Your Superpower for Sustainable Growth

ALEXANDER NICOLAUS
People & Culture Leader; Author of Startup Culture ™
Chief People Officer, Paysend

CAREER SUMMARY

Originally from Germany, raised in France and with a British education, I have pretty good odds at every football World Cup. In more practical terms, that international background really underpins my 15 years + career to date in Europe, China and across Asia. Along the way I’ve been fortunate to have helped large corporates and now fast-growing start-ups, across different industries, with their people and culture challenges in this era of digital disruption.

My purpose is helping companies to attract, retain and develop exceptional talent. My experience is in building high performing teams and everything that sustains them - from People Partnering to Total Rewards, to Employer Branding and Talent Acquisition & Development. I work to develop and sustain innovative talent strategies, strong culture, a great employee experience, and the best possible data and evidence base on which to make decisions.   

These topics form the basis of keynote speeches that I give at events and conferences. I’m also in the midst of publishing my first book, "Startup Culture; Your Superpower for Sustainable Growth" which aims to help readers use Startup Culture to reach their potential and build their own competitive advantage.    

Chief People Officer
Paysend | 2020 - present, London, UK

Head of People & Culture
Circles.Life | 2018 - 2020; Singapore

Head of Talent, APAC
Grab Financial Group | 2016-2018; Singapore

Head of Executive Talent, APAC
Accenture | 2015 - 2016; Singapore

Head of Talent, China & APAC
Jaguar Rover | 2012 - 2015; Shanghai, China

VP, Head of Talent, EMEA
Barclays Wealth | 2010 - 2012; London, UK

Interests

• Tennis: formerly at a competitive standard, but now social only

• Running Ultra Marathons in remote places around the globe

• Keynote Speaker at HR conferences in China and Asia

• Adventure Holidays with my family, preferably with no WiFi connection

Languages

• English - Fluent

• German - Fluent

• French - Fluent

• Mandarin - Survival