Megan Nettleton, Vice President Human Resources, GE Commercial Finance, ANZ
Megan Nettleton, Vice President Human Resources, GE Commercial Finance, ANZ
What qualifications do you hold?
BA from Melbourne University majoring in Business Development and Politics and a Postgraduate diploma from Melbourne University in HR and IR.
Why did you get into HR?
I really did the Grad Dip because I wanted to learn more about IR. I really enjoy that part of HR. After I finished, the opportunity at GE came up and it has allowed me to work in both IR and other specialist HR roles as well as varied HR generalist roles.
How did you get into HR?
I joined GE’s Human Resources Leadership Program. It’s a two-year program for experienced HR professionals. It gave me the opportunity to work across different businesses and in different locations.
Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Probably still in a HR role, possibly back in a specialist’s IR role or in another HR Director role.
What has been your biggest career high so far?
Having the opportunity to work in different countries with GE and in really varied HR roles, and with some really outstanding leaders who have taught me a lot about myself and how nothing replaces truly outstanding leadership in an organisation.
What do you think it takes to succeed in HR?
Loads of common sense, strong commercial acumen and critical thinking skills, empathy and the ability to read people accurately.
How do you manage relationships with senior executives?
I just try to be myself. I try to be open and honest with them. I ensure I have strong understanding of their business and how they make money.
Who is your biggest professional inspiration?
Anybody who has take1n a risk to set up and run their own business.
What advice would you give to graduates considering a career in HR?
Be clear on why you want to be a HR professional. Make contact with people who are already in HR and ask them to spend some time with you explaining what they actually do on a day-to-day basis. Talk to line managers/leaders in the business world and ask them how HR has helped them grow their business. I really think you need to have excellent character judgment – if this is not a key strength then HR might not be for you.
Describe yourself in three words
Honest, determined and organised.
Megan Nettleton’s CV
Megan graduated from the University of Melbourne in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts degree majoring in Politics and Business Development and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources and Industrial Relations. In January 1998 Megan joined GE as the first HRLP (Human Resources Leadership Program) recruit in Australia. Megan’s HRLP included several HR generalist roles, an assignment in Six Sigma and 12 months at GE Capital Corporate in the United States as an Executive Compensation Specialist. In 2000 Megan then returned to GE Money in Australia where she spent four and a half years in several HR Leadership roles, including the project leader for the Oracle HR implementation and the HR Integration leader for GE Capital’s AGC Acquisition. In 2003, Megan also assumed responsibility for Industrial and Employee Relations across the GE Money business in Australia. In July 2004 Megan was promoted to VP, Human Resources, GE Commercial Finance Australia and New Zealand.
Are you a candidate for my brilliant career? If so, send an email to [email protected]
