Articles and blogs on this topic, with new ones published every day.
The Monthly Recap - July
Dealmaking gathered pace, with private equity remaining a key force while real assets continued to attract strong interest. A wave of CEO appointments also signaled a changing of the guard bringing a new cohort of leaders in the spotlight.
Data Centres. They're Kind of a Big Deal.
Data Centres have evolved into one of the defining infrastructure investments in the AI era. But where are they going and will you need your scuba gear to get there?
The Monthly Recap - June
A few notable deals found the back of the net, with major real estate players like GPT Group, Stockland and Resimax at centre field, scoring key wins in a busy market. More than a few private equity firms are testing exits, seeing investment banks on the hunt for buyers as new sale processes hit the market.
AI: The new ‘Risk Revolution’ and what that means for teams and deals of the future…
AI is moving fast into banking risk systems and the industry is right to be both excited and cautious. Here’s why the conversation needs to happen now.
The Monthly Recap - May
It was a strong close to May in dealmaking, with two long-running transactions finally completed and a third set to be inked shortly.
Is AI taking your job? It depends
We're looking across the JMES specialisations to see where, how and when roles are being impacted by AI – focussing first on Executive Finance.
JMES and the growing need for bespoke hiring in Private Markets
Jon Michel on how JMES are working with our Private Market clients to solve their ever-evolving recruitment needs.
The Monthly Recap - March & April
Australia held up better than expected, supported by stronger GDP, a firmer Aussie dollar, and the strongest M&A Q1 since 2023.
Is Your Retirement Security at Risk?
Adam Taylor-Campbell wonders if by leveraging your superannuation, the government could actually be gambling with your future.
Rob Hockedy on why tried and tested is sometimes best
Experience comes at cost. So does a Coachella ticket. But nobody that attends leaves complaining. So who’s your headliner?
What’s happening 9,966 miles away?
As we head towards end of Q1 - some key takeaways from the US market on our monthly call with JMES Partner Ali Roger and JL Partner Frick Jones
The Monthly Recap - February
February was short on days and even shorter on momentum. Deal flow stayed relatively light, yet Eucalyptus delivered a standout moment for its VC backers and the sector.
The Monthly Recap - December & January
Dealmakers have entered 2026 with a decidedly positive outlook as pipelines build and confidence improves
The Monthly Recap - November
November saw a flurry of high-profile deals as firms raced to close the year strong, despite quieter overall volume. Private equity, investment banks, and private credit firms kept momentum going across sectors.
What’s happening 9,966 miles away?
Some key takeaways from the US market on our monthly call with JMES Partner Ali Roger and JL Partner Frick Jones.
The Monthly Recap - October
A flurry of deals is underway, with more set to close, offering a glimmer of momentum heading into the final stretch of the year.
Offshore Investing Experience Round Table
JMES continues its successful round table event series and recently had the pleasure of hosting our fourth session of 2025. At this most recent event we were joined by a group of Sydney based Private Capital investors who have recently returned, or relocated to the market, post time spent investing overseas.
The Monthly Recap - September
Q3 closed with plenty of cash on the sidelines but little action — like racers waiting for a starting pistol that never fired. Dealmaking remains stuck in neutral heading into Q4.
What's Happening 9,966 Miles Away?
Want to know what’s happening 9,966 miles away? We can tell you. JMES and our partner firm Jackson Lucas (JL) have been sharing insights on the Australian and US markets. JMES Partner Ali Roger and JL Partner Frick Jones shortened the considerable distance between Sydney and New York on a recent catch up.
The Monthly Recap – July & August
Despite policy uncertainty, major deals like CC Capital’s $3.3b Insignia bid and GemLife’s IPO went ahead. With Q3 underway, both M&A and debt markets reported a strong start to 2025.
The Monthly Recap - June
Private credit remains strong, but data centres are gaining significant traction driven by the AI boom. The IPO market is buzzing, with listing activity picking up, led by Virgin Australia’s much-anticipated ASX return, setting the tone for a (potentially) dynamic second half.
What are the real impacts of unsuccessful recruitment processes?
As we approach the end of the financial year, Daniel Yee considers the ongoing cost of badly managed recruitment processes in an uncertain market.
The Monthly Recap – May
May's markets remained watchful with participants treading carefully as the year continues to progress.
JMES FIG Round Table & Networking Event
Rob Hockedy hosted an engaging and insightful round table lunch and discussion at our Sydney office last week. The event brought together a select group of industry peers covering the FIG sector to discuss some of the key topics currently shaping the industry.
Australian Impact. How Our Entrepreneurs Are Making Their Mark
From the jaw-dropping beauty of the Great Barrier Reef to wildlife that’s as fascinating as it is fearsome (yes, some will kill you) - then there’s Vegemite that divides tastebuds, and the Hemsworth brothers who don’t - Australia has certainly made its presence known. Add to that the world’s oldest continuous living culture, and you’ve got a nation that blends ancient wisdom with modern wonder. With all this in mind, Jimmy dives into some of Australia’s most impressive breakthroughs - and the brilliant minds behind them.
The Monthly Recap - April
While M&A activity remained steady, the broader tone was cautious. Many believe that Australia will come out relatively unscathed but with the recent federal elections behind us, and rate cut expectations building, in a market this jittery, certainty feels like a luxury.
How Sports and Physical Activity Can Transform Your Workplace Culture
Rob Hockedy explains why the best way to build a winning team… is to play like one.
Why Speed Matters in Today’s Junior M&A Hiring Market
Lucy Stiff analyses junior M&A hires and why a quick process is a good process.
Recent JMES Placements
We have been busy across the JMES platform, check out some of our recent placements across a range of levels and industry segments.
The Monthly Recap - March 2025
M&A activity is on the rise, with more transactions this quarter than last. Private equity, backed by unspent capital, is eager to invest, and the ASX celebrated its second-largest trading day, with $20.3 billion worth of shares traded.
Are we entering a Bear Market?
Adam Taylor-Campbell asks are we looking at a bear market and if so what it means for hiring.
The Monthly Recap - February 2025
Data centres & AI continue to be the flavour of the month, with global indexes taking a hammering in the second half of the month as Trump tariffs take effect.
Results That Resonate: What Our Candidates Think
We recently shared some of the consistently positive client feedback we received for search processes across our funds, banking & advisory, C-suite and corporate specialisations. Experts in their respective fields, our JMES consulting team get similarly applauded by our candidates when we ask them to rank us on knowledge, communication and attitude. Here is just some of the feedback and commentary we got when we asked candidates about their experience with our consultants.
JMES Announcement
It is with great pleasure that we wish to announce some very exciting news for JMES.
The Monthly Recap - December & January
When (if) rates come down soon could we see the promised M&A rebound we have been waiting for?
Jon Michel considers the impact that international talent made on the Australian market in 2024 and how it might evolve into 2025
Will inbound international talent prove to be the ‘X’ factor in 2025 as it was in 2024? Discuss…
Michael Lee Celebrates 20 Years with JMES
The year is 2003: Pirates of the Caribbean, Finding Nemo and Kill Bill are dominating at the box office, Eminem, Beyoncé and Powderfinger are topping the charts and copies of Harry Potter and The Da Vinci Code are selling in the millions. 2003 also saw Michael Lee join the JMES team in Melbourne. We asked him to reflect back over his 20+ years with JMES. Here are his thoughts on recruitment, investing and the Melbourne market then and now.
Are you not placed?
Clients are a notoriously tough crowd to please, especially when they need a solution for a difficult or complex role. Here at JMES, some of our clients can be particularly discerning - and with this in mind we looked back at the client feedback we received across the year.
The Monthly Recap - November 2024
November has been dominated by news from the US Election as we all begin to ponder the impact Trump’s re-election will have on Australia’s state of play.
Daniel Yee on why the perception of perfection might not always be a positive.
In writing this piece, I am going to allow myself to make a statement that may read like a hot take, but I think is both true and important for those looking to meaningfully advance their career: the “Perfect” CV can be a Dangerous Thing (if you let it).
The Monthly Recap - October 2024
October has been a slight hangover from the large deals closing in September, but has plenty in the pipeline heading into the final two months of the year.
JMES & 100 Women In Finance
We were pleased to be part of the recent 100 Women In Finance Australia Driving Your Career event at the University of Sydney Business School.
Private Credit – from the inside – JMES talks to the Experts
With a lot of mixed commentary around Private Credit, Patrick Everest spoke to some of the market experts about the current state of this growing market – and where it could be headed. Find out who, where and how the Australian private credit market is being defined.
The Market Recap - September 2024
September kicked off with a bang reigniting optimism amongst the Investment Banks with a few deals continuing to close throughout the month.
The emergence of the origination function within Private Equity Funds.
Want to join the newest, coolest club in town?
The Monthly Recap – August
August saw some notable activity in the M&A and Private Equity sectors marked by a surge in deal cadence driven by a favourable economic landscape and gradually easing inflation pressure.
Adam Taylor-Campbell wonders why you might be awake in the middle of the night, and what to do about it
What keeps you up at night ?
The Monthly Recap - July 2024
As the new financial year kicks off, July has been a steady month for financial markets marked by a mix of optimism and caution.
Looking for a man in finance, six-five, blue eyes…
In a welcome break from discussions on global politics (Googling what is ‘brat’) or how unseasonably cold the weather is in Sydney whilst your colleague is sipping an Aperol in Italy, we are focussing our attention on an important topic of discussion and one that is at the forefront of every conversation with clients across the market. Diversity!
Communication & Expectations - An Exercise in Patience and Persistence
We are all busy – or say we are even when we aren’t. Two key words in managing life and work – including recruitment/search processes = Communication and Expectations
Jon Michel Reflects on Current Conversations Across Corporate Advisory, Funds and Beyond
So what are the hot topics being talked about behind closed doors, or more likely in the cafes and foyers of our Sydney CBD office blocks at the moment?
The Monthly Recap - June 2024
This month has been dominated with a mix of IPO news, private credit action and reinvigorated inflation fears.
The Monthly Recap - May 2024
May seemingly continued the momentum from March/April with deals chugging along despite another large deal, BHP and Anglo American, falling apart.
The Essentials of Private Equity Course
We recommend this comprehensive Private Equity course which has been prepared by Mark Richardson. He has an extensive track record in Private Equity having worked for Bain, joint founded Wolseley Private Equity and presented numerous courses on behalf of the AIC (Australian Investment Council). This course offers key insights into fund-raising, investment strategies, and value creation, ideal for executives, investors, and aspiring professionals.
The Monthly Recap - March & April
The past two months has certainly seen an uptick in potential deals, fundraising and the beginning of sale processes. There still however is a lack of large-ticket closes with BHP & AirTrunk providing some optimism for the back-end of 24.
Q1 Summary: What's Hot, What's Not
Jon Michel sums up what has been a successful first quarter of 2024 and what might lie ahead.
Masters of the Capital Raising Universe
Adam Taylor-Campbell on the complications of capital raising for funds and how best to overcome them.
Daniel Yee considers the job offer process and how well – or not so well – this goes can have a lasting impact.
The Monthly Recap - January & February
Private Equity firms sitting on assets are keen to sell and the banks are keen to get involved after last years’ 31% slump in dealmaking.
Private Equity – with a difference
• Are you currently sitting in the corporate development team or similar of a company? • Are you concerned with the lack of appetite or slow pace of the growth agenda you were promised? • Are you frustrated by the lack of career opportunities within your existing organisation? • Do you sense your compensation hasn’t kept pace with the market?
2024 Private Equity Hiring Market is Very Much Alive and Well
Despite the headwinds the industry faced in 2023 making deal completion challenging, the PE hiring market remained robust.
The Monthly Recap - November & December
The tough year has been highlighted with overall lower deal flow, near non-existent equity market activity and, more recently, multiple large transactions falling through.
Navigating the Unpredictable: How to Thrive Amid Organisational Changes
As we head towards the end of the year and the transformations this can bring, Rob Hockedy has some tips on how to best navigate change.
Champagne Taste with a Beer Budget
How do you attract the best talent when you don’t have the compensation budget?
Michael Lee reflects on the superannuation industry over the decades and where it might be leading to.
A forecast of $6.5 trillion in superannuation funds. Where is all our money going? More questions than answers!
The Monthly Recap - September
We’ve made it to Q4 of an interesting year for private & public markets. It has been much quieter in September following some large deals closing in August. Inflation has remained sticky, rates have remained increasing (albeit slowing) as we head into Q4.
Daniel Yee asks is too much choice actually no choice at all?
Find out why the seemingly endless number of options available might leave you not knowing where to go.
JMES Book of Recruitment Fables
Jon Michel having just finished The Lord of The Rings trilogy has been immersed in the wacky world of fables and folklore of late. It's come to our realisation that we at JMES have our own deep catalogue of recruitment fables we often get to draw upon and occasionally relive, save these are based on real life experiences (so technically not a fable) so here are a few unforgettables.
The Monthly Recap - August
With Lowe’s last rate decision on the horizon, solid inflation prints in the US and Australia, and the end of a long European & American summer, will we see a sharp pickup in deal activity?
Impact Investing (II) – your future career destination?
Jon Michel reflects on impact investing and how to build on it as a career.
How to get the best from your Recruitment/Search Partner - Exclusivity, Ownership & Accountability
JMES Partner, Patrick Everest offers some tips on how to best engage with your recruiter and get the most out of a hiring process – and why exclusivity is ideal.
Banking & Debt Capital – how H1 of 2023 washed up
The first half of 2023 has brought notable developments in the banking sector, particularly across project finance, with increasing emphasis on renewable energy and energy transition. JMES Debt Specialist Rob Hockedy runs through a quick recap of the market so far this year and takes a view on how the rest of the year will likely play out. A perfect read on whilst on your way to, your way back from, or whilst on holiday in Europe, soaking up the summer sun.
The Monthly Recap - July
Many firms have been successfully raising new capital, and hitting targets whilst M&A seems to have started its rebound with plenty in the news this month.
Another obstacle for the Superannuation Industry
Adam Taylor-Campbell reflects on the recent CP 511 changes and how it affects remuneration for the industry.
Client Feedback on Working with JMES
We’re glad to say that most, if not all, of our feedback is positive. However, we recently had some post-placement feedback from a client that was especially gratifying to receive.
The Monthly Recap - June
We’ve reached halfway through a quite turbulent year. Inflation seems to be slowing but deals are still quiet, with the worst first half since 2019.
Half time (well nearly) score regarding the Private Equity hiring market for 2023.
A little premature perhaps, but you can never accuse us of not being front of foot here at JMES. Whilst closed deal volume has been down and transactions continue to get drawn out, the hiring market has been as buoyant as ever, perhaps even at its most active for experienced, quality PE professionals.
The Monthly Recap - May
M&A remains quiet, and IPOs are near non-existent, but job cuts seem to have slowed
The Monthly Recap - April
Investment banks, however, continue to dominate headlines as they shed staff across the world with many joining the bandwagon as recession fears continue to delay the rebound in deal-making.
The Monthly Recap - March
March has been a month dominated by the collapse of Credit Suisse, Silicon Valley Bank, and the fear of more to come.
Debt Markets, Restructuring & Special Situations
The last couple of years has seen unprecedented levels of hiring in both debt and equity markets – across both banks and funds...
Bonus Predictions VS Reality
Get in touch with the JMES team if you’d like to know how you’ve fared against your peers.
The Great Resignation and The Australian IB Community
The “Great Resignation”, also known as the “Big Quit”, struck in early 2021 in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as workers voluntarily called time on their jobs.
The International Banks Are Back
Domestic banks remaining steady, consolidating businesses & shrinking/retreating from offshore locations
Analysts Today
Heading into a new year and a new round of hiring activity, Adam Taylor-Campbell reflects on investment banking Analysts today.
Happy 25th Anniversary – Jon Michel Executive Search
Back in the days when our logo had a pair of glasses which we lost somewhere along the way, and when we also used to send and receive CV’s by fax (yes, really).
The "Great New Year Resignation" has begun...
The post NY recruitment merry go round is about to well and truly kick off it seems.
Jon Michel considers the impact that international talent made on the Australian market in 2024 and how it might evolve into 2025
Adam Taylor-Campbell wonders why you might be awake in the middle of the night, and what to do about it
Daniel Yee considers the job offer process and how well – or not so well – this goes can have a lasting impact.
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