About ktalent

Empowering organisations to meet the moment

About KTalent


We help organisations that don't just hire — they build.


We partner with CPOs, CEOs, C-suite, and People Leaders to find, assess, and elevate leaders, from recruitment through to successful transition.

 

We’re not another traditional search firm. We're a future-facing talent consultancy that understands the true cost of mis-hires and supports leaders through today's uncertainty, Al disruption, and rapid change.

 

We believe recruitment is strategic. The right leadership hire doesn't just fill a role, it shapes culture, drives performance, and mitigates risk. Today's leadership needs more than just matchmaking, it needs context, assessment, and support.

 

That's why we work at the intersection of executive search, leadership development, and organisational psychology.

We create executive search solutions that meet the moment.


Our Manifesto


We are for those who don't just hire, they build.

For companies that want to lead, not follow

For leaders embracing uncertainty, AI and complexity

At Ktalent, we don't do traditional

We create talent solutions that meet the moment

About the founder

Kristina Thomas believes that the value of a company lies in its people.


Graduated in organisational psychology from Liege University in Belgium, Kristina is passionate about creating thriving workplaces. She believes that it all starts by having the right leadership in the right place at the right time.


From her decades of experience, she has seen the amazing transformation that the appointment of the right leadership can achieve; Increase in growth, decrease in staff turnover, improvement of a positive culture, innovation and problem-solving focus approach.


With over 20 years of experience in Australia and Europe, working for SME’s and large organisations in industries ranging from Health, IT, Education, Sales and Marketing, to Logistics and Telecommunications, Kristina has a deep understanding of people in the workplace.


Kristina’s experience in managing recruitment agencies, as well as internal Talent Acquisition teams, has led her to set up KTalent to focus on providing a unique service, one that breaks away from transactional and volume-based but one that is led by organisation psychology and provides bespoke executive search services, executive coaching and outplacement.


Kristina is always happy to have a chat, if you have any questions, get in touch… she’d love to hear from you!

Our Leadership Team


Our leadership team combines decades of expertise across operations, innovation, HR, and psychology to shape a stronger future for the leadership workforce

James Dromey
Andrea Frigo
Kristina Thomas
Brian Truman

James Dromey - Director &

Founder of StemCareers


James has held leadership roles over the last 15 years in medical research in Australia, including Chief Operating Officer, Chief Innovation Officer, and GM of Strategy. James has a PhD in immunology and worked as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Walter & Eliza Hall Institute before taking on a research scientist role with Nexpep PTY LTD, an early stage biotech company in Melbourne. James has co-founded and supported the establishment of multiple health & technology businesses, including ANDHealth, Lumi Health, Matterworks, and Prota Therapeutics.

Andrea Frigo -

Chief People Partner


A former Director of People & Culture at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, Andrea is an AHRI-accredited HR leader with more than 20 years of experience working in health & medical research in Australia. Andrea has a wealth of experience and deep expertise in HR & IR/ER matters, particularly related to the STEM sector. Andrea has led the SAGE Accreditation process, resulting in an Athena SWAN Bronze Institutional Award designed to ensure all outcomes are fair, transparent and equitable within STEM.

Kristina Thomas - MD & Head of Recruitment and Search


With a background in Organisational Psychology, Kristina has over 20 years of expertise in recruitment, coaching, and career development within the STEM-based sectors. Known for her strategic insights and deep industry knowledge, Kristina specialises in executive search and leadership solutions. Kristina has a Master's in Organisational Psychology from the University of Liege, Belgium, and has worked internally in companies including Telstra, Likewize and WPC Group, as well as in agencies specialising in executive search, talent management, career development and career transition across Europe and Australia.

Brian Truman

 Leadership Development Associate


As a seasoned executive coach, Brian has worked extensively with all levels of leadership and a broad range of specialist professionals across the public, private and not-for-profit sectors. These have included Healthcare, Research & Science, Banking & Finance, Government & Education, Retail, Pharmaceutical, and Professional Services. 

Brian has a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Psychology and Social Research. He holds a Diploma in Applied Positive Psychology and wellbeing and is accredited in Human Synergistics LSI & LI, Genos Emotional Intelligence, VIA Strengths Coaching, ACT level 1, Results Coaching, DiSC and MBTI.

99% success

in Leadership & Executive appointments

95%

of hire from top 3 shortlisted candidates

5 star reviews

from both candidates and clients

Our Partners

Some of Our RECENT appointments

Chief Executive Officer



Executive General Manager



Sr. People & Culture Business

Partner

Head of Intellectual Property



IT Manager


Chief Technology Officer



Head of Innovation


Head of Cyber Security


KTalent testimonials

Our guiding principles

FAQ's

  • What sets your executive recruitment process apart from traditional methods?

    At KTalent, we’re not another traditional search firm. We’re a future-facing talent consultancy that understands the real risks of mis-hires — and the opportunity that great leadership creates. That’s why we go beyond the shortlist.

    We work at the intersection of executive search, leadership development, and organisational psychology to help businesses navigate complexity and growth. We partner with CPOs, CEOs, C-suite and People Leaders to find, assess, and elevate leadership talent — from recruitment through to onboarding and transition success.

    We Find -> Assess -> Elevate Leadership, so they can navigate the complexity of today's challenges.

  • What is Organisational Psychology and how does it help organisations ?

    Organisational psychology is the scientific study of human behaviour in the workplace, its goal is to better understand and optimise the effectiveness and well-being of both individuals and organisations. With that focus, organisational psychology can significantly help with understanding leadership needs for an team and organisation, Leadership assessment and leadership transition support. 

  • What support do you provide to clients and candidates beyond the hiring process?

    We offer ongoing support to both clients and candidates. We have worked with executive coaches to develop our unique LEAP Program (Leadership and Executive Adjustment Program)

    This program supports both the organisation and the new leader in their transition period to establish a strong foundation for a successful appointment.

    Our commitment to supporting both clients and candidates goes beyond the hiring process. Our approach has significantly contributed to our success so far.

  • What is the LEAP Prgram ?

    According to the Harvard Business Review, 40% of newly appointed CEOs fail to meet performance expectations in their first 18 months, whether they come from outside or are promoted from within. New leaders may struggle to navigate political landscapes or implement the cultural changes their strategies require.


    KTalent believes that the recruitment campaign doesn’t end once a company hire a new candidate; a crucial new chapter begins at that point. Transitioning into a new role can be challenging, as it involves leaving a familiar comfort zone and striving to deliver results in a new environment. 


    Our LEAP program maximises the unique opportunities leaders and executives have to create impact quickly. Our program includes tailored coaching sessions and strategies to improve decision-making, strategy thinking, team leadership, communication. 


    Our LEAP program has been a game changer for leaders and executives transitioning successfully into their new roles.

  • Do you work on contract roles for executives?

    Absolutely, executive contract roles are becoming more in demand. As organisations are becoming more agile and adjusting to the constant change, they often require specific skillset, sometimes for a shorter period of time. 

    We have the capabilities and network to support you in finding your next leader or executive contractor. 

    Reach out for more information.

  • What happens if the candidate doesn’t work out during probation period?

    We are proud of our incredible success rate of 100% of candidates passing the probation period, and 50% have been promoted (or have increased responsibilities) within their first 12 months. 


    However, in the unlikely scenario of a candidate not working out,  we will replace it for free. 


    Our priority is ensuring client satisfaction and facilitating a successful outcome for everyone. 

  • What are your fees ?

    Our recruitment cost for permanent roles depends on various factors such as the level of the position, the complexity of the search, and the services provided. It's advisable to reach out directly to KTalent for a customised quote tailored to your specific requirements.


    For contract roles, our fees are included in the contractors' rate.


    Our purpose is to create better workplaces. And we believe in supporting community-based organisations. We do offer discounts for Not For Profit organisations.

  • Does KTalent only recruit in Melbourne or also in other parts of Australia?

    KTalent primarily operates in Melbourne, but we also offer recruitment services across VIC, NSW, ACT and WA in Australia. 


    While Melbourne is our head office, we have the capability to source and place candidates in other cities based on our clients' needs. Whether you're looking to hire in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, or elsewhere in Australia, we're equipped to assist you in finding the right talent for your organisation.

  • Where is KTalent based and what's its office hours?

    KTalent is based in Australia, with its head office in Melbourne. 

    We typically operate during regular business hours, from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm, Monday to Friday, local time.

  • What is your ESG policy?

    KTALENT ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL, AND GOVERNANCE (ESG) POSITION


    At KTalent, we recognise the critical importance of ESG principles in shaping a sustainable and equitable future. This is reflected in our guiding principles:

    Earn Trust: We believe that trust is earned through our actions and interactions with our clients, partners and team members. We strive to be reliable, transparent and consistent in all that we do, building long-lasting relationships based on mutual trust and respect.

    Community: We believe that when our clients and candidates succeed, we succeed. We're committed to building strong relationships and creating a sense of community within our industry.

    Think Big: We’re not afraid to dream big and pursue ambitious goals. We encourage our team to think outside the box and embrace innovation, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.

    Right People - Environment: We understand that the right people in the right environment can achieve great things. That's why we're committed to finding the best candidates for our clients and ensuring they thrive in their new roles.

    Highest Standard: We hold ourselves accountable to our clients, partners, and each other to deliver excellence in everything we do. We're committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, authenticity, and transparency in all our activities.

    Diversity & Inclusion: We value diversity and inclusivity and strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all. We believe that a diverse team brings unique perspectives and drives innovation.

    Purpose Beyond Profit: We're driven by a sense of purpose that goes beyond profit. We believe that doing the right thing for our clients, candidates, and community is the best way to achieve long-term and sustainable success.

    We are committed to integrating ESG considerations into our operations, ensuring that our practices not only meet the highest standards but also contribute positively to society and the environment.


    ENVIRONMENTAL RESPONSIBILITY

    We are dedicated to minimising our environmental footprint by adopting sustainable business practices. This includes reducing energy consumption in our offices, minimising unnecessary use of materials and printing, recycling materials where possible, and utilising technology to decrease the necessity for travel with the goal of lowering carbon emissions associated with our work and workplace.

     


    SOCIAL COMMITMENT

    At KTalent, we believe that one of the most impactful ways to shape your organisation is through hiring and supporting the right leadership. Our organisational psychology-led approach to recruitment ensures that there is a strong skills-culture blend and alignment with our client’s organisation values, including ESG commitments and principles.

    Our commitment to social responsibility is reflected in our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) both within our organisation and in the services we provide. We believe that diverse leadership teams drive innovation and better decision-making. We actively seek to present our clients with candidates from varied backgrounds, ensuring a broad spectrum of perspectives.

    We are committed to supporting community initiatives and encourage our team to engage in volunteer work, strengthening our connection to the communities we serve. We actively mentor graduates and early-career professionals, helping them navigate their career paths with guidance and support. Additionally, we empower start-ups and emerging businesses by providing leadership advice, coaching, and accessible support—offering no-cost or low-cost services to foster growth and success through our Elevate Program.

    GOVERNANCE 

    KTalent is licensed under the Labour Hire Authority (Licence number VICLHL08431). We take our responsibility to our clients, candidates and the community seriously, including conflicts of interest, client and candidate confidentiality. We work closely with professionals and experts in governance and finance to ensure our team is well-informed. We pride ourselves on our transparent communication with clients and candidates.


Catch the latest articles

executive appointment of executive general manager
By Kristina Thomas May 20, 2024
Appointment to the Executive General Manager, Clinical at VCGS
Executive contracting, exploring the pros and cons
By Kristina Thomas May 16, 2024
Executive Contracting, is it a good career move?
Leadership fit organisation
By Kristina Thomas May 15, 2024
Have you ever watched a sports team where the coach just seems... out of sync with the team? It's not that they're not skilled or knowledgeable. It's just that something isn't clicking. That is what we call "Leadership fit". Hiring and retaining top leadership talent remains a challenge for many organisations. So, what is this Leadership Fit, and why is it the secret sauce for retaining top leadership talent? Understanding Leadership Fit It refers to the compatibility between the leaders and the organisations they work for. It's the harmonious symphony that happens when a leader's values, career goals, and behaviours are in tune with the organisation's culture, objectives, and ethos as well as with the team they engage with. When this alignment is off, even the brightest leaders can flicker and fade. But when it's on point, it's like magic. The leader thrives, their teams are engaged, and the organisation soars. A classic example is Sarah, a CFO who moved from a manufacturing firm to a fast-paced start-up. Despite her impeccable credentials, Sarah felt out of place due to a mismatch in organisational culture and personal values. While Sarah had the right skillset and transferrable competencies, the environment and its culture didn't align with her expectations of with her team, colleagues and leadership as well as her way of operating. This lack of alignment is not based on skillset but rather on organisational values, structure and culture. Sarah had accomplished wonders in a large environement where there was strong process and structure as well as people decidated to support with all the different aspect of a business. She had great vision and leadership in that context. Moving forward to her new appointment as the CFO in a start-up, while she struggled to adapt to an environment that didn't have the resources and processes to operate at the level she used to. Such cases highlight the importance of Leadership Fit beyond just professional qualifications. A recent survey conducted by the Organisational Behavior Institute found that businesses with a high Person-Organisation Fit among their leaders experienced a 45% increase in retention compared to those that didn't prioritise it. Practical Steps for Organisations to address Leadership-Fit Organisation and leadership assessment : Identify the organisation unique attributes and challenges as well as the type of leadership that thrives in that environment. Role assessment: Crafting a position description that highlight the skills required as well as the challenges it will face. Recruitment campaign: Designing a campaign that target the right leaders and balance your communication between the benefits of the role as well as its challenges Holistic onboarding: Designing an onboarding experience that immerses new leaders in the company culture and connects them with cultural ambassadors. Executive Coaching: Supporting your new leaders in navigating their new environment through executive coaching. Programs such as LeaderShift executive coaching have been designed specifically to support new leaders during their transition period, a period that is a highly stressful and uncertain period for new leaders. Feedback loop : Encouraging open dialogue about values and objectives ensures alignment. Regular workshops and training sessions can also help reinforce the organisation's values. Exit Interviews: Conduct exit interviews to understand the factors contributing to leaders' satisfaction and dissatisfaction. Flexibility and Well-Being: Offer flexible work arrangements and well-being initiatives that reflect the organisation's commitment to work-life integration. The Bottom Line Hiring and retaining leadership talent is not just about competitive salaries and fancy titles. It's about the less tangible, but incredibly powerful, sense of fit between the leaders and the organisation. When leaders feel like they're in the right place, they're not just employees—they're advocates, innovators, and the kind of leaders who create legacies. If you need further support, feel free to contact KTalent to learn how we use organisational psychology best practices to address leadership fit. Visit https://www.ktalent.com.au/ to learn more.
Sinth Jegaskanda Head of Intellectual Property by KTalent
By Kristina Thomas May 13, 2024
Sinth Jegaskanda is appointed Head of Intellectual Property at the Murdoch Children Research Institute
View more here

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🏆 20+ years of experience  🏆 Leadership & Executive appointments  🏆 5-star ratings in google reviews