Regional HR professionals honoured

"What made the awards so special this year is the fact that the regional HR profession, whilst trying to maintain industry best practice is constantly battling for talent in an environment of unprecedented growth. Having spoken to many of the nominees, the future of the region's human capital is in safe hands,"

commented Michelle Boyd, Executive Conference Director.

The awards were designed to honour outstanding achievements in the management and development of human capital through five distinct award categories.

Dr. Tommy Weir, former Head of Learning & Development, Nakheel and now Executive Director, Emerging Markets Leadership Centre, was named HR 'Professional of the Year'.

"Dr. Weir developed a solid HR framework with custom built initiatives in very short period of time for a company undergoing huge growth and rapid change," said Boyd.

For his 'Outstanding Contribution to HR', Dr. Mahmoud M Khan, HR specialist and organizational development consultant was honoured for demonstrating long term passion and commitment to developing the HR profession and HR professionals within Saudi Arabia and the GCC with numerous companies including Savola, National Commercial Bank (NCB) and Jeddah Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

Other winners on the night included, US chemical company Dow, which won 'HR initiative of the Year' for their 'I am the human element' strategy, which linked employee engagement with their corporate responsibility and sustainability strategy.

'Young HR Professional of the Year', went to Manal Farid Badri, Regional HR Director of Friesland in Saudi Arabia.

"Manal demonstrated high potential and initiative to introduce sound HR practice and drive change in the fast moving, often difficult to manage FMCG industry," stated Boyd.

Finally Qalhat LNG of Oman was rewarded with the "Employer of the Year' status. Qalhat's commitment to developing human capital was demonstrated with high levels of Omanisation, a comprehensive health and safety programme, significant learning and development opportunities and succession plans for employees, corporate culture and climate initiatives, effective remuneration strategies and forward thinking HR policies and procedures

The Middle East HR Summit attracted some 300 industry professionals from across the region to discuss various issues such as the challenge of staff recruitment, motivation and retention in a market heavily dependent on multicultural overseas workforces.

"HR professionals now have to perform in a global village. Issues affecting Europe, the US and Asia are no longer confined to those regions. Therefore it is imperative that international and regional leaders share insights for the common good and best practice in HR," added Boyd.

Industry bodies providing sponsorship at this year's Middle East HR Summit included FranklinCovey Middle East as diamond sponsor and the Hay Group as platinum sponsor.