Regenerative HR, outstanding track records take New Zealand's HR execs to the top
Various HR leaders in New Zealand have been recognised in this year's Hot List 2024 for delivering exceptional performances in the wake of major challenges plaguing organisations and the workforce in the country.
Before the year ends, let's look back on who the notable HR executives in New Zealand are and what made them worthy of being on HRD's Hot List this year.
Emerging on top of that list is Mark Lewis, head of people and culture at Connetics.
Lewis was recognised for an amazing track record that saw his organisation's turnover reduced through data-driven retention strategies and improved onboarding processes.
He also curbed his organisation's headcount decline through workforce planning strategy and alignment of recruitment efforts, as well as reduced vacancies by September 2023.
"My approach has been one of innovation and strategic talent development and recognising that challenges are not roadblocks but opportunities to find new solutions," Lewis said. "I aim not just to keep pace with industry evolution but to position Connetics as a leader in the ever-changing energy landscape."
This is Lewis' fourth consecutive year in HRD's Hot List. He was also named HRDNZ's Manager of the Year in 2022.
"One of the most rewarding aspects of my career has been building teams from the ground up to introduce new capabilities into organisations," Lewis said. "What makes it even more special is the continued desire for collaboration and the fact that people want me to be part of their journey as much as I want to be part of theirs."
Karen Meredith, people partner and founder of PeopleEX, was also recognised among the top HR executives in New Zealand in 2024.
Meredith was recognised for launching PeopleEX's Regenerative HR, which is regarded as an "outstanding" contribution to the HR industry.
It aims to develop employees into empowered people by using HR principles and products to support the systems companies currently operate and enable the business to become more sustainable.
Her other accomplishments include partnering with the Human Resources Institute of New Zealand to upskill and educate the HR community.
She also took PeopleEX through the B Corp certification process, as well as set an organisational target to have 30% of their organisation's client base from the not-for-profit sector and offering these clients a discounted rate.
Meredith acknowledged the role of her team in her success.
"Leaders are only as good as the team around them and, if you can, connect, develop, and nourish the team because it's the good people that make organisations successful, not the other way round," she said. "I had the privilege of working with some incredible people, and I still do; the PeopleEX team is the best I've ever worked with, and I love it."
Read more on who else made it to HRD New Zealand's Hot List 2024 by clicking this link.
