Lawford Robinson executive search firm specialising in strategy, M&A and transformation.

ABOUT US

Two partners. One vision. Exceptional talent, delivered with care.

We create impact through people.

Lawford Robinson is a 100% female-owned executive search firm based in Australia. We specialise in senior leadership roles across Strategy & Transformation, M&A, Operations, and Data, Analytics & AI.

With close to 40 years of combined experience, we’ve built deep, evolving networks across MBB, investment banking, VC-backed ventures, and global scale-ups. Our reach spans APAC, Europe, and North America - and our reputation is built on trust, precision, and long-term impact.

We love what we do and we do it with purpose.

Because at Lawford Robinson, we create impact through people.

Lawford Robinson leadership team driving executive search across high-growth companies.

Connecting brilliance with opportunity

Every search is a bespoke strategy, not a transaction. We are proud to champion diversity, with a proven record of placing underrepresented leaders in pivotal roles. Our placements endure, with 99% retention over more than 12 years, and our clients consistently return to us for their most important hires.

Vanessa Robinson, global executive search founder connecting corporates and private equity with top talent. 
FOUNDER & MANAGING DIRECTOR

Vanessa is the Founding Director of Lawford Robinson and brings 20 years of executive search experience, including 12 years leading the firm she built from the ground up.

She has led high-performing teams across Australia and the UK, and is recognised for her sharp instincts, strategic thinking, and unwavering commitment to quality. Her expertise spans Executive Search, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Strategy & Transformation, Operations, Mergers & Acquisitions, and Data, Analytics & AI.

As a Certified Hogan Personality Assessment Practitioner, Vanessa integrates leadership psychology into every search, ensuring not only the right hire but also the right long-term fit.

Her approach is deeply human, inclusive, and impact-driven. Vanessa is trusted by clients across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America for critical hires that shape the future of their businesses.

LinkedIn

Vanessa Robinson

“We believe talent is transformative. Every search starts with understanding people - their potential, their purpose, and their impact.”

Professional headshot of Anna Pearson, Lawford Robinson executive search specialist. 
DIRECTOR

Anna joined Lawford Robinson in 2017 and brings 20 years of recruitment and executive search experience across both in-house and agency settings.

She specialises in Executive Search, Startups, Technology, and Venture Capital, and is recognised for her ability to navigate complex markets and cultures to uncover exceptional talent. Anna has successfully delivered hires across Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, adapting seamlessly to different business environments and leadership styles.

Her approach goes beyond matching skills to roles. Anna is deeply committed to building long-term relationships and takes pride in going the extra mile to find the right opportunity for every candidate and the perfect fit for every client.

LinkedIn

Anna Pearson

Linda joined Lawford Robinson in 2017 and plays a key role in candidate management and operational excellence. 
RESEARCHER & EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Linda joined Lawford Robinson in 2017 and plays a key role in candidate management and operational excellence.

Her thoughtful and detail-oriented approach ensures that every stage of the search process runs smoothly, creating a positive experience for both clients and candidates.

Passionate about client success, Linda supports the team in delivering outcomes that are consistently high quality and enduring.

Linda Dexter

  • I genuinely appreciate your help and professionalism throughout these processes. Every candidate I met had a clear understanding of us and the role, thanks to your thoughtful guidance. Despite the limitations of the role, your persistence and support made a real difference. Thank you for consistently going above and beyond."

    Talent Manager, UNICORN TECHNOLOGY COMPANY

  • Lawford Robinson truly understands what makes a great strategy hire. Their insight, responsiveness, and care throughout the process were exceptional — we’ve now made multiple successful placements with them.”

    – General Manager, Strategy & Corporate Development | ASX-LISTED COMPANY

  • “Anna is a fantastic recruiter with deep expertise across tech, corporate strategy, and startups. Her caring, thoughtful approach made the entire process enjoyable and productive. She truly listens, solves problems, and delivers great outcomes. Highly recommended.”

    – Senior Strategy Candidate

  • "Vanessa is first and foremost a seasoned professional with solid expertise in recruiting executive talent in the Private Equity space. She executes the recruitment process with precision, attention to detail, clear and timely communication, and a has a thorough understanding and deep networks in the Australian Market. Vanessa assisted in developing my career by placing me in my current role and I look forward to working with her in the future as I build my team."

    - Private Equity Director

  • "Vanessa and Anna helped me rebuild my Strategy Team by identifying and vetting high caliber candidates from their list of Tier 1 management consultants. The speed and accurate response to my search brief was impressive, and we established a strong list (from which a successful candidate was selected). I thoroughly recommend Vanessa and Anna for their professionalism, dedication and astuteness in interpreting both client as well as candidate requirements."

    - General Manager, Strategy & Transformation, Global Oil & Gas Company

  • "From the beginning Vanessa was all about the finer details. She represented our company and the brand with exceptional professionalism. Her constant contact and continuous updates were first-class. A phenomenal experience overall!"

    - CEO, Technology Startup

  • "The ladies at Lawford Robinson have managed to fill some of our most difficult and unusual roles as well as assisting us in satisfying a large number of roles as part of our growth strategy. Vanessa and Anna have been extremely professional at all times and have delivered a high level of client service. I thoroughly enjoy working with their team and look forward to our continued relationship."

    - Head of People and Culture, High growth SaaS Company

  • "Simply wonderful. Vanessa is both an exceptional recruiter and an extraordinary human being. Through her significant industry relationships, Vanessa was able to introduce me to several high-calibre investment firms; however perhaps her finest quality is her ability to connect with clients on a deeply personal level, demonstrating a level of candour, respect and genuine care that is rare. The recruitment process with Vanessa and the broader Lawford Robinson team was seamless and I am pleased to whole-heartedly recommend her services."

    - Investment Manager, Renewables