Mercer hires ex-IBM exec to head talent

Cynthia Cottrell has been appointed to lead talent, rewards, and transformation solutions for the organisation's operations in Australia and New Zealand.

Cottrell will replace Garry Adams, who has left the organisation after more than a quarter-century, the last nine years as career leader.

Cottrell spent more than 16 years with IBM in the US and Australia in human capital and talent development roles. Her last position was as a client executive for cognitive solutions with Telstra. She also spent time with PwC and the US State Department.

"Our clients are increasingly looking to us to help them transform and grow their businesses through new ways of working, unlocking the full potential of their workforce through creative solutions and data-driven strategies," said Mercer Australia CEO David Bryant. "Cynthia's leadership and value-based, innovative approach to collaborating with clients puts us in good stead to bring more of our workforce capabilities to businesses so they can secure their futures."