A Stage-Gated, Low-Risk Approach. Recognising the prior internal effort, Emu Search proposed a structured engagement beginning with a comprehensive talent mapping phase.

This provided:

• An objective view of the Australian and international talent market
• Access to previously unengaged or overlooked executives
• Clear validation of market depth before committing to full search

To de-risk the process, Chobani retained the option to exit after the mapping phase at no additional cost. Regular milestone stand-ups ensured transparency, alignment and stakeholder confidence throughout.

‍

The mapping confirmed that while many candidates had been contacted, the market was not exhausted. It simply required deeper networks and sharper positioning. Chobani subsequently engaged Emu Search to execute the full search.

Emu Search appointed Ishani Samarasekera as Director Finance & IT. Her profile aligned strongly with Chobani’s needs:

• 20 plus years of experience across FMCG, Retail and Manufacturing in Australia and internationally
• 13 plus years with General Mills, including Finance Director roles across ANZ and Europe
• Demonstrated ability to drive growth and profitability through strategy
• Strong track record building engaged, high-performing teams

Critically, she brought the commercial credibility, global exposure and systems mindset required to integrate Finance and IT while partnering effectively with both Australian and overseas leadership teams.

‍

The Result:

• Fresh executive talent identified beyond the internal engagement pool
• A high-calibre Director of Finance & IT successfully appointed
• Strong alignment across local and global stakeholders
• A de-risked, insight-led search process that delivered genuine market differentiation

Even when an internal team has conducted extensive groundwork, disciplined executive search can unlock new perspectives, deeper networks and stronger outcomes.

‍