Outsized names Martin Bouroncle as ANZ Managing Director

Outsized has appointed Martin Bouroncle as Managing Director for Australia and New Zealand as the region becomes one of the firm's fastest-growing markets.

Bouroncle takes on the role after serving as Client Partner and Commercial Director for ANZ, where he led client engagement and commercial strategy and helped build the firm's Australian client base.

He succeeds Sara Kahlau, who is leaving the business after two and a half years in the role. Bouroncle has been with Outsized for two years and was appointed by its leadership team.

Outsized operates in the market for freelance and contract specialists, matching banks, insurers, payment providers, super funds and consultancies with independent workers. Demand in Australia has lifted the country into one of its most significant markets globally.

Over the past year, Australia was the company's fastest-growing market. Its local operation also recorded the fastest shortlist time and the highest share of hybrid engagements across the network.

Market demand

The appointment reflects broader demand from financial institutions for outside specialists in areas including strategy, product, data, risk and technology. Clients are using independent workers for both single expert roles and larger delivery teams.

Bouroncle brings more than 15 years of experience across financial services, insurance and consulting. His previous roles include positions at Macquarie Group, Commonwealth Bank, IAG, Allianz Australia and icare NSW.

"Martin has been central to building our Australian business over the past two years, and he understands the market and our clients as well as anyone. He steps into this role at a moment when Australian financial services institutions are relying on independent specialists more than ever," said Anurag Bhalla, Chief Executive Officer, Outsized.

"I have every confidence he will take the business into its next phase of growth," Bhalla said.

Regional role

Outsized describes itself as an independent talent firm focused on financial services and consulting. Globally, it connects more than 60,000 vetted independents with more than 80 clients across APAC and EMEA.

In Australia, its model centres on supplying specialist talent to regulated industries where firms often need project-based expertise. Those clients include banks and insurers facing changing needs in technology, product design, risk management and operational delivery.

"Australian financial services is at a turning point, with capability now harder to access than capital. Our clients are no longer asking whether to work with independent specialists, but how to build the infrastructure to do it well. I am excited to take on this role at such a pivotal moment for the business," said Martin Bouroncle, Managing Director, ANZ, Outsized.

"Over the coming year, my focus is on deepening our relationships with Australian financial services institutions, expanding the talent pools our clients can draw on, and streamlining our delivery mechanisms to make mobilisation even faster. The demand is here and my job is to make sure we are ready to meet it," Bouroncle said.

Leadership change

Outsized also acknowledged the contribution of the outgoing regional head as it reshapes its leadership in ANZ and looks to build on recent growth in the Australian market.

"Sara helped build something valuable in Australia and we are grateful for it," said Niclas Thelander, Founder and Chairman, Outsized.

"Martin was central to that success and inherits a strong business and a strong team. The focus from here is on what we build next, and we are backing Australia accordingly," Thelander said.