About Us

Kicking off his career in banking and finance, and later running a retail travel business, Alan has always believed in the importance of a thriving workplace culture. It was his move to an employee recognition and workplace culture organisation in 2006 - now O.C. Tanner - where Alan discovered what it means to be truly inspired by, and connected to, an organisation, its people, and purpose. Prior to assuming the role of Managing Director for the Asia Pacific region, Alan gained an in-depth understanding of the business, market landscape and unique cultural needs of some of Australia’s largest organisations via a range of leadership roles encompassing sales, marketing, client service and operations, and innovation. One constant throughout each phase of his career has been his passion for galvanising his teams and leading positive change, which included spearheading the transition of ownership of the Australian business from public to private ownership under O.C. Tanner. Away from work Alan likes to keep fit, spend time with friends, and travel with his family.

Michelle joined O.C. Tanner in 2010, taking on various roles in both the Client Success and Supply Chain teams before assuming leadership of both these business areas. Michelle is a passionate champion for the people in her teams, continually seeking to provide opportunities for growth and development, and ensuring her team members feel connected to organisational purpose and success, as well as to each other. Always curious to understand where a client’s challenges lie and deliver solutions that match their needs, Michelle uses her in-depth understanding of all areas of operations, coupled with her partnership approach to client relationships, to deliver excellent outcomes and service. To kick off her professional journey, Michelle completed a Bachelor of Business at Monash University in Melbourne, majoring in Management and Marketing. Outside of work, when she is not occupied being a taxi driver to her 3 children, she enjoys travelling and, when she can, squeezing in a yoga or spin class.

Every day, Russell helps organisations understand the power of workplace culture and recognition, and shares stories about forward-thinking organisations with inspiring cultures. Joining O.C. Tanner in 2007, Russell has gained an in-depth understanding of the factors that influence culture, and has worked in partnership with a broad range of blue chip and multinational organisations spanning industries such as banking and finance, professional services, energy and resources, government, aviation, retail, healthcare and construction. Russell is credited by colleagues as a team member who lives the values, being truly passionate about the organisation’s purpose to ‘help people thrive at work’ and the powerful impact of employee recognition. Testament to this is his impressive collection of recognition ‘nominator of the month’ awards – and he’s no also stranger to being nominee of the month. Outside of work, Russell spends his weekends with his wife, children and border collie, and his summers opening the batting for his local cricket club (sometimes successfully).

An experienced and passionate finance professional, Monique has ‘found her calling’ as Finance Director with O.C. Tanner, yet it’s a role far removed from her career beginnings. In her first chapter following high school, Monique represented Australia in athletics - a pursuit on theme for Monique, who is well known for her drive, determination, and love of a challenge. Having earned a university scholarship, Monique completed a Masters of Commerce (Accounting and Law), which led to her first corporate role in accounts. She then embarked on a 15-year career journey with Hogg Robinson Group, which took her to Canada in the role of Finance Director - North America, and then back to Australia as Finance Director - APAC. A devoted mum to an Old English Sheepdog called Gizmo, in her spare time Monique regularly visits the gym, enjoys yum cha overlooking the harbour, and treats herself to the occasional Bunnings snag while on a Sunday plant buying spree.

Richard is a storyteller with a passion for workplace culture, leadership, integrated sales and marketing strategy, creative problem-solving and collaboration. Whether dealing with colleagues or clients, everything he does is focused on finding ways to help people thrive at work, and he firmly believes that at the heart of any vibrant culture lie empathy and trust. Since joining O.C. Tanner in 2009, Richard has had the opportunity to witness the powerful impact of employee recognition and appreciation through a number of different lenses, via a range of leadership roles spanning marketing, communications, creative design, campaign management, sales, product and analytics. Richard previously worked for several years in the financial services sector in a range of sales, marketing and communications leadership roles, and when he’s not at work you can find him courtside at his son’s basketball games or jogging through snake-infested parkland.

Joining the ranks of the Human Resources profession in 2002, Melissa has gained extensive experience throughout a career spanning industries including publishing, retail and science, while progressing through a range of operational and strategic roles. Melissa is passionate about all things culture and gets a buzz out of seeing employees grow and develop within an organisation. Unflappable and empathetic, she has a holistic, people-focussed approach to HR and considers a continuous improvement mindset essential when it comes to workplace culture. Drawn to the organisation’s people-first approach, Melissa joined O.C. Tanner in 2017, and plays a lead role in defining strategies to connect, empower and celebrate employees in a culture-focussed organisation. When she is not helping her O.C. Tanner colleagues thrive at work, Melissa enjoys catching-up with friends, getting a fix of a true crime podcast while out on a walk, and watching her three boys play sport.

Stephen first joined the Board of Directors almost thirty years ago with the primary qualification of having studied philosophy, a credential that meant something to his grandfather Obert C. Tanner. He worked within the company for several years before returning to academic pursuits. He now teaches in the philosophy department at the University of Utah and continues his research and writing in the history of science. Continuing the philanthropic legacy of the company is an important priority for him. Stephen has a deep appreciation for the importance of a strong workplace culture in the success of organizations. Stephen’s insightful mind has led him to earn a degree in philosophy from Stanford, and a Ph.D. in History and Philosophy of Science from Cambridge. He has also served for 20+ years as a trustee of the Tanner Lectures on Human Values. Most mornings this accomplished leader, scholar and athlete can be found at CrossFit.

Dave arrived at O.C. Tanner offering his services without a job interview or offer. If the company wasn't pleased after a month's work (without pay), he'd pack his things. Lucky for us, 30 years later he's proven his determination, dedication and capabilities time and time again, in literally every department of the company. Coupled with a bachelor's degree in international business from Brigham Young University an MBA from Thunderbird American Graduate School of International Management, make him a globally-minded leader for our global company.

Whether he is in Germany or Jamaica, Ty Brown travels anywhere for a great adventure. That dedication helps recognition culture grow all over the globe. He listens, he experiments, and he builds consensus. He aims to meet needs of colleagues and clients alike by drawing on his background in operations, human resources, sales, manufacturing, and supply chain management. He also has a bachelor's degree in Accounting and an M.B.A.-both from Brigham Young University. This reservoir of experience has benefitted our company since Ty joined O.C. Tanner in 2003, helping our organization deliver award fulfillment solutions to clients in 130 countries. He shares all of his professional accomplishments with his staff, but the adventures Ty cherishes most are those with his wife and their four children.