Built to Simplify HR & Payroll

João combines a strong foundation in business management and computing from the University of Geneva with decades of experience in HR and payroll technology. His entrepreneurial vision led to the founding of APPLIC8 and the introduction of Switzerland’s first cloud-based payroll solution in 2001, setting a new benchmark for the industry.

Today, João continues to shape the future of payroll by championing innovation across the business. From advancing intelligent solutions like As1® to driving AI-powered initiatives and the development of Payroll.AI, his leadership keeps APPLIC8 focused on delivering smarter, more efficient payroll solutions for its clients.

Born in Switzerland and holding a bachelor’s degree in information systems from the University of Geneva, Damien is a seasoned professional with a specialization in technology. With more than two decades of dedicated service to APPLIC8, Damien joined the company in 2001, initially as a developer in the HR and Swiss Payroll area.

Over the years, Damien has honed his expertise in local and global payroll, gaining invaluable experience in implementing and supporting large-scale solutions and multinational environments. Now, as the Head of Client Support and Implementation, Damien’s wealth of knowledge allows him to efficiently manage his team, ensuring perfect deliveries and provide high-quality client support.

With over 10 years of dedicated service to the company, Emilie brings a wealth of experience and expertise to her role. Having previously worked in the aerospace industry, Emilie’s versatility and adaptability are evident in her professional journey.

As the head of Admin and Finance, Emilie possesses a keen eye for detail, exceptional organizational skills, and a strategic mindset. With a profound understanding of financial operations and strong leadership abilities, Emilie effectively manages the administrative and financial functions of APPLIC8, ensuring smooth operations and optimal performance.

Prior to joining APPLIC8, Michael led several tech teams from start-ups to multinational corporations spanning various industries – finance, social networking, gaming, productivity, and B2B integrations.

His primary interests involve user experience, code quality, tooling and scaling. Michael earned his degree in Computer Science from University of the Philippines in 2001.

Born in France, Sandrine started her career as software engineer before switching to payroll management nearly 20 years ago. Sandrine has worked as a payroll specialist and payroll consultant in various multinational companies and payroll providers, working on multiple HR software packages and covering the most complicated payroll specifics.

With this unrivalled experience in the field of payroll processing, Sandrine leads an experienced payroll team, dedicated and focused on outstanding client-satisfaction.

With 15 years’ experience in sales management and business development in the HR technology sector, Philippe Holthuis has joined Applic8 beginning of 2025 as Head of Business Development, managing the sales and marketing activities for Applic8. Previously, he held various sales management positions in HR IT consulting and with various HR software vendors.

His objectives include expanding our presence on the domestic and international market, as well as strengthening customer and partner relations. His overall aim is to increase revenues and expand Applic8’s market presence.

With an engineering bachelor’s degree and an Executive MBA, Patrick’s expertise centers around network and infrastructure management. Before joining APPLIC8 he worked mainly in the highly regulated financial sector, experience that added compliance to it skills.

Patrick’s extensive experience allows him to lead and manage a highly skilled team that maintains efficient communication among all stakeholders and provides our clients with a secure, efficient, and high-performing IT environment.