Each year, International Men’s Day offers an opportunity to celebrate the positive value that men bring to their communities, families, and workplaces. This year, we are proud to be shining a spotlight on some of the exceptional men across the global K2 business; individuals who embody our company values through their leadership, empathy, collaboration, and commitment to making a difference.
Whether supporting colleagues through change, driving innovation, mentoring others, or maintaining balance in the face of challenge, each of these individuals represents what it means to be part of the K2 community.
Below, we share their stories, insights, and reflections.
1. Ashley Tickner, Operational Lead - UK
A Collaborative Leader Making a Positive Difference
Recognised for his willingness to step beyond his comfort zone, his strong commitment to collaboration, and his ongoing efforts to make a positive impact both within and beyond his team.
What qualities do you believe make an effective and compassionate leader?
“The most effective leaders I’ve worked with have taken the time to really get to know me and understand what drives me. They’ve encouraged me to find answers for myself, helping me grow in confidence. For me, leading by example is key; if you don’t understand what your team does day-to-day, how can you help them learn and grow? Compassionate leadership means listening, being approachable, and genuinely taking an interest in others.”
How do you continue to learn and grow – in both a professional and personal capacity?
“In the last few years, I have moved house multiple times, lived with my in-laws in between moves, got married and started my own family. These major life experiences have taught me resilience, empathy, and patience. Professionally, I keep learning by staying curious, pushing myself to try new things, such as secondments to new departments, and looking for ways to help the business grow.”
2. John Moorhouse, Commercial Manager, Europe - UK
A Mentor and Trusted Source of Wisdom
Recognised for his tireless dedication, willingness to share knowledge, and for being a dependable, supportive individual for colleagues across the business.
What personal values do you bring to your work that you think make a difference?
“Respect, kindness, authenticity, fairness, compassion, humility, and innovation for the collective good. These are the guiding principles that have stuck with me since childhood and that I bring to my work every day.”
How do you support your colleagues in achieving their goals?
“By listening first, offering constructive feedback, mentoring with my experience, and encouraging people to take on new challenges. My goal is to help others become better equipped to reach, and surpass, their goals.”
3. James Marshall, Global Marketing Director — UK
Elevating Our Brand and Inspiring Creative Growth
Recognised for his significant impact on elevating the company’s marketing presence, and for leading with creativity and confidence.
How do you approach leadership and mentorship within your team?
“My approach is simple: treat your team members with respect. It’s important to give them room to succeed but also room to fail, reminding them that failure is part of growth. I guide through curiosity, sharing what I’ve learned from every aspect of life, and reminding my team that their success is what truly matters.”
4. Christian Valentine, Commercial and Finance Manager – South Africa
A Commercial Mindset with a Focus on Balance
Recognised for his commercial insight and dedication to maintaining strong performance through challenging conditions, particularly within the African market.
What achievement are you most proud of in your career so far?
“Staying loyal to one organisation (K2) for over 13 years. It’s a reflection of the value I find in what we do and the people I work with.”
How do you balance ambition and wellbeing in today’s fast-paced environment?
“Knowing how to separate work and life is really important. For me, routine is key. I set micro-goals during the week and make time for exercise, outdoor activities, and spending time with loved ones.”
5. Diogo Pinto, Relocation Manager - Brazil
Building Global Connections through Curiosity and Empathy
Recognised for stepping up during a key client transition, demonstrating ownership, strong communication, and a passion for connecting across cultures.
How do you stay connected and collaborative when working with colleagues across different countries or cultures?
“I believe that curiosity really helps us to connect. I always take any opportunities available to ask questions beyond work and share personal experiences. It’s often in those moments that you find common ground with colleagues.”
How do you navigate moments of stress or pressure, and what helps keep you grounded?
“Becoming a father has given me a new sense of purpose and it definitely helps keep me grounded. When things get stressful, I find balance through walks, workouts, music, and the occasional Sunday morning motorbike ride exploring new places.”
6. Alexandre Nitu, Global Product Manager - France
The Quiet Force of Support and Resilience
Recognised for his steady reliability, humility, and the positive difference he makes every day to K2’s Technology Team — ensuring that others can work more efficiently and confidently.
What moment in your career has taught you the most about resilience or adaptability?
“Resilience means being able to bounce back and adapt after challenges. Whether it’s a project that didn’t go as planned or a major organisational change, we must stay flexible, analyse, adapt, and move forward. As writer William Edward Hickson said: ‘If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.’”
7. Thorston Soo, Commercial Coordinator – Singapore
Communicating with Clarity, Purpose, and Empathy
Recognised for his dedication in managing regional operations, supporting colleagues across time zones, and epitomising teamwork and professionalism.
What is the best piece of career advice you’ve ever received, and how has it shaped your professional life?
“ ‘It’s not about how well you mean something, it’s about how someone else receives it.’ – Making communication a priority has helped me to strengthen my relationships with colleagues and partners, and to collaborate more efficiently.
Working with so many amazing K2 colleagues from different countries and cultural backgrounds has taught me that communication is key. In our industry especially, where we manage complex moves for multiple clients with different requirements, we depend on clear and effective communication to help set stakeholder expectations, build trust and prevent misunderstandings.”
How do you look after your mental and physical wellbeing?
“Maintaining a healthy routine helps me to look after myself physically — 10,000 steps a day, jogging, HIIT workouts, and eating balanced, nutritious meals.
Mentally, I focus on balance; taking short breaks when I need to rest, spending quality time with friends and family, and having a healthy separation between work- and home life.
These habits help me to stay positive and focus every day.”
8. Han Yang Tan, Country Management Accountant - Singapore
Rising to the Challenge with Resilience and Integrity
Recognised for stepping confidently into a new finance role, supporting leadership through audits and transitions, and making a lasting impact in a short time.
What’s one habit or practice that has made a significant difference in your professional life?
“A willingness to learn has shaped who I am. It’s helped me grow into an adaptable, well-rounded finance professional.”
How do you define success, both personally and professionally?
“Personally, success means stepping beyond fear — like climbing Yushan in Taiwan despite my fear of heights. Professionally, it’s about delivering work that embodies integrity and quality, and that creates value for the business.”
9. Conor O’Regan, Senior Data Analyst – Client Reporting – UK
Team Player with a Passion for Problem Solving
Recognised for his can-do attitude, solution driven, collaborative approach, and ability to balance a busy home- and work life schedule.
What inspires you most about the work you do each day?
“Firstly, it’s the variety and the fact that no two days are the same. One day my focus could be on gathering data and preparing a client review, and the next I could be tasked with building a reporting dashboard for a new client.
Secondly, I really enjoy problem solving. My role requires me to be reactive and ready to assist with any number of challenges that can arise on a day-to-day basis.
Lastly, and it might sound like a cliché, but it’s the people. I’m lucky that I get to work with an amazing group of people who are passionate and truly care about what we do.”
How do you balance your responsibilities at work with family or personal life?
“Having recently become a proud new dad, it’s become even more important to me to prioritise my time both at work and at home. This involves planning and scheduling to the nth degree. At home, this means connecting with my wife and making sure that we’re balancing family time, time for ourselves and all the general life admin that comes with being a new parent. A simple Sunday morning stroll and a coffee is a non-negotiable for us!”
10. Patrik Tostemar, Immigration Manager - Sweden
A Treasured and Supportive Colleague
Recognised for the positivity, unwavering commitment, dedication, and professionalism that shine through in every task or project he takes on.
How do you think men can contribute to fostering equality and inclusion in the workplace?
“I think it starts with self-awareness – recognising our own biases and being willing to learn from others. Men can set an example by promoting open dialogue, supporting colleagues’ growth, and standing up when they see inequality. Real inclusion happens when we move beyond words and turn respect into daily action.”
What’s one thing you’ve learned from a colleague that has stayed with you over the years?
“A former colleague once told me, ‘listening is more powerful than speaking’. It’s such a simple idea, but it’s made me a better teammate and leader. Taking the time to really hear people builds trust and often leads to better solutions.”
This International Men’s Day, we celebrate not just those featured here, but all the men across K2 who bring dedication, empathy, creativity, and leadership to our business every day. Thank you for your continued contributions, your compassion, and your commitment to making our workplace a better, more inclusive place for everyone.