MEET OUR TEAM
Chris Hurley

Chris drives the overall strategy for GQR’s Workday practice and brings big-picture vision to the team. Outside of work, you can find him chasing his three-year-old around the park.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
The GQR Yacht Club, Duran Duran, and connecting with our clients face to face!
Chris' Unicorn Trait:
I can remember scientific names of birds & crustaceans, but forget what I had for breakfast.
Favorite Food:
Sushi.
Catch Phrase:
“Make work work for you!”
Favorite Movie / TV Show / Book:
Big Lebowski, Dark, Musashi
Fun Fact:
I was Tony in West Side Story.
646-629-2949
Colin O'Neill

Colin leads sales, delivery, and client engagement across North America, making sure every client experience is seamless. Off the clock, you’ll likely find him golfing or hanging out with his friend and family.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
Being a sponsor this year and of course, the GQR Yacht!
Colin's Unicorn Trait:
My memory and ability to remember names and specific events from even many moons ago.
Favorite Food:
The French Dip from 4 Charles
Catch Phrase:
“Smooth seas never made for a strong sailor.”
Favorite Movie:
Top Gun Maverick or The Dark Knight.
Fun Fact:
I’ve had my two front teeth replaced seven times.
Contact Colin:
267-907-2524
Matthew Kent

Matthew brings over two decades of international staffing experience across the US, UK, and APAC to his role as President and COO at GQR. He leads the firm with a focus on strategy, execution, and innovation, ensuring clients and candidates receive unmatched value. Outside of work, he’s a devoted father of three with a love for history, culture, and travel.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
I want to stress test ideas, learn from peers, and come home with clear, measurable ways to help customers, empower employees, and give back to the Workday ecosystem.
Matthew's Unicorn Trait:
Execution Architect — I turn vision and strategy into an executable plan.
Favorite Food:
Indian cuisine — from chaat to biryani, always with garlic naan and mango chutney.
Catch Phrase:
“To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often.” — Winston Churchill
Favorite Movie:
The Godfather and The Rocky Horror Picture Show (I quote both, unprompted).
Fun Fact:
I’ve lived in four countries: born in the UK, attended high school in Valencia, spent my twenties in Australia, and spent my thirties in New York City and Chicago. The British accent has survived the lot.
Appy Kannan

Appy brings 13 years of deep expertise in the Workday ecosystem to GQR, where he leads our Professional Services Practice. With a career spanning global consultancies, he has consistently led high-performing teams focused on delivering impactful Workday solutions. His passion lies in building strong consulting cultures and helping clients unlock the full value of their Workday investments. Outside of work, you’ll often find him enjoying family time, sipping bourbon, and recharging after the joyful chaos of life with two kids.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
I love hosting Brain dates and helping customers get more value out of Workday! This year I’m also excited to meet my new GQR colleagues and evangelize our game-changing Professional Services practice.
Appy’s Unicorn Trait:
Consulting with empathy – I pride myself on working hand in hand with my clients as I walk with them on their Workday journey.
Favorite Food:
All the noodle dishes from Southeast Asia.
Catch Phrase:
“It’s like Happy without the H.”
Favorite Movie / TV Show / Book:
Empire Strikes Back / Seinfeld / The Source by James Michener.
Fun Fact:
My retirement dream is to open a small noodle shack on the beach in Bali.
Josh Mensinger

Josh leads GQR’s HR & Total Rewards practice, partnering with clients to bridge the technical, strategic, and human sides of business. Away from work, you’ll probably catch him on the pickleball court.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year:
The GQR Yacht Club event, hosting #Braindates, reconnecting with my network, and making new connections.
Josh's Unicorn Trait:
Being a true partner, not just a vendor.
Favorite Food:
Hibachi.
Catch Phrase:
“What’s the worst that’ll happen??”
Favorite Movie:
Ready Player One.
Fun Fact:
I appeared in a Netflix show.
Troy Wiese

Troy oversees GQR’s Workday practice across the U.S. West. He’s just as comfortable solving business challenges as he is tackling a trail in the mountains.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
Connecting with the Workday community and hearing how others are addressing challenges—it’s always refreshing to share ideas in person.
Troy's Unicorn Trait:
Creating authentic connections and ensuring everyone feels included and valued
Favorite Food:
Lobster — covered in butter.
Catch Phrase:
“You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.”
Favorite Movie:
Wedding Crashers.
Fun Fact:
I’m an advanced scuba diver. Let’s talk bubbles!
Taylor Hamer

Taylor brings over six years of recruitment experience to GQR’s Workday Division, with a strong focus on net-new sales and client expansion. She leverages her deep healthcare background to bridge the gap between GQR’s core team and healthcare clients. Outside of work, you can usually find her exploring New York City, where she’s lived for the past five years.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
This will be my first Rising, so honestly a little bit of everything! I’m especially excited to meet new people in the ecosystem and learn from all the different perspectives.
Taylor’s Unicorn Trait:
Always seated next to the chattiest person on the plane.
Favorite Food:
All things Asian — sushi, Thai, ramen, you name it.
Catch Phrase:
“Ok, but hear me out…”
Favorite Movie / TV Show / Book:
Anything from Gabby Bernstein — I’m all about the positivity.
Fun Fact:
People are always shocked to learn I’m an only child.
Seth Fetzer

Seth bridges the gap between technology and business, helping clients translate complex needs into practical solutions. Off the clock, he’s usually enjoying live music with a local brew in hand.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
Meeting my network friends and finding out about Orchestrate for Integrations.
Seth's Unicorn Trait:
Fluent in both tech and business, I act as the bridge between engineers and HR, translating between code and people.
Favorite Food:
Barbecue.
Catch Phrase:
“Will code for tacos.”
Favorite Movie:
Dune.
Fun Fact:
I’m a competitive barbershop singer.
Richard Matthews

Richie drives sales for Financial Services and New England, building strong relationships across the Workday community. In his free time, he’s usually discovering new restaurants—or letting Doordash deliver one to his door.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
Meeting my network at the first annual #GQRYachtClub.
Richie's Unicorn Trait:
I can remember almost everything about someone I meet for the first time except their first name.
Favorite Food:
Pasta — specifically linguine.
Catch Phrase:
“I’ll work on that today (I probably didn’t).”
Favorite Movie:
The Secret Life of Walter Mitty.
Fun Fact:
I played the tuba in high school — 2nd chair all-state!
Aseel Tabaza

Aseel partners with clients as a permanent delivery lead, translating relationships into results and staying ahead of emerging technology trends. When not working, she enjoys shopping in New York City.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
Connecting with my network in person and attending sessions about the latest AI technologies that Workday is implementing.
Aseel's Unicorn Trait:
My ability to build meaningful connections and translate them into actionable support for our Workday community.
Favorite Food:
Seafood — especially scallops.
Catch Phrase:
“Recruiting queen.”
Favorite Movie:
The Devil Wears Prada.
Fun Fact:
I was born in Jordan.
Elias Steward

Eli specializes in Workday contract recruiting, helping professionals find their path while supporting clients with expert advice. Outside of work, you can find him cycling or exploring NYC parks.
What are you most looking forward to at Rising this year?
Meeting the people in my network and attending sessions around Workday Illuminate and Extend.
Eli's Unicorn Trait:
Helping people understand the Workday staffing ecosystem in a clear and simple manner while providing expert career advice.
Favorite Food:
Spam Musubi.
Catch Phrase:
“It’s going to be a great day.”
Favorite Movie:
Star Wars: Episode III – Revenge of the Sith.
Fun Fact:
I can juggle.