Jessica Ortner has over 20 years of experience in recruitment, staffing, and workforce management, with a strong focus on contracting and working with freelancers across diverse markets.

Her work centers on designing flexible, future-ready workforce models and strengthening collaboration between organizations and independent talent.

As part of the CEMEA Management Board at Hays, she leads the development of contracting and non-permanent workforce solutions across multiple countries, bringing a cross-border perspective on how freelancing is shaped by regulation, culture, and market dynamics.

Jessica holds an Executive MBA from the Kellogg-WHU Executive MBA Program, combining strategic thinking with hands-on market experience.

Driven by curiosity and a strong belief in continuous learning, she is passionate about understanding how freelancers thrive across Europe and how more connected, flexible ways of working can create value for both individuals and organizations.