I’d say to anyone who wants to join the network in Australia to absolutely go for it. It’s a challenge but an incredibly exciting one."
Pia Engstrom – The HR Dept Western Suburbs, Perth
Home / About us / Meet the Team

Meet the Team

Collectively our team has years of HR experience, decades of finance, sales and marketing knowledge and well over five years of franchising experience. This is coupled with an unwavering commitment to excellent customer service and maintaining our place as the market leader. We pride ourselves on our committed and skilled staff, and invest in them to professionally develop. We never stand still and are always looking for new ways to fulfil our vision for our customers, and for our own business.

Central Office

Central Office
Your Support Function

      We have a dedicated central office team, who are there to support our franchisees from the initial set up and ongoing running of their business. The HR Dept is a family business at heart and our support team have been chosen for their specific areas of expertise, including business development, operational, legal, finance and marketing.
      Pia Engstrom – B.Bus (HRM & Mgt) (CAHRI)

      Pia Engstrom – B.Bus (HRM & Mgt) (CAHRI)
      Owner & Managing Director - HR Dept Australia

          Pia was the first franchisee in Australia for the HR Dept and a minority shareholder in HR Dept Australia. Pia has been running her HR Dept business in Perth WA since March 2017 and was also the HR Professional Lead until April 2019. From December 2017 to September 2018 she was also the Franchise Development Manager for the Franchisor.  Pia became a Director to HR Dept Australia and a Board Member in March 2018 and in October 2020 Pia took over as the co-owner with Darren Brandli of the HR Dept Australia. Pia has over 25 years’ HR experience in the areas of HR, IR Management and Consulting in both Australia and the UK. She holds a Bachelor of Business degree with a double major in Human Resources & Management from Edith Cowan University. Pia has worked at a senior management level gaining a wealth of knowledge and experience in recruitment, employee relations, performance management, change management, acquisitions and mergers, HR policy and procedure writing. Pia is a CAHRI member of AHRI and a committee member for WA for Women in Franchising (WIF).
          Darren Brandli

          Darren Brandli
          Director

              Darren has been a Director to HR Dept Australia and board member since March 2018. In October 2020 Darren became the co-owner of the HR Dept Australia. Darren brings with him a wealth of experience in continuous improvement via Lean and 6 Sigma certification, corporate reporting and regulatory governance. He has worked for a global mining company for the past 11 years and is responsible for the engagement of multiple internal and external stakeholder groups to ensure a high standard of business practices are delivered. His expertise in developing and maintaining quality assurance/quality control systems is coupled with a Cert IV in Training and Assessment to ensure workplace knowledge is specific to the business needs and up to date. Darren has chaired multiple internal steering committees and acts as the company liaison officer to the Department of Health to ensure license requirements are met. Prior to his current role Darren worked in the television industry in both Australia and the UK and holds a diploma in Sound Engineering.
              Robert Brandli

              Robert Brandli
              Consultant

                  Appointed as a Director of the HR Dept Australia on 1 November 2018 and he resigned his position in February 2020. Rob is now providing external consulting advice to the Directors. Rob recently retired after twenty years of service as an Executive Director, Group Company Secretary and Financial Officer from a privately owned mining, property and financial investments group in Western Australia with broad interests in Australia and U.S.A. A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia and New Zealand Rob brings financial and local compliance oversight as well as business operating experience to the operations.
                  Jacob Rian Rodriguez

                  Jacob Rian Rodriguez
                  HR Administrator

                      Jacob is a seasoned video editor with eight years of experience.  His career journey has naturally evolved, leading him from video editing into the dynamic world of marketing.  This transition ignited a passion within him for helping individuals and businesses cut through the noise of the crowded social media landscape and achieve visibility.  

                      He is dedicated to crafting compelling narratives and implementing effective strategies that connect clients with their target audiences.  Jacob's expertise lies in understanding the visual and communicative elements of marketing, leveraging his video editing skills to create engaging content that resonates with viewers. He thrives on the challenge of navigating the ever-changing digital landscape and is committed to staying at the forefront of marketing trends to deliver exceptional results for his clients. He believes in the power of authentic storytelling and strives to help his clients connect with their audience on a deeper level.  

                      Jacob is a high school graduate and previously pursued Electrical Engineering for three years before deciding to follow his passion for marketing. This background gives him a unique perspective on technology and its application in the marketing world.