Australian workforce solutions company PeopleIN has announced the appointment of co-founder Tom Reardon as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, with the leadership transition scheduled to take effect on 17 April 2026.
Reardon will succeed Ross Thompson, who is stepping down from the role to pursue an overseas opportunity. The move forms part of what the company describes as a planned succession process aimed at maintaining continuity in the organisation’s long-term growth strategy.
A founder returns to the top role
Reardon is no stranger to the business. As a co-founder and more than 30-year veteran of the recruitment and labour hire sector, he has played a central role in shaping the company since its early years.
Within the group, Reardon has been closely associated with the expansion of the Engineering, Trades and Labour division — widely considered one of the company’s strongest performing segments. The board believes his operational experience and understanding of the organisation make him well placed to lead the next stage of growth.
Speaking about the appointment, Reardon said he was honoured by the board’s confidence and intends to build on the strategic transformation already underway within the business.
“I look forward to building on the strategic transformation initiated by Ross and continuing to improve outcomes for our staff, candidates, clients and shareholders.”
Leadership transition during a period of change
Outgoing CEO Thompson joined the company in 2021 and has overseen a period of organisational restructuring and strategic consolidation.
During his tenure, the company transitioned from a collection of acquired staffing brands into a more focused workforce solutions platform operating across multiple sectors including construction, agriculture, food services, defence and professional services.
Chair Glen Richards noted that the appointment was the result of a deliberate succession plan designed to maintain strategic momentum.
The company’s broader ambition is to position itself as one of the largest and most efficient recruitment and workforce solutions providers in Australia, with expansion across key sectors where labour demand remains strong.
Financial backdrop
The leadership announcement came alongside a preview of the company’s first-half FY26 performance, with preliminary figures indicating normalised EBITDA of approximately $16.1 million and a relatively low net debt ratio of 0.5 times earnings.
A strong balance sheet is expected to provide the incoming CEO with flexibility to pursue further growth initiatives as the company continues to expand its workforce services across Australia and New Zealand.
What it means for the recruitment sector
Leadership changes at large workforce groups often signal shifts in strategic direction, particularly in a sector undergoing structural changes driven by labour shortages, compliance requirements and increasing demand for specialised staffing.
However, the appointment of an internal candidate – and a co-founder at that – suggests a strong emphasis on continuity rather than disruption.
For the recruitment industry, the move reinforces a broader trend among major staffing firms: leadership stability and internal succession planning are increasingly viewed as critical to maintaining client relationships and operational momentum in highly competitive labour markets.
With Reardon stepping into the CEO role, industry watchers will be looking closely at how the company executes its next phase of growth – particularly in high-demand sectors such as construction, defence and agriculture where workforce supply remains tight.
