People Matters, a leading media platform for HR and talent leaders across India and the APAC region, has appointed Pushkaraj Bidwai as its new CEO. This leadership change follows the company’s full acquisition by Mynavi Corporation, a major HR firm based in Japan. Bidwai, a founding member of People Matters and former Chief Business Officer (CBO), will now take on the role of CEO and join the Board of Directors.
Leadership Transition at People Matters
Pushkaraj Bidwai replaces Ester Martinez, the founder and previous CEO, who led People Matters for 15 years. Martinez has decided to step down to pursue personal interests. Under her leadership, People Matters became a trusted platform for HR professionals and built a community of over 500,000 leaders. Now, Bidwai will take the company forward, building on this strong foundation.
In his new role, Bidwai expressed his gratitude, saying, “Ester’s leadership made People Matters a key platform for the HR industry. I am honored to lead this next phase of growth as we begin the People Matters 3.0 journey.”
Support from Mynavi Corporation
The acquisition by Mynavi provides People Matters with the financial and strategic backing to expand its influence and strengthen its position in the People and Work community across Asia. This partnership will support the company’s plans to grow its presence in new markets and introduce innovative solutions using technology, data, and AI.
Speaking about the acquisition, Kazumasa Yoshida, Director of Global Business at Mynavi Corporation, said, “We have long admired People Matters for its impact in the HR community. We have full confidence in Pushkaraj’s leadership to steer the company toward even greater success.”
Additionally, the acquisition has allowed long-term employees of People Matters to benefit financially, thanks to their Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP).
Vision for the Future
Pushkaraj Bidwai has been instrumental in expanding People Matters’ operations into six new countries since 2017. As the new CEO, he aims to further strengthen the platform’s reach and explore new growth opportunities. Bidwai plans to focus on using technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to bring transformative changes to the People and Work industry.
Ester Martinez, the founder of People Matters, is proud of the company’s growth under her leadership. Reflecting on her journey, she stated, “I am confident that People Matters is in capable hands with Pushkar. He has been a key part of our team and understands the needs of our community.”
As People Matters enters this new chapter, it is committed to continuing its expansion in the APAC region and beyond, helping HR leaders navigate the changing landscape of work.
