Gaines sets up advisory practice

Alison Gaines has established her own board advisory firm, leaving market leader Gerard Daniels after two years as chief executive. 

“There is room in the Australian market for a boutique board consulting practice,” she told Business News.

Her new firm Gaines Advisory will provide board search and governance services.

Ms Gaines said the increased use of third-party service providers in areas such as verification and testing made it easier to operate a boutique practice.

Ms Gaines said she was also looking to expand her portfolio of board positions, which include being president of the Australian Institute of Management WA, and a director of the College of Law Ltd and Tura New Music.

Gerard Daniels director Lloyd Smith said he and co-founder Michael McAnearney were leading the business.

“We have never stepped back, we have maintained our client relationships,” Mr Smith said.

Ms Gaines move comes shortly after that of Sally Langer, who led executive search and board advisory firm Derwent in Perth.

Ms Langer has since joined the boards of Saracen Mineral Holdings and Sandfire Resources.