PeopleIN Limited has appointed co-founder Tom Reardon as its new CEO and Managing Director, signaling continuity in leadership as the company reports a robust unaudited EBITDA of $16.1 million.
- Tom Reardon appointed CEO and Managing Director effective 17 April 2026
- Reardon succeeds Ross Thompson, who is moving overseas
- Company reports unaudited normalised EBITDA of $16.1 million
- Net debt ratio stands at a conservative 0.5 times ongoing earnings
- Reardon's remuneration includes $620,000 base salary plus performance incentives
Leadership Transition at PeopleIN
PeopleIN Limited has announced a significant leadership change with the appointment of co-founder Tom Reardon as CEO and Managing Director, effective 17 April 2026. Reardon will take over from Ross Thompson, who is departing to pursue an overseas opportunity. This transition follows a carefully planned succession strategy aimed at maintaining the company’s growth momentum.
Reardon’s deep industry experience, spanning over three decades, and his pivotal role in scaling PeopleIN’s Engineering, Trades and Labour division, position him as a natural fit to lead the company forward. The Board expressed confidence that his leadership will continue to drive PeopleIN’s focused growth strategy across key sectors including construction, food services, agriculture, defence, and professional services.
Financial Strength and Growth Prospects
Alongside the leadership announcement, PeopleIN revealed a strong unaudited normalised EBITDA of $16.1 million for the recent period, underscoring the company’s operational resilience. The firm also reported a healthy net debt ratio of 0.5 times ongoing earnings, reflecting a solid balance sheet that supports future growth initiatives.
The company is set to release its detailed half-year results on 20 February, where it will outline its capital deployment plans and strategies to accelerate growth and maximise shareholder value. This financial update comes at a time when PeopleIN is transitioning from a roll-up of staffing companies to a more focused and disciplined market leader.
Strategic Vision and Executive Remuneration
Chair Glen Richards highlighted that Reardon’s appointment aligns with PeopleIN’s ambition to become Australia’s largest and most efficient recruitment and staffing business. Reardon himself acknowledged the trust placed in him and expressed commitment to building on the strategic transformation initiated by his predecessor.
Reardon’s employment terms include a base salary of $620,000 plus superannuation, with short-term and long-term incentives each targeting 50% of his base salary. The contract includes a six-month notice period and a 24-month post-employment restraint clause, reflecting the company’s intent to safeguard its competitive position.
Looking Ahead
Ross Thompson leaves behind a strengthened executive team and a company well-positioned for growth. His tenure saw PeopleIN evolve into a market leader with improved operational and financial resilience. As Reardon steps into the CEO role, investors and industry watchers will be keen to see how he leverages his extensive experience to capitalise on the company’s strong foundation and growth opportunities.
Bottom Line?
With a seasoned co-founder at the helm and solid financial footing, PeopleIN is poised for its next growth chapter.
Questions in the middle?
- How will Tom Reardon’s leadership style influence PeopleIN’s strategic priorities?
- What specific growth initiatives will be unveiled in the upcoming half-year results?
- How will the company balance capital deployment with maintaining its strong balance sheet?