HR consultancy Harrier Group appoints Zain Wadee as CEO

Perth-based human resources consultancy Harrier Group has appointed Zain Wadee as acting Group CEO. Leadership at the firm expressed that his appointment will bring stability at a time of crisis.

Wadee takes over from Group former CEO Kelly Quirk, who had been in the role since 2012. Wadee brings nearly two decades of professional experience to his new role, having held a number of senior leadership positions.

Alongside roles as Operations Director at Elan IT and Head of Sales at Adecco, Wadee also has considerable experience in the human capital sphere, having served as Managing Director at global HR outsourcing firm Pontoon Solutions, as well as Managing Director for the EMEA region at global talent solutions firm Randstad Sourceright.

Wadee joined Harrier Group subsidiary Harrier Talent Solutions in 2019 as Executive General Manager, and in the capacity, he managed a portfolio of recruitment process outsourcing solutions for the entire Australia practice. In his new role, he will work with the Harrier Group’s leadership team as well as leaders of the firm’s Sydney-based HR solutions practice Oceans Group to devise and implement the group strategy across Australia.

“Zain is an accomplished leader who exemplifies our values and shares our strong vision for the business. During these unprecedented times, Zain has brought stability and assurance to our people and we have been impressed by his passion and dedication to our customers. The Board looks forward to working with Zain as he continues to lead our talent solutions business and execute our broader group strategy,” said David Sourbutts, Harrier Group Chairman.

The present climate is not necessarily conducive for a vibrant recruitment market, with the significant anticipated economic losses driving many companies to put recruitment on hold. On the other hand, businesses will most likely be on the market for a comprehensive HR strategy, as they look to make the most of their new workforce structures.

As acting Group CEO, Wadee will be tasked with navigating the professional services firm through the crisis. “When I joined Harrier it was to work with a team that I believe is setting the standard for the provision of talent solutions across Australia and Asia Pacific. I feel incredibly honoured to be given the opportunity to lead that same team and work with them to cement Harrier’s reputation as Australia’s leading total talent business,” he said.