Melissa Shaw, Managing Partner
Melissa has been operating in the property industry since 2000. As the former CEO of Capstone and Director at Judd Farris, Melissa has a wealth of mature and expansive networks across Australasia. She has worked extensively with Boards, CEO’s and leadership teams to support, identify and transition talent to become industry leaders.
Melissa has a degree in Economics and Human Resources from the University of Sydney and has completed the AICD board course. She was a founding member of the Property Council of Australia Diversity and Inclusion committee.
Katie Adamo, General Manager
Katie is a market-leading talent search specialist in the property sector and has worked in our field for more than 25 years managing businesses and working in markets including Asia Pacific, Europe and the UK. She is a graduate of Land Economics from the University of Western Sydney (1995) and practised as a Property Valuer before becoming an early mover in the property recruitment sector in Australia.
Katie pioneered the brand Judd Farris, growing it to Australia’s most prominent property recruitment firm. Many of our leaders today were placed by Katie in their careers.
Now serving as General Manager of Avenue Executive, Katie leverages her extensive network and deep industry knowledge to connect premier talent with exceptional opportunities. Her reputation is built on her commitment to integrity, remarkable leadership abilities, and an innate talent for understanding clients’ needs and candidates’ potential.
Amanda Nelson-Clark, Director
Amanda is a dynamic and results-driven professional with a strong track record in Property and Construction Recruitment. With 18 years of experience, she has demonstrated expertise in hundreds of key appointments across the Asia Pacific region.
Renowned for her exceptional ability to foster connections and identify high- performing talent, Amanda has consistently demonstrated a knack for implementing innovative solutions. Her particular strength lies in supporting businesses undergoing transformative growth and change.
Her strategic thinking and unwavering commitment to excellence have consistently led to the development of successful leadership teams across the Asia Pacific region.
Dianne Casson, Director
Dianne has over 20 years’ experience in executive search, human resources leadership and consulting, mentoring and coaching. Most recently, as Head of People and Culture at Housing Australia and part of the leadership team, she played a key role in the organisation’s growth, including the recruitment of over 150 professional staff. Previously she was a partner at Johnson Partners, Head of HR at Meriton, and held senior executive roles in Talent2 and Hudson, which were two of Australia’s leading executive recruitment and HR consulting companies.
Her experience includes hundreds of senior leadership searches in property development and investment, funds management, property finance, infrastructure and construction, as well as organisation reviews and advising on strategic people and culture matters.
Dianne’s qualifications include MBA (UTS), Australian Institute of Company Directors (GAICD), certified organisational coach (IECL), certified HR professional (CAHRI, CPHR), Oxford/Said Leadership and Executive Strategy programs, and Mediation Institute certificate of training.
Alessi Ilief, Principal Consultant
Alessi is a Sydney-based search professional with close to a decade of experience across the property industry. Her primary focus spans development, asset management, capital transactions, and investment roles along the Eastern Seaboard, where she has built deep expertise and trusted relationships.
Passionate about the property sector and the calibre of professionals within it, Alessi thrives on building meaningful connections.
She’s known for her honest, transparent, and personable approach—qualities that have earned her the trust of both clients and candidates alike. With a deep understanding of the industry, she takes pride in identifying strategic, high-impact matches that drive long-term success for individuals and businesses.
Alessi holds a degree in Media and Communications from the University of New South Wales and began her career with the Nine Network. Deeply engaged in the industry, she is currently serving her second year on the Property Council of Australia’s Academy Committee.
We’d love to assist with your senior appointments in the property, construction, infrastructure and data centre industries. To discuss, send us a message or call 0412 777 880
