Technology search.
Commercial results.

Executive search, advisory and recruitment for technology-led businesses

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Services

What we do

Executive search

Retained search for CIO, CTO, CDO, CPO and senior technology leadership roles across Australia, partnering with boards, investors and executive teams on the appointments that shape commercial performance.

Technology Recruitment

Working with technology leaders to build their teams across software engineering, product, data, AI, enterprise systems, architecture, cloud, platform and cyber .

Interim & Contract

Contract and interim technology professionals across every level, placed into critical technology, product, data and AI work.

Transformation & Value Creation

Supporting investors and leadership teams through M&A, carve-outs, divestments and major technology transformations with the leadership and talent to get it done.

Our model

Most search firms work in one layer of the organisation.

We work from the leadership through to the delivery capability.

That end-to-end view means our advice on structure, sequencing and hiring is based on commercial reality.

Our approach

Why clients bring us in

We start with the real business problem

Most search failures are scoping failures. We embed early, meet the stakeholders and pressure-test the role against the specific business context before we run a single search. If the brief is wrong, we will tell you.

We’re proven operators in this market

Deep networks, repeat outcomes, and a track record across the full technology organisation, from leadership to delivery capability.

We build for both performance and culture

We have a strong track record building technology teams that perform and stick. That includes consistently improving gender diversity in engineering and product, in talent pools where most firms do not reach.

Trusted by top candidates

How a firm runs its search process is the first signal a candidate reads, executive or not. We help you build the narrative to attract the best people. Every interaction from first conversation to start date reflects on you. We manage it deliberately.

Hiring partnerships that scale

For organisations hiring at pace or navigating change, we partner closely to build teams quickly and properly, delivering impact faster.

Advisory before execution

We define the role scope, success measures and team context upfront so the search reflects what the business actually needs.

Technology executive search

Executive and senior technology hires across engineering, product, data and AI, with leaders who are built to deliver commercially, with the technical depth to back it up. That includes AI executive search and the leadership appointments that sit around it.

700
+
Technologists placed
32
+
Years combined experience
3
Specialist lanes, one firm
Placed

Recently closed searches

A sample of searches we have recently closed. We keep the specifics light to protect the people and companies involved.

PlacedMelbourne

Chief Technology Officer

Placed the first Chief Technology Officer into a high growth professional services business, to build the technology and security function from the ground up.

Led by Jake Rose

PlacedFemale appointmentSydney

Head of Engineering

Placed a senior female engineering leader to run a 60-strong engineering function through a pressured period of consolidation and delivery reform.

Led by Marie Higgins

PlacedSydney

Head of Data Governance & AI

Placed a Head of Data Governance and AI to own data governance and the governance of AI use across a large Australian organisation.

Led by Lewis Heeks

The team

The Founders

Every search is founder-led by a specialist in the function being hired.

Jake Rose, co-founder of Innova Search

Jake Rose

Co-Founder & Technology Executive Search Partner

Jake leads executive search for technology leadership roles across Private Equity, ASX-listed and high-growth technology businesses.

Marie Higgins, co-founder of Innova Search

Marie Higgins

Co-Founder & Product and Engineering Search Partner

Marie is a market leader in software engineering and product hiring, known for building high-performing and genuinely diverse technology teams.

Lewis Heeks, co-founder of Innova Search

Lewis Heeks

Co-Founder & Data, AI and Platform Search Partner

Lewis covers the full data and AI organisation, from Chief Data Officer through to platform and engineering, across some of Australia's most complex technology environments.

Clients

Who we work with

Investors & Private Equity

Technology leadership aligned to the investment thesis, from diligence through to exit readiness. We understand what a portfolio business needs at each stage of the value creation cycle, working across Sydney and Australia.

CEOs & boards

Most boards only engage a search firm when the role is already defined. We work best when the conversation starts before the role is locked in.

Technology leaders

We work directly with CTOs, CIOs and heads of engineering on structure, sequencing and the people decisions that determine whether the function actually delivers.

Testimonials

From both sides of the search.

The clients who trusted us with a leadership hire, and the leaders we placed

“

Jake took the time to understand our business and ran a robust process to attract the right CPTO. His product, technology and data market knowledge was invaluable, and the leader we hired came in clear on the opportunity, our culture and how the role connects to our wider business objectives.

Anthony Seymour-WalshCEO / Managing Director
“

Marie brings genuine market intelligence. She knows who is moving, who is exceptional, and crucially, who will be the right fit. She invests in understanding your organisation, your culture, and what you are genuinely looking for. The kind of recruitment partner every executive should have.

Sean BrycelandChief Technology Officer
“

One of the few people in executive search I'd describe as a genuine long-term contact rather than a periodic touchpoint. Thoughtful about who he reaches out to and why, candid in his read of the market, and consistent in staying engaged whether or not there's something immediate on the table.

Loucas GatzoulisChief Technology Officer
“

I've partnered with Lewis on several hires over the years, and every placement proved an excellent addition. His knowledge of the data, AI and governance landscape is exceptional, and he finds candidates who are highly capable and align with the team culture. A thoughtful, practical and consultative approach.

Inderpal SinghData Risk and Governance Leader
“

Jake has been a fantastic executive search partner for years. Thorough, detailed and across every part of the process, with communication that means you're never left wondering where things stand. He's become a trusted advisor I bounce ideas off regularly. One of the best in the business.

Darrel van DortChief Information Officer
“

Marie is a tremendous people connector in tech, with a particular focus on advancing and empowering women in the industry. Her Women in Tech events are exceptionally well organised and a catalyst for connections that would not otherwise have happened. Her attention to detail means no stone goes unturned.

Dominick NgAI Leader
“

For years, I've seen Marie and Jake build genuine trust across the technology community. Marie is a consistent advocate for women in software engineering. Jake placed me at CTO Labs, advised me on several roles, and invited me to speak at industry events. Their relationship-led approach sets Innova apart.

Denis HoctorChief Technology Officer
“

As a company looking for an Executive Search Partner, the experience they provide candidates matters. Knowledgable, inspires confidence, reliable and a real pleasure to work with. Highly recommend Jake.

Silvio GiorgioChief Data & AI Officer

Insights

Featured

When effort stops being the productInsights

When effort stops being the product

Jake RoseJake RoseJune 1, 2026
The commercial technologist gapInsights

The commercial technologist gap

Jake RoseJake RoseJune 1, 2026
Why diverse engineering teams outperform, and why the business case hasn’t changedInsights

Why diverse engineering teams outperform, and why the business case hasn’t changed

Marie HigginsMarie HigginsJune 1, 2026
Why most technology leadership briefs are wrong before the search startsInsights

Why most technology leadership briefs are wrong before the search starts

Jake RoseJake RoseJune 1, 2026
The candidate who turns down the equity playInsights

The candidate who turns down the equity play

Jake RoseJake RoseJune 1, 2026
AI is not a technology decision, it’s a business decisionInsights

AI is not a technology decision, it’s a business decision

Lewis HeeksLewis HeeksJune 1, 2026
Where to find us

Our location

Level 8, 2 Bligh Street
Sydney NSW 2000

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