picture of a young woman on the phone smiling

20 years of shaping futures

At Six Degrees, inspired by the concept of Six Degrees of Separation, we value long term relationships over transactional recruitment.

We develop our people to become experts and trusted partners for both clients and candidates within their specialist areas and industry.

Over 20 years, Six Degrees has grown from a small start-up to a fully corporate structure with national presence, all the while maintaining local expertise.

Our commitment to staying true to our founding principles, values and purpose of Shaping Futures remains the key to our ongoing success.

"I think we have done a really good job at reinventing ourselves regularly and understanding what was important in the world at the time." - Paul Hallam

Watch and discover the Six Degrees difference >>

The Origins of Six Degrees

In 2004, Melbourne recruiters Nick Hindhaugh, Paul Hallam, and David Braham came together to challenge traditional recruitment practices.

They envisioned a highly personalised, high quality relationship-oriented approach and thus founded Six Degrees Executive, inspired by the concept of "Six Degrees of Separation."

The team expanded rapidly, with Nick Hindhaugh establishing a Sydney CBD office by 2009, growing the business to 22 members with ambitious future goals.

Expansion of Six Degrees

The relationships built by the specialist recruitment team continued to bear fruit as the business experienced stable growth in both Melbourne and Sydney.

By 2015, Six Degrees Executive had doubled in size, emphasizing corporatization and succession planning for long-term sustainability. Paul Hallam became the first CEO in 2019, with state directors and a chairperson appointed.

Marketing and HR functions were added to the Corporate Services department, alongside Executive Search and Talent Consulting divisions, providing clients a comprehensive service. A re-branding effort was undertaken to reflect the business's evolution, resulting in our current logo.

Growth of Six Degrees

Six Degrees Executive - Suzie McInerney becoming CEO

In 2017, Six Degrees Executive expanded to Brisbane, extending its coverage to the Eastern states.

Two years later, Suzie McInerney, a longstanding employee, replaced Paul Hallam as the new CEO, driving a remarkable 40% revenue growth.

With a committed team of over 80 staff across three states, the company initiated a three-year strategy, reinforcing its corporate services function for future expansion.

Sustainability of Six Degrees

Six Degrees Executive is entering an exciting phase of digitally-enabled recruitment, aiming for enhanced service and customer experience.

Under Suzie's leadership and with the founders remaining active in the business, our highly engaged team of over 100 people continues to thrive.

We operate nationwide while maintaining local expertise. As we continue to evolve, our commitment to staying true to our founding principles, purpose, and values remains the key to our ongoing success.

SOME PROUD

ACHIEVEMENTS

six degrees scored 65% at the employee net promoter score

National Employee Net Promoter Score

Employee Engagement Survey

Of our people agree that Six Degrees Executive values diversity

94% say they have confidence in our leaders

Of our people say they have confidence in our leaders

Many might view us solely as a recruitment agency, but there's significantly more to us than meets the eye. It's not just about placing candidates; it's about building a community and enriching our collective experience. Growth, innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of everything we do.

Henry Smith

Business Analyst | National

For me, Shaping Futures embodies the fact that everyone at SDE cares about our clients, candidates and each other. We want the best for everyone we interact with.

Sarah Hay

Manager - FMCG & Consumer Goods | VIC

Great people change businesses for the better. And when you place someone at a great opportunity that is aligned to them, you can literally change their future.

Molly Green

Practice Director - Executive Search | National

Throughout my recruitment journey at Six Degrees (14 years), I've been fortunate enough to forge strong relationships with candidates, many of whom I've successfully guided into various roles throughout their careers.

Jennifer Kenworthy

Associate Director - Sales, FMCG, Consumer and B2B | VIC

We have built genuine partnerships with our community over the years and The Encoreship and Future Women's Jobs Academy stand out for me. They are great examples of partnerships who shape the futures of women who require additional support - and we are practically delivering this.

Christy Moses

Customer & Community Director | National

Six Degrees is a very community-focused business. Years ago, I spent three days in Cambodia supported by the Six Degrees Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Program, to help build houses for those living in poverty.

John Whitehead

State Director | VIC

We have great diversity on our Executive Leadership Team, including an amazing group of inspiring female leaders.

Paul Hallam

Founder | Executive Director

My proudest moment at Six Degrees has been playing a part in allowing our CEO Suzie to take her long service leave with her family knowing that the business was being looked after.

Luke Howes

Chief Financial Officer | National

We introduced the Employee Assist Program in 2014 following the passing of a much loved team member, Luke Reilly, who took is own life. The business continues to champion positive mental health and recognises Luke each year with the annual Luke Reilly award and a donation to his son. This year is not only the 20th Anniversary of Six Degrees but 10th year anniversary of Luke and each year the speech from the recipient of the award remains as emotional as year 1.

Alexandra Matthews TBC

Head of People & Culture | Started in 2007

At Six Degrees, we have a great balance of experienced leaders and new starters. Our national training program creates a sense of unity and an opportunity for new members to connect nationally.

Tara Todd-Chidley

L&D Manager | National

Looking back on what I knew about recruitment and construction when I first started at Six Degrees and comparing to what I know now, is one of my proudest moments.

Christian Moy

Manager - Property & Construction | QLD

I am very grateful for the opportunity given to me to help launch the Technology Division within Government here in Brisbane.

Burnette O'Neil

Manager - Technology | QLD

New South Wales' monthly "Culture Days" have always been one of my favourite things joining this crew. These days include a work-centred challenge, catered lunch, and a fun game or activity in the afternoon followed by some drinks together. Some of my fondest memories have come from these days.

Eliza Judson

Talent Engagement Specialist - Supply Chain | NSW

In Melbourne, when we celebrate someone's birthday, we purposely sing as out of key as possible. The look on people's faces whenever they're experiencing it for the first time is priceless!

Nish Lawrence

EA to CEO & Recruitment Team Lead | National