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Andrew Bassat, co-founder of SEEK Limited, renowned for transforming online job searching in Australia and global expansion.
Founder Stories

Andrew Bassat: Visionary Leader in Online Employment Services

Andrew Reuven Bassat is a prominent Australian entrepreneur and co-founder of SEEK Limited, a leading job-seeking portal in Australia. Born into a family with a diverse background—his father was an IBM executive from Egypt, and his mother hailed from Poland—Andrew’s early life laid the foundation for a successful career in business and leadership.

Education
Bassat attended Brighton Grammar School before pursuing higher education. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, a Bachelor of Laws (Honours) from Monash University, and a Master of Business Administration from the Melbourne Business School. This robust educational background equipped him with the technical and analytical skills necessary for his future endeavors.

Andrew Bassat co-founder of SEEK LimitedAndrew Bassat

Early Career
Before co-founding SEEK, Andrew worked as a solicitor at Corrs Chambers Westgarth, where he honed his legal expertise. He later transitioned to a role as a management consultant at Booz Allen & Hamilton, engaging in strategic assignments for major corporations, which would later inform his approach to business development and leadership.

Co-founding SEEK
In 1997, Andrew and his brother Paul, along with their friend Matt Rockman, founded SEEK in response to the challenges Paul faced while searching for a home. The trio raised initial capital to disrupt the traditional employment advertising market dominated by print media. Under Andrew’s leadership, SEEK transformed the job-search landscape, becoming Australia’s #1 job portal and an ASX top 100 listed company with a market capitalization exceeding $2 billion. The company has also successfully expanded its operations internationally to countries including the UK, China, Brazil, New Zealand, and Malaysia.

Bassat served as CEO until June 30, 2021, when he transitioned to the role of CEO of SEEK Investments, focusing on new investments and managing existing ones. He remains involved in the strategic direction of SEEK, playing a key role in its ongoing success.

Leadership and Recognition
Andrew’s contributions to the business community have not gone unnoticed. In 2013, he was honored as the Australian EY Entrepreneur of the Year, recognizing his innovative leadership and impact on the industry. His leadership style emphasizes clear direction, placing the right people in key roles, and supporting their success—a philosophy he applies in his current roles.

St Kilda Football Club
In addition to his corporate endeavors, Andrew became the president of the St Kilda Football Club in December 2018, further showcasing his commitment to leadership and community engagement.

Legacy and Future Directions
As a director of several fully-owned Australian subsidiaries and numerous international investments under SEEK, Andrew Bassat continues to drive the company’s vision. He is also a director of the Shane Warne Foundation, reflecting his dedication to philanthropy and community service.

Andrew holds a unique perspective on the evolving job market, particularly in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. He advocates for the importance of supporting job seekers and emphasizes the role of technology in shaping the future of employment.

In summary, Andrew Bassat’s career is marked by entrepreneurial spirit, strategic leadership, and a commitment to social impact. His journey from a young lawyer to a leading figure in Australia’s online business landscape is a testament to his vision and resilience.

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