I am just returning from the HRO Today Forum EMEA in Portugal where six CHROs from across the globe were recognized with our annual CHRO of the Year Awards. It was a true honor to present the awards during this year’s gala to HR leaders whose dedication, insight, and forward-thinking initiatives elevate their organizations and workforces. These individuals exemplify what it means to lead with purpose—championing inclusive cultures, driving talent innovation, and navigating complex workplace challenges. Learn more about our winners here.
CHRO of the Year, Non-Profit WinnerJohana HatutaleCHRONamibian Ports Authority (Namport)
When Johana Hatutale became CHRO of Namport, they had several challenges related to their relationship with the union, poor training programs that did not account for literacy issues among unskilled laborers, and problems with safety practices. During her tenure, HR has overhauled training, built strong trust with the unions, and won the respect of management. They have a new performance management culture, built an employee experience function, and improved employee engagement.
CHRO of the Year, Small Market WinnerConni KunzCHROFusion GBS
Conni Kunz was one of founders of Fusion GBS and also is still the managing director for the Netherlands and Germany while also overseeing the HR function for the global enterprise. She implemented enhanced benefits programs during COVID and established wellness benefits that are still thriving. The company’s communication practices drive very low attrition rates especially when compared to industry averages. The HR team also overhauled performance management and have been certified globally as a Great Place to Work.
CHRO of the Year, Mid-Market Winner Dogan BasarChief People OfficerTürkiye Sigorta
Doğan Başar has worked to spearhead AI adoption at Türkiye Sigorta, creating an “AI Ambassadors Program” to ensure the company maintains a competitive edge within an ever-evolving business landscape. Under his leadership, the company has embarked on a digitalization project aimed at making processes more efficient, transparent, and employee-centric. Başar has also implemented an employee feedback model that encourages continuous learning and development and led a unified culture initiative designed to strengthen employee belonging at every level of the business. Başar’s leadership has improved the company’s profitability and engagement.
CHRO of the Year, Large Market WinnerLauriane MounardRegional HRD, Europe Nord Anglia Education
Lauriane Mounard faced the challenge of modernizing the HR function at Nord Anglia, one of the world’s largest for-profit educational companies. When she arrived, they had a dysfunctional decentralized approach where every college had their own HR operation. Today they have a globalized HR infrastructure, modern technology, and a new performance management and rewards-based culture. The company is seeing impressive results: Employee engagement is up 25% and they have a high level of growth globally.
CHRO of the Year, Sustainable Workforce Winner Omowunmi Mabel AdewusiHuman Resources DirectorAXA Mansard
Omowunmi Mabel Adewusi joined Axa Mansard as general counsel in 2011 but in 2016 she was asked to also take over HR. The former Mansard Insurance was still finishing its acquisition by AXA. Adewusi focused on creating an open-door communication culture, developing feedback sessions, and implementing employee wellness practices. They also built out digital tools and vastly expanded training. Today their attrition is significantly down and their engagement levels are an impressive 91%.
CHRO of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Winner Andrew StephensonChief People OfficerEquiniti
When Andrew Stephenson took the HR reigns at Equiniti, one of the leading providers of fintech service to stock exchanges, he re-engineered HR to be its own budget unit, removed £10M in costs and still came in £1M under budget. With that re-engineered function Equiniti is ranked the #6 Top Employer in the UK and #4 in the U.S. and their people team engagement score is well above the financial services benchmark.
Until next time,
Debbie
SVP/Editorial Director