David Evans Honored for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access (IDEA) Impact

Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants IDEA Award presented to Watermark Search International Managing Partner  

The Association of Executive Search and Leadership Consultants (AESC) recognized David Evans, Watermark Search International Managing Partner, with the AESC IDEA Award for his commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access (IDEA).

Over his career in executive search and leadership consulting, David has remained steadfast in his dedication to the principles of IDEA. David has developed and released the annual Watermark Search International Board Diversity Index, which has been published for ten years. It reports on progress towards diversity and inclusion on the boards of ASX300 listed companies, and inspires both reflection and action by Australia’s corporate Boards. 

This report is the only comprehensive analysis of Australian boards that measures diversity well beyond the conventional dimension of gender. It puts five types of diversity in the ASX300 under the microscope, including Gender, Cultural Background, Skills/Experience, Age, Tenure, and Independence. For the last two years, the report has also analysed First Nations, LGBTQ+, Disability, and Socioeconomic Background. By examining more types of diversity each year, it encourages boards and organisations to embrace diversity in all of its types and to include all people. 

“What sets the Watermark Board Diversity Index apart is its breadth of data, which enables David and his team to offer analysis of the current state of diversity in corporate Australia,” said Football NSW Chairman Gilbert Lorquet. “This comprehensive approach not only highlights under-representation of many groups but also gives advice for future progress. With over 5000 views in the past three years alone, the Index has become a resource for stakeholders seeking to advance diversity and inclusion.” 

The Board Diversity Index's breadth of data allows Watermark and David to share meaningful analysis of where corporate Australia currently stands on diversity, where diversity is trending and what else needs to be done.  

“The Index encourages organisations to evaluate their board compositions,” said Jacinta Whelan, Watermark Search International Lead Partner – Melbourne. “By highlighting gaps and opportunities, it empowers companies to take steps toward greater diversity. When boards embrace inclusivity, it sets a powerful example for the entire organisation.” 

“As a board member, I have witnessed the impact of David’s work on promoting diversity and inclusion within corporate Australia,” said Standards Australia Chair Tracey Gramlick. “Through the analysis of various types of diversity, including gender, cultural background, skills/experience, age, tenure, independence, and more recently, First Nations, LGBTQ+, disability, and socioeconomic background, the Board Diversity Index has sparked conversations and promoted meaningful changes. The impact of David's efforts is deep in the market, which we can see through the distribution of the Board Diversity Index findings in various news stories and articles.” 

As Managing Partner, David is responsible for the leadership, strategy and direction of Watermark Search International. Whilst leading the firm, David also conducts executive searches and personally focuses on building and shaping leadership teams to grow businesses, appointing Non-Executive Directors and CEOs. 

Karen Greenbaum, AESC CEO, commented: "AESC members play a critical role in the professionalism of Boards around the world.  Australia is known for its strong commitment to corporate governance and David and the entire Watermark organization have elevated this commitment through their focus on diversity and equity in the boardroom. This report helps to broaden how corporate boards in Australia view diversity while driving important conversations about representation, fairness, and belonging. David is fully deserving of this meaningful recognition.”      

About the AESC IDEA Award   

The AESC IDEA Award was established in 2020 to support the goals of the AESC Diversity Pledge, signed by more than 100 CEOs of leading executive search and leadership consulting firms. The award recognizes initiatives within the executive search and leadership consulting profession that demonstrate an exemplary commitment to inclusion, diversity, equity and access. These initiatives must be of sufficient significance and external impact to be recognized as excellent by the profession.  

About AESC 

Since 1959, AESC has set the quality standards for the executive search and leadership consulting profession. AESC Members represent 16,000+ trusted professionals in 1,200+ offices, spanning 70+ countries. AESC Members are recognized experts providing consulting services in the areas of leaders, teams and culture to the world’s leading organizations. They leverage their access and expertise to place more than 100,000 executives each year in board of directors and C-level positions across industry sectors. Dedicated to strengthening leadership together, AESC and its members share a deep commitment to the highest quality standards in executive search and leadership consulting—for the benefit of clients and the profession. We Shape. Connect. Educate. Innovate. Learn more about us at aesc.org. For AESC’s career services, visit bluesteps.com.