HR job moves from MetaBank, AXA, SEEK Asia, and more

Senior appointments in the world of financial services, recruitment, and more.

Here are the major promotions and job moves in the world of HR.

If you’ve been promoted or if you’ve moved to a new company, send us your profile and photo and we will announce your news here – just email priyas@humanresourcesonline.net.

MetaBank names Kia Tang as Chief People and Inclusion Officer

MetaBank, a financial enablement provider, has appointed Kia Tang as Chief People and Inclusion Officer, effective 15 March 2021.

In this role, Kia will oversee the People & Culture function, and lead enterprise-level diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), where she will take charge of MetaBank's initiatives to further integrate DEI into the company culture, programmes, and solutions. Additionally, Kia will drive the alignment of the firm's workplace strategy across both physical and remote locations, and lead and oversee facilities and administration. 

She will report to Brad Hanson, Co-President and CEO of MetaBank.

Most recently, Kia served as a principal at Heidrick & Struggles. She has also worked at Glocap Search, Deutsche Bank, Harvard Capital Management, and her own startup venture in the video game industry.  

On this new role, Kia commented: "I have seen first-hand the transformational benefits diversity and inclusion can have in unlocking the full potential of an organisation. MetaBank supports those who are often overlooked by the financial system, and I am proud to help build a diverse and inspired culture that is representative of that mission."

Hanson added: "The combination of Kia's skillset and the expanded role of Chief People and Inclusion Officer marks an important point in MetaBank's history and mission to support financial inclusion for all.”

SEEK Asia appoints new COO, and Head of Unification and Transformation

Effective 19 March 2021, SEEK Asia, has announced the appointment of Lewis Ng as Chief Operating Officer, and Isaac Shao as Head of Unification and Transformation, Asia. In his new role as COO, Ng will be responsible for driving sales growth acceleration and revenue streams in all the markets SEEK Asia operates in, while ensuring world-class customer experience.

Ng comes with a 20-year career in various leadership positions in digital companies. Most recently, he held the position of Chief Commercial Officer in Carousell. He has also worked at PropertyGuru, Tripadvisor, NewCorp’s digital arm (News Digital), and Apple.

“Lewis’ appointment is testament to our commitment to be the best career platform in Asia. He brings with him a fresh set of eyes, practical APAC-wide marketplace experience, while bolstering our leadership rank with deep digital experience,” said Peter Bithos, Chief Executive Officer, Asia for SEEK. ”

Complementing Lewis’ appointment is the promotion of Isaac Shao, to the position of Head of Unification and Transformation, Asia. Shao was previously the CEO for JobsDB Hong Kong, the company’s largest and best performing market in Asia. 

In his new role, he will be the Asia’s main point of contact in supporting SEEK’s APAC Unification, ensuring seamless migration of platforms and transforming its business process, and connecting with all key stakeholders in both APAC and ANZ.

Commenting on this promotion, Peter said: “TIsaac is extremely digital-savvy, both with us, and over his whole career. He has achieved success with countless on-ground innovations, partnerships, and digital growth initiatives.”

Prior to SEEK Asia, Isaac founded and ran his own startup, besides serving in Google, where he ran online sales and operations for Hong Kong. He also earned the Distinguished Salesperson Award through the programme sponsored by The Hong Kong Management Association.

George Stansfield takes on HR portfolio at AXA, in Deputy CEO role

George Stansfield, Deputy CEO and Group General Secretary at AXA. He will be in charge of legal, HR, audit, compliance, and public affairs, and will also oversee the communication, brand and sustainability portfolios.

Prior to joining AXA’s Group Legal Department in Paris in 1996, George practised law for 11 years in New York City where he was a corporate attorney in the Legal Department of AXA Equitable. He held a series of leadership roles, including Head of Group Human Resources, Group General Counsel, Group General Secretary, and Deputy Chief Executive Officer. 

Apart from George's new role, AXA also announced a series of senior leadership changes as part of its Driving Progress 2023 plan.  

Alex Martin joins SeeMeCV as VP of Sales

SeeMeCV, a SaaS-based HR Technology platform, has brought on Alex Martin to the role of VP of Sales. Alex is a seasoned recruiter with over 10 years of recruitment experience, coupled with passion and knowledge regarding candidate experience and technology enabled recruitment solutions. 

Talking about his new role, Alex said: "Over the last 11 years of working in the sphere of HR, both in global mobility and recruitment, I’ve been fascinated by how technology has continued to reshape and enhance how we engage talent. COVID-19, for all it’s challenges, has demonstrated the power of technology within this space.

"I’m so excited to be beginning my journey with a business like SeeMeCV. This is a business that’s been powering bespoke virtual recruitment solutions for over 15 years’ and has a clear vision for the future of this dynamic space. I am truly thrilled to be taking on this opportunity as the VP of Sales, and making it my personal mission to support the expansion of this rapidly growing business."

Kate Williams leaves Hmlet to set up HR and recruitment platform

Kate Williams, most recently VP, People Operations, and interim Director, Sales at Hmlet, has launched her own platform. Known as cultivate, the platform is an HR and recruitment partner for tech companies in APAC.

On this move, Kate shared: "I spent 18 months scaling Hmlet, building the PeopleOps team from the ground up, and leading the company through COVID. As I would speak with my industry peers, I saw a real need and a gap in the market for an agency providing a solution fit-for-purpose for founders and leaders in the growth stage tech sector.

cultivate works jointly with growing tech companies to provide people, culture and performance consulting services, HR outsourcing and specialist recruitment.

Lead photo images / Provided [Pictured from L-R: George Stansfield, Alex Martin, Kate Williams, Isaac Shao, Lewis Ng, Kia Tang]

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