IFS has roped in Debra McCowans as executive vice president and chief human resources officer. Backed by about three decades of experience, McCowans moves from NetApp, where she held a similar position.
Having begun her professional journey as an HR consultant and business partner, in 1992, she worked with Telstra for almost seven years, based out of Melbourne, Australia.
In 1999 she joined Hitachi Data Systems, as senior director-HR, APAC. Over six years into this role, she was elevated to vice president-human resources, a role that saw her relocating to California, US. After over eight years with Hitachi, she moved on to Avago Technologies, as vice president-worldwide human resources, in 2007.
The year 2012 saw her taking up the role of co-founder and interim partner, leadership & organisational development and performance, Accelerance Group International.
Her next stop was Equinix, in 2013, as chief human resources officer (CHRO). After a tenure of almost six years, she moved to NetApp, as executive vice president and global CHRO.
Additionally, McCowan has been a board member at HealthEquity, since April of 2018.
At IFS—a company that provides industrial AI and enterprise software for hardcore businesses—McCowan will head HR for a 7,000-strong workforce across more than 90 countries.
Debra McCowan holds a postgraduate degree in human resources and industrial relations management, from the University of Melbourne. She also holds a Bachelor of Arts in English literature from La Trobe University.