List of Leaders
50 HR Leaders Redefining Workplaces in the Financial Sector
Sharon Monteiro
February 22, 2024
10
mins
It is not surprising that HR is undergoing a sea change.
As businesses compete for the best employees, HR and people leaders must find new and innovative ways to improve attraction and retention strategies. This presents a more challenging situation for HR and People teams working in the financial sector. HR executives in this industry must deal with the changes in the workplace while also assisting their staff as these changes are implemented.
Simultaneously, People Leaders work tirelessly to elevate the profile of HR as the function transitions from the backroom to the boardroom by highlighting the significance of successful people-focused HR strategies in company expansion.
Financial services have entered a new frontier, whether it’s banking in the metaverse or doing a 360° turn in their HR processes. These HR leaders across the world are pioneering a people-first culture and foregoing traditional HR processes. Here are the HR Leaders redefining workplaces in the financial sector.
Recommended Reading: Top 8 HR Challenges in the Financial Services Industry
Disclaimer: The list is purely subjective and is created on the basis of relevant experience and the contribution of the selected professionals to the field of human resources. If you have any suggestions or recommendations of other names who deserve to be a part of the list, please reach out to us and nominate your choice for the HR Leaders redefining workplaces in the financial sector.
HR Leaders Redefining Workplaces in the Financial Sector
Adrian Andrade
Adrian Andrade is the Chief Human Resources Officer at IDFC First Bank. As an HR professional, he has deep experience across the width of HR - Relationship Management, Learning & Talent Development, Employee Relations, Reward and Performance Management, HR Operations, Mergers & Acquisition & Project Management. Adrian is passionate about making people successful. With a keen understanding of business, he enjoys roles that impact organisations as a whole.
Anna Ott
Anna Ott is the VP of People and is responsible for ESG initiatives at HV Capital, one of the leading VC funds in Europe. She has more than two decades of experience in HR, emphasising start-ups and digital business. She's worked closely with the portfolios of venture builders, incubators, and venture capitalists. In her current role, she shares advice on how to think about organisational design, hiring talent, how to prepare for growth and how to build a healthy organisation. Anna is dedicated to supporting founders in making the right choices when growing the workforce in their company, which entails core HR topics such as DEI.
Michael Becher
Michael Becher is the Chief People Officer at wefox, and has over 13 years of varied experience as a leader in the HR profession. In a professional cadre, Michael has led big multi-functional teams including Recruitment, HR Business Partner, Organizational Development, Employee Experience, Compensation & Benefits, people operations & Payroll, Leadership Development & Global Mobility.
Patricia (Asemota) Aderibigbe
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Patricia (Asemota) Aderibigbe is the Group Director of Human Resources at United Bank for Africa. She is a seasoned Human Resources Director, Talent Management and Talent Development Expert. Patricia is passionate about employer branding, employee engagement and well-being, employee experience as well as organizational culture.
Elise Lockyer
Elise Lockyer is the Chief People Officer at Sonovate, a tech-driven finance platform for the global contingent workforce. She is an enthusiastic, driven and ambitious MCIPD qualified Head of HR, focused on supporting a fast paced business and its people. Elise is experienced in employee relations, UK employment legislation, Organisational Design, End to end recruitment, TUPE, large scale redundancy/ restructuring programs, change management, employee engagement, talent management, leadership and management development, budget management, process improvement.
Kim Briones
Kim Briones is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Berkshire Hathaway Specialty Insurance and has been a notable figure in the HR leadership arena for 27 years. Her expertise lies in Talent Acquisition, Employee Relations, Workforce Planning, Organizational Development, and other critical areas of HR.
Arnold L. Greene
Arnold L. Greene is the Chief HR Officer (North America) at Northern Trust Corporation, where he is the senior leader for North America HR strategy and execution aligned with the 3 business unit verticals and corporate functions. He is a business professional that specializes in Human Resources with over 25 years of HR experience. Arnold’s competency strengths lie in strategic leadership, recruiting/selection, workforce planning, employee relations, organizational development, talent management and training/development.
Rudy Manik
Rudy Manik is the Chief Human Resources and Marketing Officer at FWD Insurance. With a passion for human resources management, Rudy has been directly involving in developing and driving the people and culture strategy of the company in different industries including consumer electronics manufacturing, hospitality, media & advertising, energy services, and insurance & asset management.
Manindra Shrestha
Manindra Shrestha is the Head of Human Resources at RBC. He has an extensive experience of over 20 years in Financial Services and Human Resources, with a depth of experience in both generalist and specialist areas of HR across South Asia, Middle East, Pakistan, Africa (MEPA) and ASEAN markets. Manindra has the passion and strength in driving strong business partnership and performance, formulating HR strategy and enabling execution by leading cross-functional HR Teams.
Sugunah Verumandy
Sugunah Verumandy is the Country Head of Human Resources at HSBC Bank. She is passionate about aligning Human Resources strategies to business needs/market dynamics and developing capabilities required for businesses and corporate Malaysia to be successful. Sugunah is a firm believer in internal & external communications and often invests time creating internal engagement / positive employee experiences.
Touch Phea
Touch Phea is the Head of Human Resources at SBI LY HOUR Bank Plc., and has over 15 years of experience in the field of HR. His expertise lies in Recruiting, HR Consulting, Performance Management, and other key HR areas.
Cécile Andrieu
Cécile Andrieu is the Head of People at Memo Bank. She has over a decade of experience as an HR professional. Her skills and strengths lie in Sourcing and Recruitment, Project Management, Change Management, Agile Methodologies, and other key HR areas.
Nilesh S. Dange
Nilesh S. Dange is the Chief Human Resources Officer at L&T Financial Services. He is a professional with 24 years of rich experience in the areas of HR Management, Personnel Administration, Corporate Planning & Industrial relations. Nilesh is proficient in managing administrative functions through best industrial practices and is skilled in handling large workforces and initiating measures for the benefit of people in the organisation. He is also proficient in establishing best HR practices in the changing technological and economic environment for the optimum utilization of human resources with synchronization of other resources to achieve the integrated organizational goal.
Dalia Sakr
Dalia Sakr is the Talent Acquisition Specialist at Dubai Investments PJSC. She has amassed over 16 years of experience as an HR leader in various companies. Her expertise lies in Employee Relations, Recruitment, Performance Management, HR Policies, Training, and other key HR areas.
Alex Obuhatsa
Alex Obuhatsa is the Head of Talent & Organzational Development at SBM Bank Kenya. He is responsible for leading the talent management and organisational development strategy at the dynamic and ambitious international bank. As an HR leader, Alex is passionate about building organisational leadership capability and creating talent solutions that drive superior financial performance while offering compelling career journeys and simultaneously keeping customers at the centre of all people strategies.
Abdulaziz Almoosa
Abdulaziz Almoosa is the Head of Recruitment and Manpower Planning at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank. He oversees and directs the full life cycle of the recruiting process, which includes developing recruiting strategies to ensure job openings are filled in a timely and cost-effective manner. Abdulaziz also oversees recruiting specialists, interviewers and administrative staff within a recruiting department, which involves training employees and setting recruiting goals, as well as implementing guidelines to ensure recruiting strategies align with the organization's policies and goals.
Zoraydah Shedrick Khan
Zoraydah Shedrick Khan is the HR Head and HR Executive at FNB Retail and Private Banking. She is an experienced human resources professional with a demonstrated history of working in the banking industry. Zoraydah is skilled in HR Consulting, HR Policies, Labor Relations, Organizational Development, and Succession Planning.
Adrian B. Simon Cordoni
Adrian B. Simon Cordoni is the Director of Global Talent Management & Organization Development at N26, where he builds and leads the Talent Management, Talent Development and Organisational Development for the company globally. He is a rich and varied experience as an HR professional scanning 16 years. Adrian is a creative professional and is strong in generating solutions, using energy and pragmatism to develop feasible alternatives.
Abha Ban
Abha Ban is the National Head of Human Resources at Bajaj Housing Finance Limited and has over 15 years of experience in the field. She has extensive experience in HR activities like manpower planning, recruitment and selection, performance management, Employee Relations, and Employee Development. Abha prides herself as a keen communicator with the ability to relate to people across all hierarchical levels in the organization.
Dr. Sujatha Sudheendra
Dr. Sujatha Sudheendra is the Head of HR & Admin at Aditya Birla Finance Limited and Head of D&I at Aditya Birla Capital. Dr Sujatha has had a career in the HR professional field for over two decades. Over the years, she has fostered trust among internal and external stakeholders and executed various innovative solutions in recruitment, training & development, employee engagement, performance management, partnership building and process excellence initiatives. As Head HR & Head D&I, she aspires to aid Aditya Birla Capital in promoting inclusive leadership, gender equality and women's advancement in leadership roles.
Shruti Jha
Shruti Jha is the Head of HCMD at Muthoot Housing Finance Company Limited and has over 13 years of experience in the field. She is a passionate HR professional who possesses the business acumen that has made her instrumental in developing strategic frameworks for organizations and bringing many developments in the process.
Esha Rai
Esha Rai is the Vice President of Vertical HR at HDB Financial Services Ltd. She is an experienced Human Resources professional with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Esha is skilled in Negotiation, Sales HR, Business HR, HR Policies, Screening, and Management.
Taiwo 'Dayo-Abatan
Taiwo ‘Dayo-Abatan is the Group Head of Human Capital and Corporate Services at Primera Africa Finance Group, and Founder of the Premium Mentoring Program with TDA. She is a trained Career Coach, People Management Leader and Globally Licensed HR Practitioner offering almost 20 years of core HR experience. Taiwo has led multi-generational workforces across the Insurance, Healthcare, Consulting and Financial Service spheres with a personal commitment and stride to “Build the Next Generation of HR and Business Leaders”
Suzanne Liebenberg
Suzanne Liebenberg is the Heal of Talent Management at Capitec Bank. She has over 10 years of experience as an HR professional. In her current role she provides strategic and operational insight into talent management, as well as performance development and succession planning to shape the strategic direction of HR and business. Suzanne serves as the guardian and moving force of the People Strategy.
Aneesha Singh-Moosa
Aneesha Singh-Moosa is the HR Manager at Old Mutual Investment Group Property Investments. She has over 20 years of professional HR experience under her belt. Aneesha takes on key HR responsibilities while managing a small team of HR professionals for a large business.
Enid Lizamore
Enid Lizamore is the Group Executive Head of HR at Santam Insurance. She is an experienced Group Head Human Resources with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance industry. Enid is skilled in Labor Relations, Succession Planning, Organizational Development, Recruiting, and Human Resources.
Steve Teasdale
Steve Teasdale is the Chief People Experience Officer at Discovery Limited. He is a results-driven HR and Organisational Development Executive with 20+ years of experience designing and deploying customized business solutions that drive growth and productivity. Steve’s expertise lies in overseeing the design, development and execution of innovative programs. He is a strong and decisive leader with strengths in strategic planning, project management, change management, leadership, talent management and internal management consultancy.
Jo-Anne Muraya
Jo-Anne Muraya is the Head of People + Culture, Wholesale Clients at Standard Bank Group. She is a Human Capital leader with over 20 years of international experience in Africa, Europe, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Jo-Anne’s expertise lies in integrating culture transformation, employee engagement, leadership development, and strategic planning.
Martin Githaiga
Martin Githaiga is the Head of People Operations at Turaco, a fast-growing financial services start-up in Africa. He has worked extensively on strategy, people management, and operations with consultancy firms and companies alike. Martin enjoys the challenge that comes with setting up business operations. He calls himself an optimist and lover of life who hopes to change the world in his own small ways.
Adriana Evtimova
Adriana Evtimova is the Senior Recruitment Partner where she is scaling the Engineering Department at Trade Republic. With over 5 years of experience as a leader in the HR profession, Adriana has led the recruitment field through great swings of success. Her strengths lie in Recruiting, Data Analysis, Time Management, HR tech competency, and other key HR skills.
Caroline Hadrbolec
Caroline Hadrbolec is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Eurazeo, a leading listed investment company. As a Human Resources leader, she provides support in talent acquisition, defines performance measurement and compensation structure, and contributes to the HR aspects of transformation plans for Eurazeo’s portfolio companies.
Delphine Martin
Delphine Martin is the Group Chief People Officer at Groupe Baobab. She has over 23 years of experience within service environments, Engineering, and Fintech. Delphine is a strategic and operational leader within international environments and her expertise lies in HR strategy, change management, restructuring, transformation, HR development, and recruitment.
Laura Powell
Laura Powell is the Global Head of Human Resources Wealth and Personal Banking at HSBC. Her career as a leader in the HR profession spans 28 years. Her expertise lies in Talent Management, Performance Management, HR Transformation, Change Management, Orgnaizational Design, Succession Planning, and other key HR areas.
Michiel Van Meer
Michiel Van Meer is the Chief Human Resources Officer at Aon Group Netherlands and Aon Service Corporation Europe, Middle East & Africa. He has close to two decades of experience as a leader in the HR profession. Michiel’s expertise lies in Performance Management, Personnel Management, Change Management, Succession Planning, and other key HR areas.
Nick Tilley
Nick Tilley is the Head of People Transformation at the London Stock Exchange Group. He is a Global HR Professional specialising in bringing together strategy, technology, data and programme management to deliver significant programmes of change which are operationalised to deliver enhanced services to the customer. Nick is experienced in both in-house in large fintech and telco multinationals and is also an external consultant. He is a highly organised, data-driven and creative team player who has a proven track record of delivering against aggressive timescales, with a real passion for M&A and HR SaaS technologies.
Louise Wykeham-Martin
Louise Wykeham-Martin is the Head of People Partnering - LBGI, Citra Living, Group Corporate Affairs, Group Cost & Investments at Lloyds Banking Group. She has 11 years of experience within the financial service sector, primarily leading small teams to deliver both BAU HR activity and strategic change projects for Group Executive Committee members.
Okder Pendrian
Okder Pendrian is the Chief of Human Capital & Office Support at PT Bakrie & Brothers Tbk, one of Indonesia’s leading business groups. He has extensive experience in various strategic human resources management in diverse industries. Okder is a well-exposed HR executive with In-depth mastery of handling strategic HR issues in fast-changing environments. His expertise ranges from Corporate and Organization Strategy to Operations and Implementation.
Nhong Korane
Nhong Korane is the Head of Human Resources at CHAMROEUN Microfinance Plc. She has worked in the HR function for over 15 years and has worked with several local and multi-national companies to oversee the different best practices. Her experience in the Financial and Banking Service has spanned over a year and where her key goal is to introduce HRBP into real practice.
Fatima Ramos
Fatima Ramos is the Human Resources Manager at Aboitiz Group. As an n HR professional, she has overseen critical functions such as designing or supporting programs/initiatives and managing regular Organizational Development activities relating to Culture and Engagement to promote organizational effectiveness.
Nur Hayati Yob Ramli
Nur Hayati Yob Ramli is the Director of Human Resources at Al Rajhi Bank Malaysia. She has worked as an executive in the HR profession for over 16 years. Her skills and expertise lie in Strategic HR, Talent Acquisition, Recruitment, HR Project Management, and other key HR functions.
Phuong Nguyen Thi
Phuong Nguyen Thi is the Head of Human Resources at Ascend Technology & TrueMoney Vietnam. She has a demonstrated history of working in telecommunications, IT Software and the Banking industry. Phuong is skilled in HR and recruitment planning and strategy, strong in Negotiation and influence skills, management, Teamwork, and Recruiting.
Austin Castleberry
Austin Castleberry is the Vice President, Human Resources Partner at JPMorgan Chase & Co. He is a PHR certified partner that takes pride in his ability to develop relationships with members of an organization and Senior leadership. Austin is passionate about providing data-driven recommendations to leaders of all levels that will best protect the organization and its employees.
Ana Swiger
Ana Swiger is the VP of Human Resources at Citi, and has served as an HR leader in various positions for over 22 years. Her expertise lies in Employee Relations, Human Resources, Personnel Management, Performance Management, and other critical areas of HR.
Ann M Peterson
Ann M Peterson is the Head of Human Resources at Wells Fargo Commercial Bank. She is an accomplished strategic human resources executive with vast experience in multiple industries. Ann is an exceptional leader and respected business professional, with a proven track record of successfully implementing human resource strategies.
Dionne Wallace Oakley
Dionne Wallace Oakley is the Senior Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer at Freddie Mac. She manages HR, corporate strategy and strategic communications, focusing on C-Suite preparations, culture, organizational brand, and internal employee communications and forums. Dionne is a well-rounded, agile executive, with strong followership both in the corporation, in business and in her community. She enjoys mentoring, coaching and leading.
Andrea Barradas
Andrea Barradas is the Vice President HR Business Partner and Talent Lead at MetLife, where she supports the LatAm Business in building the people and organization capability to deliver its strategy and create sustainable value for its customers. Andrea is passionate about people and transformational agendas. She is an Executive with extensive experience in driving business results through impactful workforce initiatives in large and global organizations.
Jackie (Viviano) Chanin
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Jackie (Viviano) Chanin is the Vice President of Human Resources - US Markets at American Express. She is an SPHR-certified professional and has over 15 years of experience as a leader in the HR professional field. Her expertise lies in Employee Relations, Onboarding and New Hire Orientations, Employee Benefits, and other critical areas of HR.
Sherif Mansour
Sherif Mansour is the Head of HR Business Partners & Talent Acquisition at National Bank of Egypt. Sherif has a strong HR strategic and operational capability, as well as, a proven track record of success in associated fields including, Talent Management, Talent Development, Talent Acquisition, Organization Development, Change Management and Conflict Management.
Emma Gatrell
Emma Gatrell is the Head of People at NymCard, a plug-and-play BaaS for booming startups, Fintechs, large enterprises, and banks, in the MENA region to Instantly create, control, and distribute virtual or physical cards using their modern, fully public API platform. Emma has over 10 years of HR and Talent experience and is passionate about creating and promoting people and their well-being, especially in the current fast-paced corporate landscape. Her expertise lies in People management, People Operations, Culture Management & Change, HR Operations, Policy Creation & Implementation, UAE Labour Law, TA & Performance Management.
Kelly Luker
Kelly Luker is the Chief People Officer at tabby. She is a commercially focused Chief People Officer with strong business acumen and experience in partnering with and influencing at a global senior executive level. Kelly’s experience spans Professional Services, MNC Engineering & Digital. She has a high level of communication and influencing skills to coach, challenge and provide best practice approaches to stakeholders at all levels – to drive and deliver HR change agendas.
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