Monroe Consulting Group has confirmed that its managing directors at its Manila- and Kuala Lumpur-based country operations in the Philippines and Malaysia have swapped positions, effective as of January 7.
Monroe Consulting Group Managing Director Andrew Hairs the move was made because it made business sense and accommodated the personal goals of both people.
Mr Hairs, based in Jakarta, Indonesia, said Monica Viladot, the former managing director of award-winning Monroe Consulting Group Malaysia, would continue to expand the Manila, Philippines, office.
“This will be her third international office for the group and after doing an amazing job in Malaysia, Monica requested relocation to Manila to be with her long-term partner and more importantly giving her a great new professional challenge.”
Mr Hairs said Ms Viladot, a rising star in the recruitment industry, would move to the Philippines to replace Ross McKenzie, who will return to familiar pastures in Malaysia.
Mr McKenzie, who solidified Monroe’s presence in the Philippines, has vast experience in Malaysia, establishing three executive recruitment companies since first arriving in Kuala Lumpur in 2006, he said.
“Ross McKenzie will be relocating to Malaysia to take over a successful Kuala Lumpur office. Ross has a wealth of experience in Malaysia having overseeing the opening of three international recruitment companies.
“With his knowledge of the Malaysian market and culture, Ross will continue to expand the team and continue the growth of the business in Malaysia.”
Mr Hairs said a big part of who Monroe are is to make sure everybody has a work-life balance to enhance happiness at work as well as when they leave the office.
“Although Ross enjoyed his time in the Philippines, Malaysia is his spiritual home. He loves the country and people and has a deep connection with both and I knew a return home would be welcomed.”
Ms Viladot, who established Monroe Chile and Monroe Malaysia, said she received a warm welcome in the Philippines.
“I am excited to see what we can all achieve together, I have started working with some of its team members and I can see we have a lot of talent in that office.”
She said it was sad to leave Malaysia after building the company into an established player in the executive recruitment market and picking up numerous national awards.
“To the Malaysia team, you are simply the best, we have worked together, and it has been the best experience so far,” she said.
“Thank you for making the Malaysia office a success story. Thank you for your support.”
Mr McKenzie has 10 years of experience in Malaysia and a total of 20 years in Asia, including Singapore. This experience extended to the insurance, Islamic banking, industrial, health and consumer goods sectors in which Monroe excelled.
“I know Malaysia and the recruitment industry intimately and I am really excited to build on the Monroe success story with my experience.”
He welcomed Ms Viladot to the Philippines.
“You are inheriting a great team and I am sure you will love working with them,” he said.
Ms Viladot, who plans to nearly double the number of executive recruitment consultants in the Philippines by the end of the year, said Monroe’s successful business model had allowed the company to grow throughout the Asia-Pacific region rapidly, and allowed for the smooth transition of senior executives.
“From the executive recruitment consultant level to the heads of our respective divisions, from consumer goods or industrial to professional services and information technology, right up to managing directors, the change is seamless and we can focus on the bigger picture and continue to place outstanding candidates in jobs with leading companies,” she said.
“It’s what we do best.”