As individuals, we’re some of the best in the business. Together, we have the key to something special.
Our founding team has over 60 combined years of experience, helping global businesses place elite talent in some of the most complex markets. Our reputations, networks, and insights are unparalleled, and our ability to deliver creative solutions for both our talents and clients is undisputed.
Specialists in placing senior roles in Japan and Asia, we help build up leadership teams of C-Suite and Functional Heads for leading organisations. Acting as your on-the-ground, in-the-know strategic partners, we can support you in critical times of market entry, evolution and transformation.
With offices in Tokyo and now Singapore, we have extended our focus to cover key markets such as Hong Kong, China, Singapore, and Southeast Asia, delivering tailored solutions across these dynamic markets.
Our beliefs
We combine our decades of experience and on-the-ground expertise to deliver creative talent solutions in complex markets.
- Collaboration – Having frank partnerships with our clients to deliver impactful solutions
- Insights first – Using our on-the-ground experience and inside knowledge to deliver results.
- Supporting scale – Utilising our network of alliance partners to help our clients scale across geographies and specialities
- Confidential – Operating exclusively and highly confidentially for our clients every step of the way.
Our Values
Our values describe who are are as people, how we approach what we do and want we want to be know for in the industry.
- Commitment – Committed to everything we do, with a track record of success that instils customer confidence in us
- Integrity – We provide reliable and honest support to our customers, enabling us to grow and enhance our professional networks as trusted networks
- Innovation – Our unique advisory approach allows our customers to choose the best-fitting solution for career or company
Meet the team
Neal Walters
Founder & CEO
Neal founded Key Consulting after an extensive career in Executive Search across Asia Pacific. With previous leadership roles in top-search firms in Asia that operated at a Global level. Neal specialises in Executive-level searches across C-Suite, Human Resources, Sales and Marketing arenas.
Originally from Canada, Neal has resided in Japan and Singapore for over 24 years and speaks fluent Japanese. Neal enjoys playing golf, ice hockey, good wine, and travelling in his free time.
Peter Smith
Partner, Founding Member
Peter started his Executive Search career in Asia back in 2007. Primarily focusing on the Japanese market, he has an extensive network and knowledge of the region. He spent the last 14 years setting up new recruitment desks for both established and boutique agencies and is passionate about supporting clients in their business transformation goals.
Peter has lived in Japan since 2004. In his spare time, he enjoys travelling and playing tennis.
Oscar Lundin
Partner, Founding Member
Oscar began his recruitment career in Tokyo in 2006 and specialized in the HR arena. His assignments have spanned from high-end C-Suite placements to building entire HR departments through contingency search. Prior to joining Key Consulting, he managed the HR and Corporate Services team for a large scale recruitment agency in Tokyo.
Oscar loves to spend time with his friends and family in the great outdoors in his spare time.
Nick Steinkamp
Consultant
With a background in recruitment and sales experience spanning over 20 years, Nick has joined Key Consulting to help grow the reach of the organisation within the APAC region. Having been the top performer in multiple sales roles, he brings the same drive to provide the best possible client service and support to the Executive Search field.
Nick currently resides in Tokyo, Japan with his family. He is passionate about being a father and husband and enjoys spending his free time making music and playing guitar with his wife.
Ian Wright
Director, Healthcare & Life Sciences
Ian Wright, with extensive experience in Healthcare and Life Sciences recruitment, excels at placing top-tier executives to drive organisational growth. At Key Consulting, he utilises his strategic insight and industry knowledge to match leadership talent with critical roles, ensuring lasting success.
Ian resides in Tokyo and is known for his strategic acumen and extensive network.
Christian Scherer
Director, Contract & Temp Management Solutions
Chris joined Key Consulting after a successful 9-year career in Contract and Temp recruitment in Japan, specialising in bridging talent gaps across Finance, HR, C-Suite, and Marketing & Sales. He has a strong track record of helping businesses find the right interim talent to drive growth and stability.
Originally from Germany, Chris moved to Japan in 2015 after earning his degree in Industrial Engineering. He has also lived in New York, working for Mercedes-Benz. Outside of work, Chris enjoys health and fitness, travelling, movies, and exploring the latest technology.
Dominic Murphy
Director, APAC Region
Dominic joined Key Consulting after a successful career spanning HR and Executive Search. With a passion for People & Culture, he has dedicated himself to helping businesses unlock their full potential since earning his MSc in HR Management in 2012. Most recently, he has worked as an HRBP for North Asia with a British multinational.
Based in Singapore, Dominic is excited to continue his Executive Search journey with Key Consulting focused on HR and Finance & Accounting, while at the same time being an ambassador to our Life Sciences practice. Outside of work, he champions DE&I and has led multiple regional initiatives to foster equitable, inclusive workplaces.