Key won’t lack for offers — headhunter

The world is John Key’s oyster and the Prime Minister is likely to be inundated with job offers, says a recruitment expert.

Key said that after his resignation he was planning to spend time with his family.

But Ian Taylor, executive director at recruitment firm Sheffield, said that Key would have something up his sleeve.

“I’m sure he’ll have some things at the back of his mind, but he’ll be wanting to take some time and reflect. It’s good timing for him so he’s got the summer and autumn to think about things, but he will have options at every level.”

Taylor said Key’s former career in the financial services industry and as finance spokesman gave him a broad skillset that a number of companies would consider attractive.

“He would have a vast array of options open to him from governance in boards and chairmanships, not only locally but regionally and internationally, so that’s one possibility,” Taylor said.

“The other interesting thing is observing how popular and capable he is on the international stage, so it would seem logical that that’s one of his options as well, to continue to work internationally in political NGO not-for-profit organisations or ones focused on international finance.”

Key’s best asset for a future career was likely to be his extensive networks both in New Zealand and internationally, Taylor said.

“His network must be absolutely enormous not only in terms of who he can call up and have a conversation with, but also that he is so well respected and effective as a relationship broker and facilitator in tough times and across tough issues.”