my referees, who spoke of your incisiveness and commitment to securing the best input.”

    – EXECUTIVE CANDIDATE