Meet Our Team
Director - Sarah Connell
Sarah founded Ageing Workforce Experts in 2002 when she felt that there was a huge gap in the industry to find solutions that work towards closing the gap between baby boomers and millennials. Sarah has worked in Human Resources for 20 years and has loved every second of it. Sarah holds a PHD in Human Resource Management where she researched the ageing workforce and impacts of the ageing workforce in New Zealand. Throughout her career she has held management positions at branch level and in sales. Sarahs decision to direct Ageing Workforce Experts in 2002 was driven by her desire to run a company which reflected her business values. Sarah's client service philosophy revolves around knowing her customers’ businesses intimately and striving for operational excellence with a personal, responsive touch.
Recruitment Agent - Joseph Smythen
Joseph has been the recruitment consultant in the Ageing Experts Team since 2014. Joseph is familiar with volume candidate sourcing and placement. A previous role with the council in London assisting with contact centre recruits, allowed him to experience the challenges and rewards that volume recruitment can provide. Joseph has a unique understanding of both sides of the recruitment process and he tries to bring that empathy and awareness to every interaction.
Living and working around the world since 2005 hasn’t done much to dull that American twang of his – I’m sure you will hear it when you chat with him!
Planning Agent - Susan Rowlands
Susan;s background encompasses internal and external recruitment services. As she’s worked ‘on the inside’ as well as agencies, Susan knows how an external partner can really add value to a business. She has worked across some of New Zealand’s largest commercial and government entities and enjoys solving her clients’ challenges when faced with ageing employees; responding quickly to assist in delivering plans of action to help minimise effects of situations.
She is well tuned to the market, connects with candidates, and is relied on to provide honest advice, as well as market insights, to her clients and candidates.
Selection Agent- Neil Fernendez
Niel has been working in Recruitment for the last 25 years and during that time hehas worked for several National companies in both Auckland, Nelson and Wellington. Niel first started doing Recruitment in South Africa as a Branch Manager and after several years he was transferred to Auckland to manage a branch there as well.
During his time in South Africa worked in both many different forms of recruitment and also spent time getting candidates into apprenticeships.
His passion for this industry comes from the satisfaction of getting the right person for the right job and seeing that person grow in the roles.