Employment Hero names new APAC MD

Marking an evolution in its regional operating model, the Australian HR tech start-up has welcomed a new managing director to spearhead its operations across Australia, New Zealand, and south-east Asia.

Employment Hero has promoted James Keene (pictured) to managing director of the company’s Asia-Pacific operations to drive execution across Australia, New Zealand, and south-east Asia, as Employment Hero co-founder and chief executive Ben Thompson will continue leading the business globally.

Keene joined start-up Employment Hero in April 2015 as a business development manager and has since climbed the ranks, moving into five further positions before he departed from his role as general manager of revenue for ANZ in February this year.

In his previous role as general manager of revenue for ANZ, Keene helped accelerate growth and strengthen the foundations required to scale the business’s operations.

Before joining Employment Hero over a decade ago, Keene served at professional recruitment consultancy firm Michael Page International, leaving his final role with the firm as team lead in March 2015.

Employment Hero said Keene’s appointment emphasises the company’s investment in its home country and most established market, Australia, and expansion across New Zealand and south-east Asia.

With over a decade of experience leading commercial teams, Keene’s role will entail executing strategy across go-to-market, customer experience, product adoption, and team performance.

“James is a trusted leader who understands what it takes to scale responsibly while staying anchored to our mission. He will help ensure APAC continues to lead from the front,” Thompson said.

In a statement, Employment Hero said: “Keene has been both a commercial and cultural leader across the region, driving an environment where innovation and customer impact are the sharp focus.”

Keene said: “My focus is on keeping our teams aligned, moving with pace and purpose, and continuing to make employment easier and more valuable for everyone.”