Summary
Overview
Work History
Skills
Accomplishments
Soccer, Golf, Rugby, Reading
Work Availability
Timeline
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Elvis Mongezi Hermans

Elvis Mongezi Hermans

Vice President Human Capital

Summary

Results-driven corporate executive with a proven track record in strategic leadership and driving organizational growth. Experienced in managing large-scale projects to improve operational efficiency, exceptional team leadership skills and expertise in financial oversight, delivering impactful results. Robust experience in driving business transformations and operational improvements, strategic initiatives foster growth and enhance profitability. Exceptional at fostering collaborative environments and adapting to dynamic business needs.

Overview

40
40
years of professional experience
4
4
Languages

Work History

Senior Vice President: Human Capital & Executive Director

ISUZU SOUTH AFRICA
01.2018 - Current
  • As a pivotal member of the Isuzu South Africa (IMSAf) Board of Directors and the President's Leadership Council, I have successfully developed and implemented Human Capital strategies that align with the company's short, medium, and long-term business objectives. My contributions have been instrumental in transforming Isuzu into a profitable entity within five years through innovative human capital and corporate affairs strategies. I provide strategic consultation to the executive leadership team on critical issues such as compensation, benefits, talent management, organizational effectiveness, leadership development, budget management, employee engagement, employee experience, and fostering positive employee relations.
  • Key achievements include:
  • - B-BBEE Compliance: Led Isuzu to achieve a level 1 compliance in Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) for five consecutive years, setting a benchmark in the automotive industry. This accomplishment has positioned Isuzu as a leader in government sales with the Isuzu D-Max.
  • - Employee Engagement: Orchestrated initiatives that have resulted in an employee engagement score of 74%, the highest recorded since 2021, demonstrating a strong and positive workplace culture.
  • - Leadership Culture: Collaborated closely with the CEO to cultivate a strong leadership culture throughout the organization, resulting in heightened employee engagement and satisfaction.
  • - Human Capital Strategy Development: Formulated and executed a robust Human Capital strategy that aligns with IMSAf's overall business objectives, significantly contributing to profitability.
  • - Talent Management: Created a forward-thinking talent management strategy aimed at establishing a sustainable talent pipeline with well-defined succession plans to fulfill future leadership needs.

General Manager: HR, Government Relations & Public Policy; Sub-Saharan Africa

General Motors South Africa
04.2015 - 12.2017
  • As a key member of the Executive Committee, I led the development and execution of HR and Public Policy & Compliance strategies that aligned with both short-term and long-term business objectives for GM South Africa. My role encompassed not only HR but also fostering a collaborative government relations environment that supports future business strategies, all while maintaining GM's positive reputation with stakeholders.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • - Developed comprehensive HR strategic plans in alignment with GM global objectives.
  • - Managed HR initiatives enhancing leadership culture and organizational excellence.
  • - Collaborated in the creation of the Brand & Customer Experience Academy to enhance brand loyalty and advocacy.
  • - Implemented employee relations strategies that resulted in upper-quartile ratings on workplace surveys.
  • - Led industry wage negotiations, improving processes and outcomes significantly.
  • - Ensured compliance with various laws (APDP, BBBEE) to sustain business operations, achieving Level 7 on BBBEE codes.
  • - Enhanced HR/PPC service efficiency and cost-effectiveness, generating over $500 million in government incentives.
  • - Played an integral role in business security measures and risk management strategies.
  • Achievements:
  • - Successfully integrated HR operational models, improving business efficiencies.
  • - Drove initiatives that advanced social transformation and public policy favorable to GM South Africa's interests.
  • - Established robust engagement strategies with key government and regulatory stakeholders.

Sustainability Coordinator

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SOUTH AFRICA
03.2014 - 08.2014
  • In my role as a Sustainability Coordinator at BAT South Africa, I was responsible for coordinating sustainability initiatives that align with the company's broader sustainability and transformation strategies. My focus was on developing functional and business plans that adapt to the evolving business environment, particularly regarding South Africa's regulatory landscape. I served as the primary contact for Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE), Socio-Economic Development (SED) initiatives, and compliance with applicable statutes and internal guidelines.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • - B-BBEE Compliance: Successfully drove the implementation of B-BBEE (Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment) codes across the organization, achieving a Level 4 certification, which reflects both compliance and commitment to transformation.
  • - Stakeholder Engagement Leadership: Championed stakeholder engagement by connecting with key influencers and decision-makers at various levels, ensuring the company's sustainability initiatives were effectively communicated and supported.
  • - Strategic Development and Risk Management: Identified opportunities and potential challenges presented by the regulatory framework, particularly the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). Developed strategic recommendations that aligned SED with business objectives.
  • - Corporate Communications: Utilized corporate communications channels to enhance the company's reputation among stakeholders and influencers, fostering a positive image of BAT as a responsible corporate entity.
  • - Project Oversight: Monitored and evaluated the progress of SED, Economic Development (ED), and B-BBEE projects to ensure alignment with overall business objectives and the successful achievement of milestones.
  • - Resource Management: Managed resources effectively to ensure the smooth implementation of the sustainability operational plan, optimizing both efficiency and impact.

Regulatory & Public Affairs Specialist

British American Tobacco South Africa
06.2013 - 02.2014
  • As a Regulatory & Public Affairs Specialist, I was responsible for guiding government engagement activities in alignment with strategic objectives. My role involved the development of business plans responsive to the dynamic regulatory landscape, serving as the primary point of contact for government relations, advocacy, and internal advisory services in South Africa.
  • Key Responsibilities and Achievements:
  • - Regulation Management Strategy: Led the development of comprehensive regulation management strategies by participating in cross-functional decision-making forums tailored to the South African market.
  • - Stakeholder Engagement: Identified and analyzed stakeholder attitudes (such as influencers and policymakers) to formulate persuasive proposals to the government.
  • - Legislative Insight: Monitored and assessed current and impending legislation, including the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), to identify business opportunities and threats.
  • - Effective Communications: Championed the company's stance on sensible regulation and public policy, crafting compelling communications for key stakeholders.
  • - Advocacy and Lobbying: Provided specialized expertise in lobbying and advocacy processes, enhancing engagement with political stakeholders.
  • - Tax Policy Understanding: Gained insights into various tax policies, including excise systems, and assessed their impacts on corporate sustainability.

Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Manager

British American Tobacco
02.2009 - 05.2013
  • Company Overview: Southern African Markets
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • - Regulatory Strategy Development: Spearheaded the creation and execution of strategies to promote a sensible regulatory framework for the tobacco industry, engaging government and regulatory bodies effectively.
  • - Compliance Oversight: Ensured all marketing activities adhered to International Marketing Standards, Marketing Code of Conduct, and prevailing regulations.
  • - Cross-functional Leadership: Played a crucial role in strategy development and decision-making within the Southern African Markets business unit concerning corporate and regulatory affairs.
  • Key Achievements:
  • - Regulation Management: Successfully developed and implemented regulation management strategies, managing the introduction of stringent laws that led to practical regulations in Lesotho, Namibia, and Botswana, while promoting a proactive regulatory approach.
  • - Stakeholder Relationships: Established and nurtured significant relationships with SACU (Southern African Customs Union) and SADC (Southern African Development Community), leading to an industry-focused illicit trade study in 2012.
  • - Expert Advisory Role: Provided expert guidance to Country Managers and staff on excise and indirect tax policies, implementing strategies that improved competitiveness and profitability.
  • - Joint Action Group Participation: Contributed to the Joint Action Group on AIT (Anti-Illicit Trade) and Regulatory Governance Committee by conducting risk management assessments to shape policy around regulation, public policy, and tax.
  • - Illicit Trade Task Force: Acted as the primary contact for SACU in illicit trade discussions, resulting in the establishment of a SACU task force to combat illicit trade.
  • - Tax Policy Influence: Shaped tax policy within the BLNE (Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, Eswatini), resulting in tax savings that enhanced overall unit operating profit (UOP) and profitability.
  • - Stakeholder Engagement Success: Through effective stakeholder engagement, ensured SAM retained its license to operate, achieving growth in volumes and profits.
  • Southern African Markets

Regulatory Affairs Manager - Government Relations

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SOUTH AFRICA
08.2005 - 01.2009
  • As the Regulatory Affairs Manager - Government Relations at BATSA, you played a critical role in shaping and influencing tobacco regulation in South Africa. Your responsibilities encompassed developing strategic campaigns to advocate for a balanced regulatory framework, engaging with key stakeholders, and ensuring that the company maintained a proactive stance in a shifting regulatory landscape. You acted as a liaison between the company and regulatory bodies, articulating both company perspectives and stakeholder concerns to promote a favorable business environment.
  • Key Responsibilities:
  • - Strategic Development: Crafted and delivered comprehensive regulatory strategies that aligned with regional and corporate goals, ensuring cohesion across the Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa regions.
  • - Stakeholder Engagement: Fostered relationships with key government and regulatory stakeholders to advocate for fair tobacco regulations, enhancing the company's standing and influence within the industry.
  • - Environmental Analysis: Conducted thorough analysis of the regulatory environment, providing insights and forecasts to senior management to facilitate informed decision-making and timely responses to challenges.
  • - Campaign Management: Managed the execution of campaign plans targeting specific regulatory threats, balancing public perception and legislative pressures.
  • Key Achievements:
  • - Regulatory Defense: Successfully defended against the ban on tobacco product displays and restrictions on corporate communications, preserving essential marketing strategies.
  • - Impact Mitigation: Developed and executed targeted regulatory campaign plans that addressed immediate threats, minimizing financial risks and ensuring business continuity.
  • - Stakeholder Mobilization: Coordinated resources and efforts within BATSA to create regulatory acceptance for harm-reduced production, demonstrating the company's commitment to innovation in tobacco products.
  • - Advocacy Success: Avoided stringent packaging and manufacturing standards through targeted advocacy, resulting in multimillion-rand savings in product costs.
  • - Enhanced Corporate Reputation: Strengthened corporate image and stakeholder relationships through engagement initiatives, supporting the company's positions in relevant Parliamentary discussions and international studies in Sweden and Brazil.

Risk & Facilities Manager

British American Tobacco South Africa
05.2001 - 07.2005
  • Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
  • - Employed strategic people leadership methodologies to foster a new organizational culture, enhancing factory competitiveness within the global manufacturing network.
  • - Managed budgeting and oversight for five cost centers, achieving significant material cost savings through the implementation of an integrated facilities management strategy.
  • - Developed and executed comprehensive Risk and Security Management strategies to safeguard assets and operations.
  • - Streamlined and improved service contracts by adopting a hands-on management approach.
  • - Acted as a key representative for Corporate Communications, both internally and externally, ensuring effective representation of the factory at relevant forums.
  • - Led the integration of factory operations within the community by crafting and executing a robust Community Relations strategy, including Corporate Social Investment (CSI) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

Human Resources Development Officer

British American Tobacco South Africa
01.1998 - 04.2001
  • Key Responsibilities & Achievements:
  • - Training & Development Strategy: Led the design and implementation of a comprehensive Training and Development Strategy aimed at enhancing both individual capabilities and overall organizational performance. This initiative resulted in improved employee engagement and skill acquisition.
  • - Training Interventions: Coordinated and facilitated a variety of training and development programs aligned with the company's strategic objectives. These interventions contributed to ongoing operational effectiveness and were instrumental in addressing the evolving needs of the workforce.
  • - Organization Development Processes: Played a key role in the successful execution of the “Winning in our World” (WOW) initiative, which fostered a transformational mindset among employees. This initiative led to significant improvements in productivity and team collaboration.
  • - HR Practices Evolution: Contributed to the refinement of HR practices, including performance evaluations, feedback mechanisms, disciplinary processes, and transfer protocols. This focus on continuous improvement fostered better performance outcomes and positively impacted employee relations across the organization.
  • Overall Impact: The initiatives and leadership demonstrated in this role were crucial in establishing a strong foundation for workforce development and creating a culture of excellence within the organization.

Management Trainee – Human Resources

STELLENBOSCH FARMERS WINERY
10.1996 - 01.1998

Human Resources and Admin Officer

STELLENBOSCH MUNICIPALITY
06.1985 - 09.1996

Skills

Strategic leadership

Accomplishments

  • Developed and implemented a job fair for people living with disabilities which have become an annual event.
  • Overhauled the training for internal stakeholders and rolled out new programs which resulted in an 50% boost in overall job performance.
  • Mentored new employees and provided detailed feedback on milestones, resulting in a 75% increase in overall job satisfaction within 12 months.
  • Implemented engaging activities for at-risk youth with trained therapy cats and dogs, cultivating an atmosphere of compassion, respect, and understanding of animals.
  • Awarded Herald-NMU Citizen of The Year Award for outstanding service to the community.
  • Overhauled the training for internal stakeholders and rolled out new programs that resulted in an 80% boost in overall job performance.
  • Created dynamic marketing content for the organization's website and social media accounts and heavily promoted it, drawing in significant in donations.
  • Developed and implemented a job fair for people living with disabilities that has become an annual event.

Soccer, Golf, Rugby, Reading

Grew up as soccer player and later became administrator at provincial level.

Interested in social golfing.

Like watching rugby

Like reading books

Work Availability

monday
tuesday
wednesday
thursday
friday
saturday
sunday
morning
afternoon
evening
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Timeline

Senior Vice President: Human Capital & Executive Director

ISUZU SOUTH AFRICA
01.2018 - Current

General Manager: HR, Government Relations & Public Policy; Sub-Saharan Africa

General Motors South Africa
04.2015 - 12.2017

Sustainability Coordinator

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SOUTH AFRICA
03.2014 - 08.2014

Regulatory & Public Affairs Specialist

British American Tobacco South Africa
06.2013 - 02.2014

Corporate & Regulatory Affairs Manager

British American Tobacco
02.2009 - 05.2013

Regulatory Affairs Manager - Government Relations

BRITISH AMERICAN TOBACCO SOUTH AFRICA
08.2005 - 01.2009

Risk & Facilities Manager

British American Tobacco South Africa
05.2001 - 07.2005

Human Resources Development Officer

British American Tobacco South Africa
01.1998 - 04.2001

Management Trainee – Human Resources

STELLENBOSCH FARMERS WINERY
10.1996 - 01.1998

Human Resources and Admin Officer

STELLENBOSCH MUNICIPALITY
06.1985 - 09.1996
Elvis Mongezi HermansVice President Human Capital