Search · Selection · Succession
Executive recruitment, enterprise transition and leadership solutions across New Zealand
AUTHENTIC was born from 30+ years of deep experience in New Zealand's business landscape. We specialise in executive recruitment, enterprise transition, and helping business owners plan for the next stage of their journey.
From household-name brand leaders to niche players across various markets and sectors, from large multinationals to smaller family-led businesses, our relationships often exceed 20 years, spanning multiple generations of leadership.
“What goes around comes around, if you are around long enough.”
Finding people to make a difference.
Sometimes there are better options than selling your business. For over 25 years we have helped business owners explore alternatives, plan staged transitions, and protect the legacy they have built.
Built on careful client alignment to ensure values match. We challenge clients about role necessity, identify genuine skill gaps, and ensure realistic, attractive expectations for every placement.
Securing senior-level leadership talent that enhances organisational culture and performance. We build leadership teams that drive success, including recruitment for advisory and governance roles.
Helping you get your people and business where they need to be for the next 5 years, with advice on structure, performance management and benchmarking.
Based on nearly 4 decades of salary survey information and trends, understanding and balancing output and expectations.
We work with specialists across governance, banking, legal, accounting, psychology, assessment, and financial planning to deliver the right outcomes for your business.
30+ years of relationships with senior leaders across New Zealand, providing clients with connections and practical support on organisational challenges.
We challenge clients about role necessity, identify genuine skill gaps, and ensure realistic, attractive expectations. The right hire changes everything.
We have placed individuals in entry-level roles who now lead companies worth hundreds of millions. Our perspective spans entire careers.
Helping business owners plan for the next stage with options analysis, staged buy-ins, new leadership, and structures that protect what you have built.
We always have time for a coffee, a bit of advice, or a solid plan. What goes around comes around, if you are around long enough.
As a business owner, you are told you should have a clear picture of where you want the business to go. But often your personal goals fall by the wayside, and after a while that impacts the golden goose too.
For the past 25 years we have worked with business owners to help them set up for the next stage. It is not something you want to do in a hurry. Most people we work with are thinking 2–5 years out, although it can go faster or slower. Because if anything recent years have taught us, it is that we cannot prepare for everything, but we want to have options.
Many owners hope to sell up one day but may never get true value. Others end up closing when they retire but could keep earning income. We help you see all the alternatives.
We help attract new leadership with capital for a staged buy-in, or find leadership without equity but with skills that free you up.
Most owners want to see their legacy continue and staff looked after. An outright sale rarely achieves that. We specialise in finding great talent and managing the process to get the right people engaged and taking a business forward together.
We work with other specialists on structures, governance, financial and legal matters to make whatever process is right for you and the business work safely and in line with your values and objectives.
Business is built on people, and people thrive in strong communities. Geoff is actively involved in initiatives that connect, educate and support New Zealanders.
From helping set up Auckland's first Montessori primary school to chairing advisory boards for polytechnic and working with under and postgraduate business schools at the University of Auckland.
A member for 10 years of NZ's oldest and largest Rotary Club of Wellington, awarded a Paul Harris Fellowship in 2024.
A director and volunteer for this award-winning charity, taking a unique approach to motorcycles and mental health support in the Wellington region. motorcyclecollective.org.nz
Active in local community music and semi-professional playing around the Wairarapa.
Geoff Shaw
Principal Consultant
With a B.A. in Psychology and Management, Geoff began his career at 3M New Zealand before joining the recruitment industry in 1986. Based between Auckland and Martinborough and working with clients across the North Island, he brings unparalleled networks and insight to every engagement.
Joined APC recruitment, completing industry training and holding leadership roles with RCSA
Acquired APC Marketing brand, specialising in leadership, sales, and marketing placements
Began conducting the NZ Food & Grocery Council Industry Salary Survey, still running today
APC merged with Swann Group to form Swann Executive; became partner with focus on succession
Established AUTHENTIC, a brand reflecting commitment to genuine, relationship-driven service
Whether you're seeking new leadership talent, planning a business transition, or simply want some trusted advice over a coffee, we'd love to hear from you.
Phone
Location
Auckland and Martinborough, South Wairarapa
