Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins

Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins

As head of Ryan + Alexander’s executive search function, I run a rigorous recruitment process. Over the past three years, we have placed recruits of the highest calibre in to a number of impressive roles across regional New Zealand. Our clients include Robotics Plus, Hancock Forest Management and Comvita.

Executive search is my speciality. I have developed a keen instinct for recognising individuals with international-standard expertise who will fit, and thrive, in regional New Zealand. Throughout my 16 year career, I have helped large corporates fill senior roles in London, Singapore, China, Italy, the US and various points between. I have specialised across a number of sectors, including financial services and agribusiness, and been tasked with responsibility for placing senior executives in roles such as CEO, operations and general management.

I was born in Invercargill and raised in Rotorua but have lived and worked around the world – from Japan, to the United Kingdom, to Holland. I returned to the Bay of Plenty in 2013, with my husband and two boys in tow, to work for Zespri International. I managed the company’s mid- to executive-level global recruitment and further honed my instinct for the attributes which set outstanding candidates aside from the pack. In 2016, I left Zespri, and Kiri and I founded Ryan and Alexander Consultancy.

Examples of local clients I have worked with:

• Zespri International
• Eastpack
• Planttech Research Institute
• Addiction Foods
• Jace Group