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David Pleydell

David Pleydell

Managing Partner

Senior Executive | Education | Human Resources​ | Government and Public Sector | Communication & Corporate Affairs

David leads SHK’s senior executive practice.

He specialises in Chief Executive Officer, Chief Operating Officer and Chief Human Resources Officer appointments as well as senior leadership roles in the education sector.

David is committed to supporting Australia’s major state and national institutions and has built a track record of successful delivery, sourcing leaders from within Australia and across international jurisdictions.

In addition, he enjoys pursuing his personal passions in Indigenous affairs, diversity and inclusion and investment management by undertaking select senior executive appointments in these areas.

David relishes the trust and deep partnerships he has nurtured with his clients and is acknowledged by clients and candidates for the judgment and insight he brings to his search practice along with his candidate and client care.

He has held board and advisory committee roles for a variety of not-for-profit and community organisations with a particular focus on reconciliation, education and the arts.

David holds degrees from Monash University in Arts, Education and Business.

Recent appointments

  • Chief Executive Officer – independent statutory authority

  • Chief Executive Officer – Victorian governing sports body

  • Chief Operating Officer – Victorian service agency

  • Chief Operating Officer – leading aid and development agency

  • Chief Executive Officer – national professional services firm

  • Chief Executive Officer – international humanitarian organisation

  • Chief Executive Officer – hardware manufacturer and exporter

  • Chief Operating Officer (multiple) – Group of Eight university faculties

  • Deputy Secretary – Victorian government department

  • Global Head, People & Culture – diversified Australian fund manager

  • Chief People & Culture Officer – major public hospital

  • Executive Director Strategic Communications – education sector peak body

  • Executive General Manager, People – leading digital services company.