PENNY WILSON

Penny Wilson is a Senior Partner at SHK and Sector Lead for Government and Public Policy, specialising in executive search and advisory. She is recognised for delivering senior executive and board appointments in highly regulated, publicly accountable environments, working with Boards, Chief Executives and Secretaries on complex leadership decisions.

Penny brings deep practical insight, strong cross‑sector networks and a contemporary approach to leadership assessment. She began her career in the Commonwealth Public Service and later returned to the Victorian Public Service as an executive, following senior roles in public policy, research, consulting, lobbying and regulation. Her experiences also traverses the tertiary sector, membership and peak bodies and community services, including as a Chief Executive Officer.

Clients value Penny’s frank advice, sound judgement and adaptability, particularly where appointment processes intersect with evolving policy agendas and governance expectations. Her advisory work includes succession planning, role design and supporting organisations to strengthen leadership capability in response to current and emerging challenges.

Penny has a strong interest in women and leadership and in enabling internal candidates to participate fully and equitably in executive selection processes. She has extensive governance experience, including three terms as a Governor‑in‑Council‑appointed Director of the Adult, Community and Further Education Board of Victoria, and is a Williamson Fellow, Leadership Victoria, and a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

Recent appointments: