Finding a job is easy. Finding a good job is hard. Finding a job that can make your career is even harder. But good recruiters help adlanders find the jobs and careers that help them flourish and thrive. To them, the process of helping someone get a new job is not simply a transaction — it’s a vocation, built on trusting and deep relationships.
Given the state of the job market at the moment, the best recruiters are more valuable than ever. This year’s Best of the Best Recruiters list highlights the independent recruiters who place senior and specialist staff at agencies, client-side marketing roles, or media owners.
10. Esther Clerehan, Founder, CLEREHAN
Esther Clerehan is a living legend in Australia’s advertising industry. Since founding her firm in 1993, she has placed some of the most important names at top agencies worldwide, including David Droga to Saatchis Asia and Wieden+Kennedy’s first international creative hires. She also gives back through AWARD and Cannes Lions judging.
9. Amy Lee, Chief Runner, Talent Run
Amy Lee launched Talent Run in January 2024 after seven years managing Ad Council’s operations in Victoria. She has made a strong impression with her energy and drive, and recently partnered with Lution to source creative, production, and media talent for internal teams.
8. Corrina Hartas & Annabel Craig, Directors, Hartas & Craig
Known for their personable approach, these recruiters specialize in creative recruitment. Their business has run for nearly 18 years, with Hartas praised for helping students enter the industry and placing mid-to-senior talent.
7. Justin Randles, Director, Mercury Talent
Randles focuses on media owner and brand sides, leveraging his experience at Fairfax, Lighthouse, and Australian Traveller Media. He also fights against fake job ads, a plague for recruiters and job seekers.
6. Sarah Jones Palmer & Courtney Clancy, Directors, The Human Co
Founded in December 2022, this duo has made impressive placements, including luring a chief creative officer from New York to an Australian agency that won a Cannes Grand Prix.
5. Damian Tynan, Partner, Omera Partners
Tynan moves up a spot this year, highly respected for his focus on customer, marketing, digital, and corporate affairs. His background at McDonald’s and Coca-Cola gives him deep industry connections.
4. Nick Williams, Founder & CEO, Williams International
Williams is deeply plugged into Australia’s creative community. A testament to his work: 48 of this year’s Effies finalists came from agencies where he placed strategy leaders.
3. Michael Kean, Global CEO, FBI Talent Co.
Celebrating 20 years with FBI, Kean continues to place top talent. His LAUNCH program supports emerging creatives, landing them spots on global coaching programs and $10,000 in prizes.
2. Karen Taylor, CEO, Hourigan International
Taylor has forged a commanding reputation in four years, placing consequential moves like James Taylor to oOh!media and Dr Kate Cornick as CEO of Tech Council of Australia.
1. Lea Walker, Founder, Mrs Walker
No one is more impactful in creative recruitment than Walker. She provides counsel and mentorship through her ‘Ask The Mrs’ series, covering career transitions and talent pipelines, making her an exemplar for the sector.
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