Australian Tech Entrepreneur Becomes President of Workforce

A group led by Australian technology entrepreneur Tasmin Trezise acquired Chicago-based Human Capital Media, the parent company of business-to-business publications Workforce, Chief Learning Officer and Talent Economy.

Trezise, 26, is the co-owner of Brisbane, Australia-based Tanda, a 7-year-old technology firm that produces time and attendance, scheduling and labor-compliance software.

“I look forward to working with the team as we continue to uphold the dignity, research and empowerment of the working man and woman,” Trezise said.

The Human Capital Media entities will operate separately from Tanda with a shared ownership, said Trezise, who will be president of Workforce, a multimedia publication that covers the intersection of people management and business strategy. Kevin Simpson will remain president of all other Human Capital Media properties, Trezise said.

“This is about serving the Workforce mission of bringing together HR, learning, engineering, research and stakeholders in the success of working people and I put the call out for them to join us,” Trezise said. “The vision is to deliver on my promise to resurrect the Workforce history and continue its rightful position as the ultimate source for how the way we work is changing.”

He pointed to the long history of Workforce as inspiration for its planned future. The publication’s history dates back to 1922 with the founding principles laid out by James R. Angell, former president of Yale University, Carnegie Corp. and the National Research Council, to coordinate the efforts of over 250 scientific, engineering, labor, management and educational bodies. Trezise aims to shape Workforce into the clearinghouse for the most advanced thinking and solutions on the future of work;  and how to improve the happiness, welfare and efficiency of workers.

“I want to bring my background and experience to carry on the mission that was first formulated in 1922,” he said. “This means reuniting all engineering and technological bodies with critical research to help people leaders better connect and pursue the application of this knowledge for the benefit of their teams.”

Founded in 1999, Human Capital Media is an integrated information services and market intelligence company whose brands include Human Capital Media Research and Advisory Services, and Chief Learning Officer and Workforce magazines. Terms of the private deal, which closed April 30, were not disclosed.

The company will remain headquartered in Chicago.