When Anthony Thompson first joined Michael Page in APAC at its Hong Kong office in 2001, the company had just two offices in the region—Hong Kong and Singapore—employing around 45 people. Over the years, under his leadership and alongside other key leaders, the business has expanded significantly to 27 offices across Asia-Pacific with over 1,600 employees.
Today, Thompson serves as the Regional Managing Director for APAC and a Global Executive Board Director at Michael Page, the world’s largest professional recruitment consultancy.
Commitment to Customer Success
Since its humble beginnings as a two-man operation above a laundrette in London in 1976, Michael Page has evolved into a global powerhouse with more than 8,100 employees worldwide. While the company has grown exponentially, its core commitment remains unchanged: ensuring the professional success of its customers, candidates, and employees.
“Our strategy remains consistent: organic growth by region and industry sectors, a focus on our customers and growth markets, development of home-grown management expertise, and a structure that champions our own talent,” says Thompson.
On average, Michael Page places between 15,000 to 18,000 professionals into meaningful careers every year. The firm invests heavily in recruitment technology and customer relationship management tools. However, Thompson emphasizes that the key to success lies in having well-trained, motivated, and empathetic people. This belief is reflected in the company’s mantra: Live Well, Work Well.
Leading with Diversity, Equity & Inclusion
As a leader in human capital recruitment, Thompson believes in setting an industry standard for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). Michael Page was the first global recruitment firm to appoint a Director of DEI in APAC to drive inclusivity in the workplace.
Thompson takes pride in promoting diverse leadership within the company. “I have promoted nine female Managing Directors and Country Leaders in China, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Indonesia. Every one of these promotions was a very proud moment,” he shares.
The firm has also launched a dedicated DEI Solutions team in Singapore, focusing on placing persons with disabilities (PwD) with clients. This initiative is led by a PwD and has made significant progress in fostering inclusive employment opportunities.
Cultural diversity is another key focus for PageGroup. The company’s APAC offices are led by professionals from more than 10 different nationalities, and they are on track to achieving a 50/50 gender balance in senior management globally—a milestone already reached in the APAC region.
Committing to a Sustainable Future
Since joining the UN Global Compact, Michael Page has reinforced its commitment to gender equality, corporate social responsibility, and sustainability. The company has set an ambitious goal of positively impacting over one million lives by 2030.
“This involves leveraging our skills and expertise to help disadvantaged individuals secure meaningful employment. From resume writing and interview coaching to brokering partnerships between large organizations and underprivileged groups, we are dedicated to creating sustainable employment pathways,” Thompson explains.
Michael Page has also established a specialized recruitment unit focused on placing ESG professionals with clients. The company was involved in key global sustainability events such as COP26 in Glasgow and the G20 Summit in Indonesia. Additionally, an ESG and Sustainability Council has been formed across APAC to ensure every office has a voice and contributes to progress.
Under Thompson’s leadership, Michael Page continues to expand its impact, not only in recruitment but also in shaping a more diverse, inclusive, and sustainable workforce across the Asia-Pacific region.
