SINGAPORE - After eight years working for recruitment firm Hays in Singapore, regional director Chris Mead has left abruptly.

In a media release on Jan 19, Hays said that Mr Mead "has decided to leave the company for personal reasons".

The firm did not give a reason for Mr Mead's departure.

Hays is looking for a replacement for Mr Mead. Meanwhile, Ms Christine Wright, managing director of Asia who is based in Tokyo, will oversee operations here.

An announcement will be made once a replacement is appointed, said Hays.

Mr Mead had been the regional managing director of Hays Singapore and Malaysia since 2007. Prior to that, he was general manager of Hudson in New South Wales for eight years, according to his LinkedIn profile.

Mr Mead also served 10 years as a full time commissioned military officer in the Australian Army.