Chief Executive Officer

The Opportunity

A private equity-backed global leader in marine technology is seeking a Chief Executive Officer through Pacific Talent Partners. The business is headquartered in Hobart and is widely regarded as a benchmark organisation for the international scientific community, supporting the analysis of complex underwater environments for government agencies, research institutions, and commercial organisations across more than 70 countries.

After a recent strategic acquisition by a global marine technology and sustainable fishing group, the company is entering a major phase of international growth. This is a rare chance to guide a highly respected scientific organisation into its next stage of scale, strengthening its global footprint while connecting scientific excellence with modern commercial software operations.

The Role

Reporting to the Group Board, the Chief Executive Officer will carry full profit and loss responsibility. The role calls for shaping a hybrid and cloud strategy that balances the procurement requirements of government clients with the scalability expectations of industrial maritime and autonomous vehicle markets. The successful leader will bridge deep scientific capability with high-growth software delivery and commercial execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Set and deliver the organisation’s growth agenda, aligning the product and technical roadmap with the wider group’s marine technology strategy.
• Take ownership of full P&L performance, improving revenue, profitability, and EBIT outcomes within an international group environment.
• Lead global sales and distribution efforts, uncovering opportunities in aquaculture, renewable energy, and climate change research.
• Work with group leaders to identify technology synergies and incorporate specialist insights into broader sustainable solutions.
• Guide the development of the software platform so it continues to lead the market while expanding AI and real-time functionality.
• Serve as the main link between Australian operations and the international board, ensuring clear reporting on progress and milestones.
• Inspire and develop a highly specialised team of scientists and software engineers, building a culture that attracts exceptional global talent.
• Maintain strong governance and compliance practices that satisfy local obligations and the expectations of an international parent company.

Core Competencies

• Leadership experience at CEO level or as a senior sales executive in a fast-growing technology, SaaS, or scientific software business.
• Strong commercial judgement with demonstrated ability to manage P&L and grow international revenue at scale.
• Experience operating within international ownership structures and aligning local businesses to a global group.
• Strong technical understanding and the ability to earn credibility in a specialist, science-led team while turning technical strength into commercial value.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, including reporting to international boards and handling multi-country requirements.
• A forward-looking mindset and genuine interest in marine technology, AI, and real-time data capabilities.

Additional Information

Interest in this opportunity is expected to be high. Candidates are invited to submit an expression of interest directly, and all applications will be treated in strict confidence. Suitable candidates will receive a full position briefing after applying. Applicants must have unrestricted rights to work in Australia.