Cilla joined the team at SEQEL in 2013 following 6 years at Heidrick & Struggles as an Associate in the Global Industrial Practice and Financial Officers Executive Search Practice. She has participated in a wide range of local and global executive searches, and gained broad industry sector expertise from her 13+ years in search. Cilla has demonstrated experience in “C-suite”, CEO and Non-Executive Director appointments within publicly listed, private and co-operative business models. Her earlier background includes experience in the professional services, technology and insurance sectors.

Ruth joined SEQEL as a Client Partner in November 2025. Through an extensive career in Executive Search, Ruth has worked across a range of ownership models including co-operative, listed, private, local government and private equity.  She has partnered with a diverse range of clients in sectors such as agriculture, horticulture, primary, local government, infrastructure, and manufacturing, for CEO and CxO Executive and Board appointments.  Given the depth and breadth of this experience, Ruth has an accomplished record of adding significant value with her approach to leading Client Engagements across both strategic and operational roles for leading New Zealand companies. Prior to joining SEQEL, she was a Consulting Partner with Frank & The Knowledge Hunters for seven years. Her earlier career spans Morgan & Banks, GM at Pohlen Kean Executive Recruitment and Director of K2 Consulting.

Lauren has been involved in executive search for over 13 years. She joined SEQEL in 2015 and has worked on numerous global, high profile searches for both publicly listed and privately held organisations. She was previously with Heidrick & Struggles in Auckland where she was an active member of the Financial Services, Industrial, Life Sciences and Consumer practices across New Zealand. Prior to joining Heidrick & Struggles, Lauren spent time with Westpac and SKYCITY Entertainment Group, both in New Zealand. She has previously worked in the United Kingdom with various financial institutions including Credit Suisse and Goldman Sachs.

James Sleigh joined SEQEL as a Client Partner in 2016 after spending the previous four years with Egon Zehnder based in Sydney. Prior to joining Egon Zehnder, the majority of James' career was spent in the global pharmaceutical industry, including leading Eli Lilly’s New Zealand business and completing a series of expatriate assignments with the company in the United States. His early career was in BHP’s Graduate Programme and subsequent roles. James has extensive experience facilitating CEO, Executive and Board appointments across a range of sectors. He also has expertise in Executive Assessment and CEO succession. James holds a Master of Business Administration from Melbourne Business School and an Honours degree in Economics from Monash University.

David joined SEQEL in November 2025 as a Client Partner, bringing with him over 10 years in Executive Search and Leadership Advisory, and nearly 20 years in professional services. David originally hails from the UK with an early career for Michael Page International. In 2012, David became a Partner for Page Executive, the search function within the group, heading up the commercial practice in London. In 2023, David and his Kiwi wife emigrated to Auckland, New Zealand. Prior to joining SEQEL, David spent 2.5 years heading up the commercial and private equity practice for another New Zealand search firm. David brings considerable experience appointing CEO and CxO’s for listed, private, and private equity owned entities. David holds a 1st class Law degree (LLB) from the University of Reading.