PRINCIPAL: Stephen Leavy

Stephen Leavy has extensive international experience in senior-level executive recruitment. He has particular expertise in the Banking & Finance, Technology and Professional Services sectors.

Stephen began his career as a Solicitor with leading New Zealand law firm Russell McVeagh. Stephen then relocated to London where he joined the market-leading professional services recruitment firm Quarry Dougall. Stephen became an Associate Director of Quarry Dougall, and remained with the firm after its acquisition by Nasdaq-listed TMP Worldwide.

In London Stephen specialised in professional services and financial services recruitment.

Stephen returned to New Zealand in 2002 and was a partner with another leading New Zealand executive search firm before founding Hobson Leavy with Carrie Hobson. In New Zealand Stephen has worked across a broad range of industry sectors.

Stephen has a BA/LLB (Hons) from the University of Auckland, is a qualified Barrister & Solicitor of the High Court of New Zealand and a Member of the Institute of Finance Professionals of New Zealand.

Stephen is on the Board of Trustees for the First Foundation and also participates as a mentor in the First Foundation Volunteer Programme helping young New Zealanders achieve their potential.

PRINCIPAL: Carrie Hobson

Carrie Hobson has over 15 years' corporate experience, initially in Banking & Finance and latterly in Executive Search. She held senior positions in corporate banking with major banks in both New Zealand and the United States and has worked with top-level executives optimising financial performance and implementing company strategy. She has held directorships in both the private and public sectors, with particular expertise in finance, health and human resources.

Carrie was a partner with another leading New Zealand executive search firm before founding Hobson Leavy with Stephen Leavy.

Carrie has a B Com (Hons) in Economics from Otago University and is also an approved Certified Finance and Investment Professional (CFIP).

Carrie has also worked closely with not-for-profit organizations at a strategic level, was previously Chief Executive of the St Joseph's Mercy Hospice Foundation and is a visiting lecturer in Corporate Governance at the Auckland University of Technology.