Stephen Johnston

Steve is a seasoned leadership advisor and executive coach with a distinguished track record in CEO and senior executive succession planning. He has led numerous high-profile projects for ASX-listed companies and large private organisations, offering strategic counsel to Board members while fostering deep development work with executives.

With extensive experience in high-touch executive evaluations, Steve has conducted hundreds of in-depth assessments at senior levels. He collaborates closely with clients and executives to craft tailored, high-impact development plans that drive leadership excellence.

An expert in team dynamics, he has worked with numerous senior leadership teams to enhance trust, communication, and effectiveness. His facilitation of large-scale, long-term leadership development programs has empowered organisations to cultivate resilient, high-performing teams.

Recognised as a trusted advisor to many of Australia’s leading executives, Steve is known for his relationship-oriented approach, strategic mindset, and provocative yet reliable guidance. His expertise spans CEO succession, team effectiveness, leadership development, high-potential talent cultivation, and executive coaching.

Since joining Korn Ferry as a Partner in 2006, he has played a pivotal role in shaping leadership and talent strategies, competency modelling, and organisational development. A skilled public speaker and published author in leadership and culture, Steve brings both insight and influence to his field.

Before joining Korn Ferry, Steve held senior management positions in media, entertainment, and FMCG sectors, including CEO of Video Ezy and Managing Director of Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Across his 20-year tenure in these industries, he honed his expertise in leadership, business strategy, and organisational growth.

His academic credentials include a Bachelor of Business (Accounting) from Monash University, an MBA from Macquarie University, and a Graduate Diploma in Coaching Psychology from Sydney University. He is also a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD). In 2007, he published his first book, What Do You Do for a Living? through Hardie Grant Publishers.