Chris Hughes

Chris is a founder and Director of Haystack Executive. With over 20 years’ experience working in senior leadership roles within both national and international executive search firms, Chris is widely recognised as one of the top recruiters in Australia.

Known for his collaboration with esteemed global entities to meet their talent acquisition needs, his proficiency in securing high-calibre leadership appointments is bolstered by his extensive connections, enduring industry relationships, and a commendable history in senior-level executive search.

Throughout his career, Chris has honed his expertise across various sectors, including energy, banking, finance, insurance, technology, manufacturing, FMCG, education, and telecommunications.

Chris embarked on his recruitment journey with a US-based international recruitment firm, where he specialised in placing advertising professionals in significant roles within worldwide advertising agencies, focusing on both creative and account management. Later, he pioneered the marketing recruitment division for the firm in Australia, overseeing a team of consultants. Subsequently, he served as a senior consultant for a boutique FMCG marketing search firm based in Melbourne and was most recently a partner with Alex Kaar, leading their Customer division, which incorporates Sales, Marketing, General Management and Digital.

Chris is a successful entrepreneur, having launched Australia’s most popular performing arts website Theatre People, which he ran for 22 years before it’s sale in 2023. Chris is also an accomplished actor and director, having staged several award winning productions.