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REANNZ Case Study
Case study
Research and Education Advanced Network New Zealand (REANNZ) brings together the technology, expertise and connections that help ambitious ideas take shape. As a Crown-owned membership organisation, it provides specialist digital connectivity, high-performance computing and data analytics to support research and innovation across Aotearoa. These capabilities help organisations solve complex problems, work with data at scale and collaborate with partners around the world.
- Service: Executive Search and Interim Executive Recruitment
- Scope: Four executive appointments across partnerships, technology, finance and corporate leadership
- Industry: Technology Infrastructure, Research and Education
- Location: New Zealand
Executive Search and Interim Executive Recruitment across four appointments:
- Director – Partnerships & Engagement
- Interim Chief Technology Officer
- Permanent Chief Technology Officer
- Chief Financial & Corporate Officer
The challenge
REANNZ needed to strengthen its executive team with leaders who could combine specialist expertise with strategic thinking and a strong connection to the organisation's purpose. Each appointment brought distinct requirements, from strengthening sector relationships and commercial growth to leading technology strategy and overseeing finance and corporate functions. The technology searches presented an additional challenge, with an immediate need for interim leadership alongside the search for a permanent Chief Technology Officer. With multiple appointments underway and tight timeframes, a clear process and close engagement with decision-makers were essential.
Setting up the partnership
We worked closely with REANNZ's leadership team to understand the organisation's strategic direction, culture and the capabilities required across each appointment. Together, we clarified the priorities and leadership profile for each role, including what would make the opportunities compelling to the right candidates. This provided a clear foundation for the search, enabling our team to identify relevant talent, engage candidates effectively and assess their suitability against REANNZ's longer-term objectives.
The solution
Our approach combined broad market mapping and targeted direct outreach with a paid LinkedIn campaign to reach a diverse pool of executive talent. We developed a dedicated microsite showcasing REANNZ and the opportunities, supported by a video featuring Chief Executive Amber McEwen that provided candidates with a personal introduction to the organisation and its leadership opportunities.
Candidate assessment focused not only on experience and capability, but also on motivations, ambitions and alignment with each role. We remained closely involved throughout interviews and selection, supporting REANNZ's decision-making and maintaining clear communication with candidates throughout the process. The Director Partnerships & Engagement, Interim Chief Technology Officer and permanent Chief Technology Officer appointments were completed first, followed approximately one month later by the Chief Financial & Corporate Officer appointment.
Key results
- Successfully delivered a coordinated executive search across multiple leadership appointments, securing critical capability and strengthening REANNZ's executive team during a period of growth and transformation.
- The interim Chief Technology Officer appointment provided immediate leadership continuity while the permanent search was completed, allowing REANNZ to address an urgent business need without compromising its longer-term leadership strategy.
- The partnership continued through the subsequent Chief Financial & Corporate Officer search, with the established relationship and deep understanding of REANNZ enabling an efficient and targeted search. Together, the appointments provided critical capability across the organisation's executive team and supported REANNZ's continued evolution and delivery of its purpose across Aotearoa.
Client testimonial
"The team at Robert Walters quickly developed a strong understanding of our organisation and the unique requirements of each appointment. Across several executive searches, they provided clear communication, practical advice and access to high-quality candidates, helping us strengthen our leadership capability during an important period for REANNZ."
Amber McEwan
CEO at REANNZ
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