Sheffield Haworth is pleased to announce the strategic acquisition of Tony O’Leary’s executive search business, O’Leary and Partners, as part of the firm’s continued investment in Australia and the broader Asia Pacific region. As part of this acquisition, Tony O’Leary joined Sheffield Haworth in December to lead and expand the firm’s Industrials and Board Practice across Australia and beyond.
Tony brings over 25 years of executive search expertise across a broad range of industry sectors, including Global Financial Services, Board & CEO, Professional Services, Industrial and Consumer Markets, Education, Non-Profit and Charities. His track record spans senior leadership appointments for some of Australia’s most prominent organisations in both the public and private sectors.
Prior to starting his own firm, Tony served as a Partner at Heidrick & Struggles in Australia. Over his career, he has advised Boards, Chairs, and CEOs on leadership succession and talent strategy, and has successfully appointed many of the country’s leading Managing Directors, Chief Executive Officers, Chief Financial Officers, and other senior executives across the management suite. Tony also brings deep expertise in Board Chair and Non-Executive Director search, further strengthening Sheffield Haworth’s capability in this critical area.
Before entering the executive search profession, Tony began his career as a Consultant with Ernst & Young in the Tax practice, gaining valuable commercial insight and a strong advisory foundation.
Commenting on the acquisition, Alex Cormack, CEO of Sheffield Haworth, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Tony to the firm. His extensive experience, strong relationships, and exceptional track record in leadership advisory across Australia make him a significant addition to our team at Sheffield Haworth. This acquisition showcases our commitment to growing our presence in the region and delivering world-class advisory and consultancy services to our clients.”
Tony O’Leary added:
“I am excited to join Sheffield Haworth at a time of significant opportunity for the firm in Australia and across the region. I look forward to contributing to the growth of the Industrials and Board Practice and supporting clients as they navigate an increasingly complex leadership landscape.”
The acquisition marks another important step in Sheffield Haworth’s global growth strategy and reinforces the firm’s commitment to delivering deep, sector-specialist expertise to clients worldwide.
About Sheffield Haworth
Sheffield Haworth is a global consultancy specialising in executive search, change consulting, and strategic advisory. Founded in 1993, the firm has grown to more than 200 professionals across 14 offices worldwide, partnering with clients to deliver people-led transformation for the financial services, professional services, and private equity industries, as well as their portfolio companies. Our vision is to be a leading global consultancy in people and transformational change.
