The ITAs are judged by top TA pros, past winners, and industry experts. Five impartial judges score each nomination, with the winner revealed at the Gala. No judge evaluates a category they’re affiliated with.
Let's Meet Our Judges
Regional Director APAC – Smart Recruiters – MAJOR SPONSOR
Rich’s work rarely feels like a job because he’s passionate about people, process, technology, and transformation in talent. With 15 years in HR and recruitment, he’s worked with organisations of all sizes, driving change and digital transformation in talent acquisition. His passion for technology fuels his drive to embrace AI, machine learning, and automation to enhance experiences, efficiency, and results. Excited by the “Future of Work,” Rich is committed to exploring how emerging technologies can shape a more innovative and effective workforce. He thrives on helping businesses navigate these changes for long-term success.
Founder and Managing Director – TQ Solutions
Gareth, based in Melbourne, is the Managing Director of TQSolutions, a leading consulting firm tackling talent and workforce challenges. He co-founded The Career Conversation, a micro-learning business enhancing human skills for early-career professionals. At TQSolutions, he advises enterprises on talent strategy, operating models, and HR technology. Passionate about the full talent lifecycle—from attraction to retention—he champions a shift in corporate thinking, encouraging leaders to become ‘talent makers’ rather than ‘talent takers.’ His vision is a world where businesses embrace high-value talent engagement and mobility, driving meaningful workforce transformation.
General Manager – ATC Events & Media
Jo works with the talent community to improve the way that everyday people are hired, a flow on effect that impacts most of the working population of Australia.
Jo explores talent and workforce trends around the world, reviews and share in-house talent stories and help to launch new Talent Tech Start-ups as part of her work as Curator and Host of the Australasian Talent Conference.
Her journey through Recruitment, Learning & Development, Career Coaching, Psychometrics to Talent Events began in 1998 but it is the challenges and opportunities of today’s market and workforce that has never been more exciting.
Lifetime Achievement Award Winner (ITAs 2022), Founder – ATC Events & Media
Trevor Vas is a seasoned professional in talent acquisition and recruitment, with extensive experience in the industry. He is the Managing Director of Trevor Vas Consulting, where he provides strategic guidance to organizations on talent management and acquisition. Additionally, Trevor is the founder of the Australasian Talent Conference (ATC), a platform dedicated to advancing recruitment and talent management practices in the region. His expertise lies in helping organizations optimize their recruitment processes and adopt innovative talent strategies. Trevor is passionate about fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing within the talent community.
Co-Founder & Director, iStem Co
Dr. Morley Muse is a Chemical, Environmental, and Renewable Energy Engineer with extensive expertise in engineering consulting, research, policy, strategy, governance, and STEM recruitment. She co-founded iSTEM Co., a research, consulting, and talent-sourcing company promoting employment for women in STEM. A recognised leader in diversity and inclusion, Dr. Muse has served on multiple advisory boards, including Women in STEMM Australia and Science & Technology Australia. An award-winning entrepreneur and industry advocate, she brings deep expertise in talent, innovation, and equity to the ITAs judging panel, championing excellence in internal talent acquisition.
General Manager- TQ Solutions
William Innes is a seasoned engineer and project management consultant with extensive international experience across Australia, Canada, the Caribbean, and the UK. He has contributed to large-scale projects in sectors such as oil and gas, renewables, rail, and road infrastructure, including notable involvement in London’s HS2 and Crossrail initiatives.Holding a Bachelor of Science in Geomatics with Honours, William is passionate about advancing the construction industry through data and technology, fostering team collaboration, and continuous learning. Outside of his professional endeavors, he has earned an international rugby cap, is learning French, and plays guitar in a local band.
CEO – Employer Branding Australia
Mark Puncher is a Dad, a CEO and a big fan of gin. He’s spent much of the last 22 years with one hand in marketing, the other in talent attraction and engagement, and both feet in leadership. He has run marketing or employer branding operations in the APAC and the UK for organisations including Guardian News & Media, DMGT Group and Hanson Wade. Mark lives and breathes employer branding, employee experience and culture shaping. When he isn’t doing that, his current hobbies include 5am dance offs, organising playdates and trying to find food his kids will eat. He also has strong beliefs about the importance of wine.
Founder & CEO – The Black Diamond & The Human Collaborative
Sue Howse is the founder and CEO of The Human Collaborative and Black Diamond, with over 25 years of global experience in human resources, talent strategy, and workforce solutions. A leader in executive coaching, business optimisation, and talent advisory, she is passionate about unlocking potential and driving organisational performance. Sue specialises in workforce planning, talent operations, employer branding, and leadership development, helping businesses navigate the complexities of modern workplaces. With deep expertise in talent transformation and strategy, she brings valuable insights to the ITAs judging panel, celebrating excellence in internal talent acquisition.
Head of Talent – Movember
Edan Haddock is a distinguished HR leader, celebrated for his innovative contributions to the Talent Acquisition and Recruitment sectors. As the Head of Talent (Global) at Movember, Edan plays a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s talent strategies on an international scale. In 2021, Edan founded the Rubberband Network, a supportive community designed for professionals within the Talent and Recruitment industry. Rubberband began as a platform to offer mental health support and career guidance to industry peers. It has since evolved into a vibrant community, fostering connections, and providing a safe space for professionals to seek assistance and share experiences
Passionate about showcasing the Australian Talent Industry on the global stage, Edan continues to influence and innovate within the HR community, advocating for mental health support and the importance of creativity in the workplace.
Event Director – Auckland Recruitment Meetup
Andy Talbutt is a seasoned IT and data recruitment professional with over 20 years of experience connecting top technical talent with leading organisations across New Zealand. As a Senior Client Manager at Lexel Resourcing, he specialises in recruiting for software development, infrastructure, data science, business analysis, and IT leadership roles. Passionate about industry collaboration, Andy also organises the Auckland Recruitment Meetup, fostering innovation and best practices in recruitment. With a deep understanding of IT and data-driven hiring strategies, he brings valuable insights to the ITAs judging panel, recognising excellence in internal talent acquisition.
Managing Director – Hills Consulting HRS
Rachel Hill is a highly experienced executive and thought leader with over 30 years in recruitment, talent acquisition strategy, and process improvement. As Managing Director of Hill Consulting HRS, she helps organisations enhance their TA capability, recruitment strategy, and hiring processes. She also founded The Recruitment Skills Academy, providing training to uplift TA, HR, and hiring manager capability. Passionate about recruitment efficiency, candidate experience, and D&I, Rachel partners with businesses undergoing transformation, offering advisory services and strategic insights. With deep expertise in TA optimisation, she brings invaluable knowledge to the ITAs judging panel.
Founder – Elev8
Chris Long is a workforce strategy, technology, and operations expert with over two decades of experience in workforce management, HR technology, and operational enablement. As the founder of Elev8, he provides advisory services in workforce strategy, planning, analytics, talent management, and HR tech optimisation. With a track record of leading large-scale HR transformations, Chris specialises in aligning HR functions with business objectives to drive agility and growth. Passionate about workforce optimisation and analytics, he brings a strategic yet practical approach to the ITAs judging panel, recognising excellence in internal talent acquisition.
Senior Talent Attraction & Mobility Manager – Australia Post
Kate Boniface is a passionate people leader, currently shaping the future workforce at Australia Post Group, with a focus on Network Operations. With deep expertise in talent acquisition transformation, DEI hiring strategies, TA tech optimisation, and process excellence, she has led both internal and agency recruitment across early careers, experienced hires, and executive search. Kate has successfully implemented RPO models, internal and global mobility programs, and alternative delivery models. A champion of innovation in talent strategy, she brings her expertise in workforce transformation to the ITAs judging panel.
Founder – Scalr & The Melbourne Talent Meetup
Matt Woodard is a distinguished talent leader with over 15 years of experience in talent acquisition and management. As the founder and co-organizer of the Melbourne Talent Meetup, he has cultivated a vibrant community for talent professionals to network and share insights. Throughout his career, Matt has demonstrated a commitment to innovation and excellence in recruitment strategies, contributing significantly to the growth and success of organizations. His leadership and dedication to fostering collaboration within the talent community have solidified his reputation as a key influencer in Melbourne’s talent landscape.
Director, Enterprise & Government – Indeed
Ryan Montgomery is a passionate leader focused on driving business growth, building high performing teams and creating real impact for employers and job seekers. As Director of Enterprise & Government at Indeed Australia & New Zealand, he leads enterprise account management, new business, and government partnerships. With a background in fintech and aviation, Ryan thrives on coaching, strategy and turning challenges into opportunities
Founder & CEO – VideoMyJob
David Macciocca is the Founder and CEO of VideoMyJob, the world’s fastest-growing Employer Brand and Recruitment Marketing technology startup. Passionate about connecting talent with brands, David’s innovative video platform empowers organisations in 50+ countries to attract and engage the right people through authentic, story-driven content. With deep expertise in employer branding, recruitment marketing, and startup leadership, David is a champion for transforming the way companies connect with talent. A leader in the TA tech space, he brings his passion for innovation and high-performing teams to the ITAs judging panel.
Head of Talent – MUFG Retirement Services
Jamie Holder is passionate about talent and the impact it has on people’s success. With experience across local startups, global agencies, internal TA, and RPO, Jamie has led teams across Australia, New Zealand, India, and Indonesia while recruiting executive roles across APAC. Currently, Jamie oversees Talent Acquisition, Succession Planning, internal capability building, career pathway programs, and EVP & Employer Branding. With a deep understanding of both local and global talent landscapes, Jamie brings valuable expertise to the judging panel, ensuring the ITAs continue to recognise and celebrate excellence in internal talent acquisition
Co-founder – Therefore Talent
Nicola is a highly regarded internal talent executive known for driving transformation and innovation across HR, Talent, Contingent Labour, Technology, and Service Design. She has led significant initiatives, including RMIT’s Future of Work research and Monash Talent’s digitisation and marketplace build. Through her work at Therefore Talent, Nicola supports CPOs in navigating technology and AI decisions within the broader context of people strategies and workforce design. Passionate about purposeful talent and inclusive, equitable, and sustainable workplaces, Nicola is committed to solving real organisational challenges by aligning the right people strategies with the most effective technologies.
Co-founder & CEO – Roi-AI
Chris South is the founder of ROI-AI, a SaaS business helping teams automate and optimise their recruitment marketing. After successfully building and exiting an international subscription-based marketing business, Chris now brings his expertise to the world of Talent Acquisition tech—combining strategy, automation, and innovation to drive results. He’s passionate about creating tools that make recruiters’ lives easier and more effective.
Chief Talent Officer – Infinite Aged Care
Katie is a seasoned talent leader with over 25 years’ experience in HR and internal talent acquisition across sectors including aged care, energy, mining, infrastructure, and manufacturing. She specialises in building and transforming greenfield and brownfield TA functions, aligning talent strategies with business growth. Passionate about team development, Katie empowers individuals through coaching and capability uplift. Known for her data-led insights, exec-level engagement, and strong operational acumen, she integrates talent with broader people and change initiatives. A self-proclaimed industry nerd, Katie is committed to inclusive hiring and future-focused workforce solutions—and actively supports community employment programs and cross-sector collaboration.
Founder and CEO – WorkPro
Tania Evans is the founder and CEO of WorkPro, a platform that simplifies hiring by streamlining background checks, training, and credential management. With a background in marketing and hands-on experience in recruitment, Tania recognised how outdated, manual processes were slowing down hiring. She launched WorkPro in 2007 to fix that.
Under her leadership, WorkPro became accredited for police checks in 2010 and was the first to integrate background screening with eLearning in 2011—setting new standards in the industry.
Tania is passionate about making employment processes faster, safer, and more accessible. A respected voice in HR tech, she regularly shares insights at industry events and works with business leaders to shape a more efficient and candidate-friendly future of work.