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Penny Smythe

Principal Consultant

 +61 415 102 473

With over two and a half decades of broad experience in Executive Recruitment and HR Consulting across Australia and New Zealand, Penny stands as a seasoned professional in her field.

As a Principal Consultant at Hudson, Penny collaborates with Boards, Chief Executives, and Senior Managers throughout Australia, facilitating pivotal executive appointments. Her business acumen and HR experience are valued by clients and candidates seeking sound advice from a trusted advisor when making critical decisions.

Penny's impact extends across the spectrum of both Public and Private Sectors, encompassing sectors such as Government, Infrastructure, Supply Chain & Logistics, Manufacturing, Health, Not For Profit, and Information Technology. Her portfolio includes Senior Executive appointments at the Board, C-Suite and General Management levels. Other key management positions include highly specialised roles that span diverse functions including Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations & Quality, Project & Program Management, and Safety & Environment.

Prior to her tenure at Hudson, Penny held management positions within British, Australian, and New Zealand companies. Her professional journey includes establishing and growing her own HR Consulting practice, which delivered HR, strategic, and change management advisory services.

Penny holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology. She also graduated from the Company’s Directors Course in NZ.

In addition, Penny has undertaken further training in Psychological Assessment, HR, and management including training at Harvard University.

"I operate in partnership with my clients where open communication and trust are vital to understanding their needs exceptionally well. Long-term relationships enhance my ability to deliver outstanding results and can also facilitate successful placements of talented people into positions that represent a stretch for them.

My clients often say that I have a ‘sixth sense’ for the best candidate which I believe is due to my thorough process, analytical skills, engaging approach, and depth of experience. 

Above all, I am acutely aware of the difference an excellent hiring decision can make to an organisation’s success as well as the impact on a candidate’s career."

Penny Smythe

Principal Consultant

 +61 415 102 473

With over two and a half decades of broad experience in Executive Recruitment and HR Consulting across Australia and New Zealand, Penny stands as a seasoned professional in her field.

As a Principal Consultant at Hudson, Penny collaborates with Boards, Chief Executives, and Senior Managers throughout Australia, facilitating pivotal executive appointments. Her business acumen and HR experience are valued by clients and candidates seeking sound advice from a trusted advisor when making critical decisions.

Penny's impact extends across the spectrum of both Public and Private Sectors, encompassing sectors such as Government, Infrastructure, Supply Chain & Logistics, Manufacturing, Health, Not For Profit, and Information Technology. Her portfolio includes Senior Executive appointments at the Board, C-Suite and General Management levels. Other key management positions include highly specialised roles that span diverse functions including Engineering, Finance, Human Resources, IT, Operations & Quality, Project & Program Management, and Safety & Environment.

Prior to her tenure at Hudson, Penny held management positions within British, Australian, and New Zealand companies. Her professional journey includes establishing and growing her own HR Consulting practice, which delivered HR, strategic, and change management advisory services.

Penny holds a Bachelor of Economics and a Graduate Diploma in Organisational Psychology. She also graduated from the Company’s Directors Course in NZ.

In addition, Penny has undertaken further training in Psychological Assessment, HR, and management including training at Harvard University.

I operate in partnership with my clients where open communication and trust are vital to understanding their needs exceptionally well. Long-term relationships enhance my ability to deliver outstanding results and can also facilitate successful placements of talented people into positions that represent a stretch for them.

My clients often say that I have a ‘sixth sense’ for the best candidate which I believe is due to my thorough process, analytical skills, engaging approach, and depth of experience. 

Above all, I am acutely aware of the difference an excellent hiring decision can make to an organisation’s success as well as the impact on a candidate’s career."