Balmer Dawson Executive Search

About Balmer Dawson Executive Search

Balmer Dawson Executive Search is a specialist executive search firm working with Chairpersons, Boards and senior leadership teams in the charity and non-profit sector across Ireland to recruit CEOs, CFOs and senior leadership for mission-driven organisations.

We understand that senior leadership appointments — especially CEO, CFO and other executive roles — are governance decisions that shape the future direction, culture and sustainability of an organisation. Our role is to support Boards with clarity, insight and rigour at every stage of the leadership search and appointment process.

Director-Led Executive Search for Charity Leadership

Balmer Dawson chose to specialise exclusively in the charity and non-profit sector in recognition of its complexity, purpose-driven context and critical leadership challenges.

Every assignment is personally led by our Directors.

Gilly Balmer brings over 25 years’ experience in executive search for mission-driven organisations. She has supported Boards through complex CEO and senior leadership appointments, both nationally and internationally, with a deep understanding of governance priorities and organisational strategy.
Zena Dawson brings over 25 years’ experience in senior organisational leadership, including roles as Group Director and Head of Human Resources. Her expertise in leadership assessment, organisational alignment and executive selection supports Boards in making confident, well-judged decisions.
We do not provide generic recruitment services; our focus is exclusively on executive search and governance-aligned leadership appointments.

A Governance-Led Approach

We work collaboratively with Boards to develop a comprehensive understanding of organisational strategy, culture, governance context and leadership needs — not simply the role description.

Our approach ensures that leadership appointments are not only technically capable, but also aligned with the organisation’s vision, values and long-term objectives.

Trusted by the Sector

Balmer Dawson is proud to partner with leading charitable organisations, educational trusts and non-profit bodies.

With more than 20 years’ experience in the sector, we have become a trusted adviser for organisations navigating significant leadership decisions. Across CEO, CFO and senior leadership searches, our engagements consistently deliver governance-aligned appointments for mission-driven organisations.

Our work supports sustainable leadership, governance continuity and long-term mission achievement.

Our commitment to rigour, clarity and Director-led engagement has forged long-standing relationships with Boards and senior leadership teams, reflecting the confidence placed in us to deliver results that matter.

GILLY BALMER & ZENA DAWSON

Dedicated, director-led advisers supporting confident leadership decisions.
Focused on rigour, discretion and long-term organisational impact.

Based in Dublin, Balmer Dawson supports charities and nonprofit organisations across Ireland in recruiting CEOs, executive directors and senior leadership.

GILLY BALMER, DIRECTOR

Gilly has over 25 years’ experience in executive search and now works exclusively supporting leadership appointments within the charity and non-profit sector. She founded Balmer Recruitment Ltd. in 2006, which was rebranded as Balmer Executive Search in 2018 to reflect a dedicated focus on senior executive search.

Having led complex senior appointments over many years, Gilly brings a strong ability to understand organisational context, governance requirements and leadership needs, and is highly experienced in navigating challenging and high-stakes roles.

Gilly works through a rigorous, considered search process, distinct from more traditional approaches, ensuring leadership decisions are informed by insight, judgement and thorough market engagement rather than chance.

Gilly is a Business Graduate of Dublin Business School (2001) and holds qualifications in Professional Psychoanalytical Studies (2012) and Executive & Leadership Coaching (2020).

ZENA DAWSON, DIRECTOR

Zena brings over 25 years’ senior leadership experience, including roles as Global Head of Human Resources across a range of complex industry sectors, including Upstream Oil & Gas, Finance, Telecommunications, Digital Technology and Retail.

With extensive experience in executive search and senior leadership assessment, Zena has worked at Board and executive level across organisational design, leadership development and performance. She joined Balmer Executive Search in January 2021 to co-lead and further develop a specialist executive search practice, now known as Balmer Dawson Executive Search.

Zena brings particular strength in leadership assessment and organisational alignment, supporting Boards and senior leaders in identifying candidates whose capability, judgement and values align closely with the needs of the organisation. She is an Honours Business Studies graduate from the University of Ulster, specialising in Human Resources (1998), and is a Fellow Member of the Learning & Development Institute (L&DI).

CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

We really enjoyed working with the team at Balmer Dawson on the hiring of our new CEO. Zena and Gilly took the time to understand our sector, the culture of the organisation, and what we truly needed in a leader. Their communication was consistent, the process was well structured, and the quality of CEO candidates presented was exceptional. It was also positive that they had the experience to look beyond our information and look at candidates from further afield. Whilst we didn’t select these “wildcard” candidates it was very valuable having them be part of the interview process. Their approach felt collaborative and supportive throughout, and we couldn’t be happier with the final appointment.

Kim Tully, Chairperson, Sonas Domestic Violence Charity

Balmer Dawson Executive Search were a joy to work with. They understood our brief, our timelines and our expectations. Their knowledge and insight of the market was exceptional and, importantly, delivered. I look forward to working with Balmer Dawson in the future.

Belinda Clements, Associate Director Operations/Human Resource, Trinity Development & Alumni

Balmer Dawson Executive Search have been a great support to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland helping us fill key vacancies in our Charity. It takes away all the stress of trying to find good people when you know they will look after this for you. We have been very happy with the professional recruitment support provided by Balmer Dawson over the past few years.

Fergal Smyth, Fundraising Manager, Cystic Fibrosis Ireland

We persistently use the services of Balmer Dawson Executive Search because they take the time to get to know the needs of the DCU Educational Trust in order to assist us in obtaining the best fit. In a sector built on relationships, their relationships have yielded strong results for our organisation.

Plunkett Tormay, Head of Finance, DCU Educational Trust

“We engaged Balmer Dawson to assist us in recruiting our CEO. The team at Balmer Dawson were excellent to work with and we were delighted with the outcome of our search.”

Tara Doyle, Chairperson, spunout CLG

“Super team that helped us fill key roles in DEBRA, very personal service and excellency in delivery.”

Jimmy Fearon, Chief Executive Officer, DEBRA Ireland

I had an excellent experience working with Gilly & Zena. They took the time to understand the Society, it’s culture, and hiring needs, which made the whole process very smooth & efficient. Professional, responsive, and reliable throughout the process. I would highly recommend.

Elizabeth Smyth, Head of Fundraising, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (Ireland)

The Society of Jesus have used the services of Balmer Dawson to fill two senior roles in the Irish Province. Gilly and Zena take a personal interest in the process, from the initial scoping of the roles to final interview stage resulting in excellent appointments. Both have an excellent understanding of the not-for-profit sector. They take time to get a good understanding of your organisation and its culture. They oversaw a good advertising and search campaign, met with applicants and shortlisted a panel of excellent candidates. Their communication and support throughout the process was very reassuring.

I would strongly recommend Balmer Dawson and we see them as business partners rather than recruitment consultants.

Tom O'Brien, Finance Director, Society of Jesus

I have had the pleasure of working with Gilly and Zena on a couple of assignments and have been very impressed with both their approach and professionalism. They took the time to fully understand our requirements and the nuance of our organisation and delivered excellent candidates each time, ahead of our recruitment timeline. If you are looking to fill a specialised role within the charity sector, I highly recommend Balmer Dawson.

Paula Johnston, Executive Director, An Tairseach

We are a client of Balmer Dawson Executive Search. While their whole service is very impressive, it was their understanding of our organisation and our specific needs that really stood out. They took the time to learn our exact requirements which meant only the most suitable candidates were brought into the recruitment process. Their commitment to open communication at every phase ensured a highly effective partnership-driven approach to the project. I would highly recommend them for any recruitment work.

Garry Lyons, Property & Finance Manager, Congregation of the Holy Spirit