The leadership team at Appen is the driving force behind the company's strategic direction and key decision-making. They are committed to aligning every choice with Appen's mission, ensuring that the company stays true to its core values while navigating the complexities of the tech industry.
Bringing together expertise from various fields, this team fosters a culture of innovation and growth. Their collaborative approach not only drives operational excellence but also inspires every employee to contribute to Appen's success.
1) Mike Davie
Mike Davie, the Chief Product and Technology Officer at Appen, is responsible for overseeing the company's product strategy and technological advancements. His role involves ensuring that Appen's offerings remain cutting-edge and aligned with market demands.
Since joining Appen, Mike has spearheaded several key initiatives, including the integration of advanced data enrichment techniques. His leadership has been instrumental in driving innovation and enhancing the company's product portfolio.
With a rich background that includes founding Quadrant.io and holding various strategic roles at Samsung Electronics, Mike brings a wealth of experience in business development and technology strategy. His academic credentials from Simon Fraser University and Boston University further bolster his expertise in international business and computer information systems.
2) Justin Miles
Justin Miles, the Chief Financial Officer at Appen, is responsible for overseeing the company's financial strategy and operations. His expertise in financial management ensures that Appen maintains robust fiscal health and aligns its financial practices with strategic goals.
Justin's professional journey includes roles such as Deputy & Interim CFO and VP of Finance at Appen, showcasing his deep understanding of the company's financial landscape. His extensive experience in financial control and accounting operations, gained from previous positions at Rubicor Group Ltd and ESV Chartered Accountants, highlights his proficiency in managing complex financial systems.
With a strong background in business services and a Graduate Diploma of Chartered Accounting from the Institute of Chartered Accountants Australia, Justin brings a wealth of knowledge to Appen. His leadership in financial projects and initiatives significantly contributes to the company's growth and operational efficiency.
3) Andrea Clayton
Andrea Clayton, the Chief People Officer at Appen, is responsible for overseeing the company's human resources strategy and ensuring the alignment of HR practices with business objectives. Her contributions include driving talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organizational development initiatives.
With a diverse career spanning roles at Thrive Pet Healthcare, Vista Equity Partners, and Zimmer Biomet, Andrea brings extensive experience in human capital management. Her specialized skills in executive search, compensation, and benefits have been instrumental in shaping Appen's HR landscape.
Andrea manages a dedicated team focused on enhancing the employee experience and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. She is actively involved in initiatives aimed at promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the organization.
4) Eric De Cavaignac
Eric De Cavaignac, the Chief Transformation Officer and General Manager of Crowd at Appen, is responsible for driving the company's transformation initiatives and managing CrowdGenAI. His role involves overseeing strategic projects that enhance operational efficiency and innovation within the organization.
With a rich professional background that includes founding deCAR Partners and holding leadership roles at Christie's and Rodale Inc., Eric brings extensive experience in strategy, finance, and corporate development. He has also served on various boards, contributing to his expertise in governance and business growth.
5) Roc Tian
Roc Tian, the Senior Vice President and General Manager for China, Japan, and Korea at Appen, is responsible for driving the company's strategic initiatives and growth in these key markets. His role involves overseeing regional operations, ensuring alignment with global objectives, and fostering strong client relationships.
With a distinguished career that includes leadership roles at IBM and Hewlett-Packard, Roc brings extensive expertise in business quality service and delivery excellence. His academic background, with a Ph.D. and Master's in Computer Software from Shanghai Jiao Tong University, further underscores his technical and strategic acumen.
6) Vanessa Liu
Vanessa Liu, a Non-Executive Director at Appen, brings a wealth of expertise in strategic leadership and corporate governance. Her primary role involves providing independent oversight and guidance to ensure the company's strategic objectives are met.
With a diverse career that includes co-founding multiple companies and holding senior roles at McKinsey & Company, Vanessa has demonstrated exceptional skills in business development and operational management. She is actively involved in various boards and advisory roles, contributing her extensive experience to drive innovation and growth.
7) Ryan Kolln
Ryan Kolln serves as the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director at Appen, bringing a wealth of expertise in strategy and corporate development. His role involves steering the company's strategic direction and ensuring operational excellence.
Ryan's career journey includes significant roles at Telstra, The Boston Consulting Group, and Mindtech Global Limited, showcasing his diverse experience in strategy, sales, and engineering. His leadership has been instrumental in driving key initiatives and fostering growth across various sectors.
8) Brian Haskett
Brian Haskett, the Senior Vice President of Client Management and Operations at Appen, is responsible for overseeing client relationships and ensuring the seamless delivery of services. His expertise in cloud application services and business technology has been instrumental in driving operational excellence.
Before joining Appen, Brian held significant roles at IBM, Ciber, and CA Technologies, where he led various strategic initiatives. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from The University of Texas at Austin and an MBA in Information Technology from The University of Dallas.
9) Carl Middlehurst
Carl Middlehurst, the Vice President and General Counsel at Appen, is responsible for overseeing the company's legal strategies and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. His key skills include corporate governance, intellectual property management, and strategic legal planning.
With a rich background that spans roles at AiiA, Capital Markets CRC Limited, and Sun Microsystems, Carl brings extensive experience in legal counsel and company secretarial duties. His leadership at Appen has been instrumental in driving key legal initiatives and managing a dedicated team focused on maintaining the company's legal integrity.
10) Helen Giddings
Helen Giddings, the Vice President of Delivery for Major Accounts at Appen, is responsible for ensuring the seamless delivery of services to the company's largest clients. Her role involves overseeing client delivery operations and driving initiatives that enhance client satisfaction and operational efficiency.
With a professional background that includes roles such as Director of Data Collection and Senior Manager of Client Data Solutions at Appen, Helen brings extensive expertise in client solutions and data management. Her previous experience at Pureprofile and Sony Europe further underscores her proficiency in client services and marketing, making her a valuable asset to Appen's leadership team.
Appen Org Chart
At the top of Appen's organizational chart is Ryan Kolln, the Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, who steers the company's strategic direction and ensures operational excellence. Reporting directly to him are key executives including Mike Davie, the Chief Product and Technology Officer, and Justin Miles, the Chief Financial Officer, who collaborate to align product innovation and financial strategies with Appen's mission.
Supporting this leadership are Andrea Clayton, the Chief People Officer, and Eric De Cavaignac, the Chief Transformation Officer and General Manager of Crowd, who focus on human resources and transformation initiatives, respectively. Additionally, regional operations are overseen by Roc Tian, the Senior Vice President and General Manager for China, Japan, and Korea, while Vanessa Liu, a Non-Executive Director, provides independent oversight and guidance to ensure strategic objectives are met.