Simon Elsom

Originally from the UK, Simon has lived in Japan for the past 25 years, having worked his entire career as both an HR practitioner and recruitment search leader. Prior to ChapmanCG, he worked for two leading recruitment firms specialising in searches across the full range of HR disciplines in mid-to-senior management level roles. He has also built leading recruitment teams having been responsible for the direct leadership, training and development of up to 40 recruitment consultants and led international business development activities. Based in Tokyo, Simon leads our ChapmanCG team in Japan.

Simon is passionate about HR and best practice selection processes and helps to match top HR practitioners with leading global organisations for the Japan and APAC markets. He has a Masters Degree in Human Resources Management & Development from The University of Manchester, and is a member of both the CIPD and SHRM. He actively participates in HR industry and networking events in Japan and has a strong network and followership within the Japan HR and business community. He has particular expertise in advising global organisations on effective recruitment strategies to help them navigate the challenges of recruiting in Japan and has assisted numerous organisations successfully enter the local market.

In 2021 Simon received the Outstanding HR & Recruitment Professional of the Year Award at the Recruit International / TALiNT International Annual Recruitment Awards.

Living with his wife and two children, in his free time Simon is a keen cyclist, enjoys running and supporting various good causes and charitable events amongst the international community in Tokyo.