Desiree is a Principal at Johnson Partners, specialising in senior risk, compliance and audit appointments across financial services and professional services in Australia. She partners with boards and executive teams to appoint Chief Risk Officers, Chief Compliance Officers, Chief Audit Officers and senior leaders across enterprise, operational, credit and market risk, as well as financial crime, risk culture and assurance.

Her client base spans major banks, insurers, fintechs, advisory firms and ASX-listed organisations across financial services and other highly regulated sectors, typically operating in environments characterised by heightened regulatory scrutiny, transformation and increasing business complexity. Desiree is also heavily involved in the firm’s professional services practice, advising leading consulting and advisory organisations on the build-out of their risk, regulatory and financial crime capabilities.

She has a strong track record of delivering senior mandates, including many of the region’s leading CROs and compliance executives. Known for her depth in risk leadership markets, she brings a well-rounded perspective on both the technical and leadership requirements of these roles and regularly advises clients on succession planning and team design.

Desiree began her career in London with UBS and J.P. Morgan before moving into institutional equity sales in Sydney, providing her with a strong commercial lens when advising clients. She is recognised for her judgement, attention to detail and relationship-driven approach.

She holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Sydney and is a Director on the Board of the German International School Sydney.