Mercer appoints ex-KPMG partner Peta Latimer as its new CEO for Singapore

Global human resources consultancy Mercer has brought in ex-KPMG partner Peta Latimer as its new CEO for Singapore.

Marsh & McLennan subsidiary Mercer, which operates in the health, wealth and career domains, and which with over $200 billion in assets under delegated management and more than 22,000 employees spread across 44 countries is with one of world’s leading human resources consultancies, has appointed Peta Latimer to head up its Singapore practice as its new CEO.

Latimer crosses from the Singapore branch of Big Four firm KPMG, where she was a partner and led the firm’s local People and Change practice for the past two and a half years, before which she served in multiple human-capital focused leadership roles in the London and Singapore offices of IBM and its pre-acquisition predecessor Kenexa over a five year stint – including as Kenexa’s Global Head of Diversity and Inclusion.

Mercer’s new Singapore CEO will be tasked with driving growth and overseeing the firm’s expansion in the city-state, with an eye for potential inorganic growth opportunities to extend its portfolio, along with building customer relations, brand and reputation and ensuring a robust risk management structure. In addition to her CEO role, Latimer will also be a key member of the firm’s South & East Asia Zone Leadership Team.

“Peta is a global business leader with a distinguished track record and extensive experience across a range of industries and high-profile projects,” said David Anderson, President of Mercer’s Growth Markets Region. “We are delighted to welcome her to the Mercer team.”

Anderson, to whom Latimer will report, added: “Celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, our Singapore operation is the jewel in the crown of Mercer’s business in South & East Asia. Peta’s appointment comes at an important point in the continued growth and investment in this diverse, opportunity-rich region.”

Further to her professional consulting career, Latimer lectures at Nanyang Technological University’s Business School, and is a regular contributor to the Future of Work Series published by local English-language media outlet The Straits Times. She holds a Masters in Organisational Psychology from Birkbeck University of London and completed a Bachelor of Commerce from The University of Sydney in 2003.

“Mercer is a company I have long aspired to work with,” Latimer said of her appointment. “Amid the wave of digital transformation sweeping across Singapore and the region, I am very excited to support our clients in assuring growth and longevity, whilst delivering Mercer’s brand promise to the marketplace.”

Mercer has 14 offices throughout Asia, including in the global financial capitals of Hong Kong, Shanghai and Tokyo – recently, the firm introduced the investment fund ratings service FundWatch in Singapore, with a view to rolling out the service to other key markets across Asia. Earlier this year, the firm acquired Japanese asset management company BFC.