about us:

who drives us forward?

thomsons online benefits was formed in 2000 with the objective of revolutionising the way that employees benefits are administered and communicated. From the beginning we have believed that great organisations are built by great people. We wanted to set ourselves apart by hiring exceptional people in all roles, and building a culture that thrives on each individual's unique strengths.

The thomsons online benefits global team hail from more than ten different countries and represent a wide range of ethnic origins. They bring an array of professional experience and cultural perspectives.

We believe that in today's global business environment, this diversity is critical to success.

thomsons online benefits established its Asia Pacific office in Singapore in June 2006.

Michael Whitfield | Chief Executive Officer
	Michael has been advising companies and individuals since 1980 and is a senior figure in the financial services industry; In October 1991 Michael became the Managing Director at Swire Fraser, an employee benefits consultancy part of the Hong Kong based Swire Group (now called Orbit and owned by Benfield Insurance Group); In February 1996 he became the Managing Director of European Financial Services at Alexander Forbes, then known as Nelson Hurst, one of the world's largest financial services and insurance broking companies; In 1998 Michael was awarded the "best corporate IFA" of the year award in the Money Marketing Financial Services Awards; Michael says the idea for thomsons online benefits evolved over a number of years from working with clients who were increasingly frustrated by the growing administration mountain and who wanted to find a more efficient way both to run their benefit strategies and to empower their employees to take control of their benefits. When Michael met Chris Bruce the final piece of the jigsaw fell into place and a formidable new partnership was created. A year later thomsons online benefits was born; Michael describes his approach to business as passionate, energetic, driven, creative and visionary. He likes nothing more than to break down the barriers and accepted practices of a sedentary industry that likes to say no and help them find a way to say yes! In recent years Michael has specialised particularly in helping clients move from paper-based to online flexible benefit arrangements; Michael is married with 5 children and lives in London. His interests include most sports - Michael still plays rugby for Barnes RFC, a London Division 1 Club where he is also Chairman and is an active member of the MCC. In addition he has a passion for Africa, archaeology, languages, reading fine wine and food.

Chris Bruce | Managing Director
	Following a stint in the armed services Chris studied for a BA (Hons) in Financial Services at Bristol Business School. To widen his horizons Chris gained a number of years international sales experience in the USA and the Middle East. On his return to the UK, Chris became a Partner at a leading firm of Corporate Advisers. Following the takeover of the partnership Chris met Michael Whitfield who encouraged him to see the possibilities that web-based technology presented for the corporate employee benefits market. Chris both led and designed the original build of our technology. He spearheads the effort to continually update and enhance the technology to ensure that we maintain our position of having the leading edge solution in the market. In both developing our technology and the services that we offer Chris is a firm believer in utilising the feedback of our key stakeholders: employers, employees and suppliers. Chris is also responsible for orchestrating our strategic alliance partner programme. Chris is married with a son and daughter and lives in South West London. His interests include skiing, travelling and competing in triathlons.

Francis Ng | Head of Operations- Asia Pacific
	Francis Ng is the Head of Operations for Asia Pacific responsible for all client delivery work. He has more than 7 years of experience implementing benefits solutions for clients of different sizes in Asia Pacific.  Prior to joining thomsons online benefits, he worked with Credit Suisse, Hewitt Associates, National Computer Services, Mercer Human Resource Consulting and Financial 123 in various capacities. At Mercer, he pioneered and led a successful employee benefits outsourcing practice. Francis has a Master's degree in Social Science (Applied Economics) majoring in Finance from the National University of Singapore