Posted on by Clem Maloney

Executive Search for a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Description

Executive Search for a Chief Technology Officer (CTO)

Sector: Technology – Platform Provider
Service: IT Resourcing & Executive Recruitment
Objective: Identify and secure a highly experienced and qualified Chief Technology Officer (CTO) for a leading Australian platform provider in a permanent role.

Context

A fast-growing Australian platform provider, operating nationally with an expanding international customer base, needed a Chief Technology Officer to guide its next phase of product and infrastructure growth. The role required a rare combination of technical depth, leadership experience, and strategic vision — along with the ability to operate in a regulated environment and lead multi-disciplinary teams across software engineering, product development, and infrastructure.

The competitive market for senior technology leadership in Australia meant the search would require targeted outreach, rigorous evaluation, and deep sector knowledge to secure the right candidate.

Approach

123.EXPERT undertook a structured executive search, combining market mapping, targeted outreach, and candidate assessment. Key steps included:

  • Defining the role profile and success criteria in close consultation with the CEO and Board.

  • Mapping the Australian and selected international talent markets for proven CTOs and senior technology leaders.

  • Approaching potential candidates confidentially through a mix of direct outreach and trusted industry referrals.

  • Conducting in-depth competency-based interviews to evaluate leadership style, technical expertise, and strategic alignment.

  • Coordinating stakeholder interviews and psychometric testing for shortlisted candidates.

  • Managing negotiations and offer processes to ensure a smooth acceptance and onboarding.

Impact

Within 12 weeks, the search concluded with the appointment of a CTO who met all technical and leadership requirements and brought additional strengths in scaling engineering teams and building secure, high-availability platforms. The new CTO quickly integrated into the executive team, set a refreshed technology strategy, and began implementing improvements to architecture, delivery practices, and talent retention.

By engaging 123.EXPERT, the platform provider gained access to a tailored, discreet search process that leveraged industry networks and sector insight, securing the leadership capability needed to support its growth trajectory.