profusion
[ pruh-fyoo-zhuhn ]
n. an abundance or large quantity of something
We are market standouts
At Profusion, everything we do is guided by our purpose – connecting people to enhance the experience of work – and our values: trust, courage, humility and energy.
We understand that what we do has a profound impact on the business and the professional and personal satisfaction of the candidates we place. We take this responsibility seriously. We’re committed to matching the right business with the right candidate in the right role at the right moment for both the business and the career we are privileged to serve. We take the time and make the effort to understand what that means for companies and candidates every day.
The relationships we have built over the last twenty years have given us the insight that can’t be gained through research. It’s what keeps us accountable for the decisions we make and the actions we take. In fact, our candidates often become our clients, which is testament to how we regard the privilege of our relationships.
We’re not transactional or high volume. Our mindset is boutique and with a view to long-term success for our relationships, it gives us the focus on service and results. In short, we are market experts, talent scouts, partners, advisors and guides.
Our track record
Years in Business
Placements since 2005
Awards for Market Excellence
Where it began
We’re all about understanding how to capitalise on the right opportunity at the right time. This is how Profusion came to be.
In 2004, our current managing directors, Simone Mears and Ashton Bilbie – already seasoned and successful recruiters in their own right – decided to go into business together. They each had great networks and reputations and enthusiasm in spades. What they lacked was experience running a business. Cue Rod Jones, an investment banker recently returned from New York, who filled that gap as Profusion’s first Chief Executive Officer. For our final founder Alison Loader, it was also a case of right place, right time – she had just returned from a global backpacking adventure, ready for a new challenge that didn’t involve hiking boots and youth hostels.
The four each committed one year; their goal, to build a business where people could do meaningful work and deliver great customer outcomes. Twenty years on, they haven't looked back.
The story so far
Late 2004
Simone Mears, Ashton Bilbie, Rod Jones and Alison Loader found Profusion. We lease a small office space in Loftus Street, Sydney.
2005
In January we officially open for business, and in March we hire our first employee.
2006
We move into new offices in Hunter Street and end the year with a team of 13.
2007
We make the Australian Financial Review “Fast Starters Top 100”
2008
We make the Australian Financial Review “Fast Starters Top 100” for the second time..
2009
The GFC is in full swing; a tough time for the Financial Services sector (and its Recruitment partners), but we learn a lot and come through stronger than ever.
2011
We begin building out a local presence in Melbourne and we move our Sydney team to Spring Street.
2014
We merge with our major market competitor Primary Asset Consulting
2015
We celebrate our 10-year anniversary
2016
We are awarded “Australia’s Healthiest Workplace’ by AIA Vitality, and our Melbourne team move into new offices at 385 Bourke Street.
2017
We win “Recruiter of the Year” at the inaugural “Women in Finance Awards as well as being awarded “Australia’s Healthiest Workplace” by AIA Vitality for the second time.
2018
Two of our team move to the regional Australia, our first to be working 100% flexibly.
2020
We celebrate 15 years as a business in January and in April we go into lockdown.
2021
Sydney-based private equity firm Redwood North takes a material stake in the business. Simone Mears and Ashton Bilbie remain as major shareholders and Matt Bennett joins as Chief Executive Officer.
2022
After the craziness of 2020 and 2021 we celebrate Christmas together for the first time in three years.
2023
After 12 years in Spring Street, we relocate our Sydney team to Number One O’Connell Street.
2023
We are winners at the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Places to Work Awards (Professional Services category)
2024
We are winners at the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Places to Work Awards (Professional Services category)
2025
We are winners at the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Places to Work Awards (Professional Services category)
