Martin McDermott is a seasoned leader in global talent acquisition, currently serving as Global Talent Acquisition Director at IQ-EQ. With over 20 years of experience, including 15 years based in Asia and the Middle East, he has worked across diverse industries, from global multinational corporations to fast-growing private equity and sovereign wealth organisations with ambitious growth plans.
Martin has led global transformation programs, including the implementation of a Global Talent Acquisition Target Operating Model (TOM), which established recruitment operations teams in the Philippines, Mauritius, and India. He has also launched a suite of TA analytics and performance measures to support an always-on talent strategy, ensuring proactive and data-driven workforce planning.
Currently, Martin manages a global team spanning the Americas, Europe, Africa, India, and Asia, driving consistency and excellence in talent acquisition across regions. Passionate about people and performance, he has a proven track record of reducing time-to-hire, implementing AI-driven skills-based hiring, and fostering a culture of collaboration within his teams.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Martin is committed to mentoring future talent and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Married and living in Berkshire with his two children, Martin enjoys balancing his dynamic career with family life.
What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?
One of my proudest professional achievements in 2024 was successfully implementing a Global Talent Acquisition Target Operating Model (TOM) at IQ-EQ. This initiative involved creating recruitment operations teams in the Philippines, Mauritius, and India, enhancing global consistency and efficiency in our hiring processes.
Additionally, I spearheaded the launch of a comprehensive suite of TA analytics and performance measures, enabling us to adopt an always-on talent strategy. This approach has not only streamlined our processes but also empowered us to proactively address workforce needs and align closely with our ambitious growth plans.
These accomplishments reflect my commitment to driving transformation and delivering measurable impact while fostering a culture of excellence across our global team.
How has the RL Community helped you this year?
The RL community has been an invaluable source of support and inspiration for me this year. Engaging with fellow talent leaders within this network has provided me with fresh perspectives on navigating challenges, particularly in scaling our global talent acquisition operations and implementing transformative initiatives like our Global TA Target Operating Model.
The shared insights, best practices, and collaborative discussions within the RL community have been instrumental in refining strategies for enhancing candidate experiences, leveraging data analytics, and fostering team development. It’s empowering to be part of a network that champions innovation and consistently pushes the boundaries of what’s possible in talent acquisition.
What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?
In 2025, the Talent Acquisition industry will focus on integrating technology and personalisation to enhance candidate experiences. Skills-based hiring will become standard, driven by AI and predictive analytics, enabling organisations to prioritise capabilities over traditional credentials.
Agility and scalability in TA solutions will be crucial as companies adapt to economic shifts, with teams expected to demonstrate measurable ROI and impact on business outcomes. Proactive, “always-on” talent strategies will replace reactive recruitment, fostering long-term workforce planning. Alongside these advancements, a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion will remain central, positioning TA as a key driver of organisational transformation.