HR DIRECTOR

ANNUAL CONFERENCE 2025

Shaping the Workforce of the Future: Insights, Innovation, Action

Creating Human-centred, Future Ready Organisations

Where the future of Human Resources meets the pressing imperatives of today’s dynamic business environment

PROTEA BY MARRIOTT HOTEL

Techno Park, Stellenboch, SA

11–13

MARCH 2025

Two-day in-person Annual Conference
& Pre-conference Workshop

This conference is designed to equip you with the latest insights, strategies, and tools needed to excel in your role as an HR Director, transforming you into a strategic influencer in the boardroom and an architect of transformative workplace cultures.

In the past few years, especially post-2020, the global workplace has undergone seismic shifts due to the COVID-19 pandemic, accelerating remote work and altering employee engagement and operational logistics. Organisations with high-performing HR practices are now leading the charge, showcasing their adaptability and financial prowess (McKinsey, 2021). Today, HR directors are not just managing talent; they are actively foreseeing and shaping the future of work.

As we navigate post-pandemic recovery and the digital-first era, HR leaders confront a range of unprecedented challenges. Deloitte’s 2022 insights highlight the necessity for HR to adeptly manage crises, handle a remote workforce, and ensure continuous learning and inclusivity. Meanwhile, the rapid integration of artificial intelligence in HR processes presents both remarkable opportunities and complex challenges, especially in maintaining a balance between technology and human-centric values.

Join us to connect with fellow HR professionals, engage in thought-provoking discussions, and gain a competitive edge in an ever-changing HR landscape. This conference offers an opportunity to elevate your HR leadership and drive meaningful impact in your organisation.

Prepare to be inspired, challenged, and empowered. Your journey to becoming a visionary HR leader who shapes the workplace of tomorrow starts here.

PARTICIPATING ORGANISATIONS

Learn directly from industry leaders

Meet our Speakers

Sinenhlanhla Magagula

Chief People Officer, Tiger Brands

Gary Cookson

Director, EPIC HR Ltd. (International – UK)

Tswelo Kodisang

Group Chief People Officer, First Rand Group

Shelagh Goodwin

HR Director, Media24

Gerhard Hartman

Regional Vice-President for Medium Business, Sage Africa, and the Middle East

Anita Carollisen

Executive Head: People and Transformation, Takealot Group

Nontokozo Hoyana

People & Culture Executive,
KFC – Rohloff Group

Robin Murray

Group HR Executive, Hisense SA Sales Holdings (Pty) Ltd

Zene Olivier

Head Human Capital Shared Services, Unitrans

Tshifhiwa Dombo

HR Industry & Customer Advisor, SAP

René Richter

Head of Business Development, PayCurve

Dr Charles Du Toit

Management Director,
Trust-Based Leadership Academy

Londiwe Mncube

Chief Human Resources Officer, The Competition Commission

Matthew Lambert

Managing Director, Reach Summit Global SA

Dr Sarah Babb

GrouManaging Partner, Laminar Leadership

Gawie Herholdt

Head of Organisational Effectiveness Improvement, Harmony Gold

Dominic Gaobepe

GDirector and Diversity & Inclusion Specialist, Cohesion Collective

Sarika Mahadeo-Diercks

Founder & Director, Spiritmanity

Elmen Lamprecht

Talent Sourcing Manager, Engen

Thato Matlala

Chief Talent and Strategy Officer, Pink Onion Africa Talent and Technology Solutions

Dr Morne Mostert

International Advisor, Strategic Foresight

Celeste Sirin

Founder and CEO, Employer Branding Africa

Colin Adam

Executive Director, Ennea International Group

Monique Pretorius

Director, Atomli Consulting

Jackie Kennedy

Founder, LeadMe Academy

Janko Kotze

CEO: Human Interest – Performance Psychologist – Team Development Expert

Ronel Pfotenhauer

HR Digital Transformation, Systems and People Analytics Consultant, LinkTwoSolutions

Dr Etienne Van Der Walt

Neurologist, CEO and Thought Leader, Neurozone

Dr Renate Scherrer

Managing Director, JVR Consulting Psychologists

Dan Stillerman

Founder and Managing Director, Excel Academy

Avi Levy

Chief Operating Officer, Excel Academy

Wilhelm Crous

Managing Director, KR

Over the course of this conference, explore essential topics

Here’s what you can expect

The Evolving Role of the CHRO: From Talent Strategist to Boardroom Influencer

How CHROs are transitioning from primarily
operational leaders to key influencers on corporate strategy.

Mastering AI in HR

How real-time performance feedback and personalised development plans are reshaping HR.

Cognitive and Neuroscience Applications

Understanding the brain science behind employee behaviour and organisational change.

Fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Practical steps to cultivate inclusivity and impactful leadership.

Building a Resilient Workforce

Innovative strategies for future-proofing your talent pipeline.

Succession Planning and Leadership Development

Strategies to nurture a robust leadership pipeline that ensures your organisation’s longevity.

Why attend the HR Director Conference 2025?

  • Gain insights into the latest HR trends and technologies shaping the future of work.
  • Leave with actionable strategies to implement in your organisation immediately.
  • Connect and network with peers and industry leaders to exchange ideas and best practices.
  • Listen to the insights and adaptations prominent companies are undertaking.
  • Participate in dynamic live discussions on current topics that are insightful and engaging.

Who Should Attend?

  • HR Directors and VPs: Tasked with strategic leadership in HR functions.
  • Chief Human Resources Officers (CHROs): Driving organisational HR strategies.
  • Talent Management Leaders: Focused on developing and retaining top talent.
  • Organisational Development Professionals: Engaged in shaping company culture and employee experience.
  • HR Consultants and Advisors: Seeking cutting-edge insights to better serve their clients.
Shaping the Workforce of the Future: Insights, Innovation, Action

Below is a quick summary of the topics across the two day agenda

HR Evolution: Navigating the Present and Future of Human Resources

Panel Discussion The Evolving Role of the CHRO: From Talent Strategist to Boardroom Influencer

Track Session Neurodiversity as a Competitive Advantage – Building Neuroinclusive Cultures

Track Session Practical DEI Strategies for HR Leaders: Implementing Inclusive Leadership

Masterclass Future-Proofing Workplaces: The Evolving Role of Modern Working Mothers

Track Session Upskilling and Reskilling for the Future of Work: Developing a Continuous Learning Culture

Track Session Cognitive Enhancement in the Workplace: Implications for HR Leaders

Track Session Building a Resilient Workforce: Future-Proofing Talent Pipelines

Track Session Activate Your Employee Value Proposition (EVP) to Attract and Retain Talent in a Hybrid, Gen Z-driven Workplace

Masterclass Becoming a Values-Based Leader: Leading with Authenticity and Purpose

Track Session Balancing Human-Centric Culture with AI-Driven Decision Making: Ethical and Practical Considerations

Track Session Building Emotional Health in a Stressful World – A Five Lens Approach

Panel Discussion The Future of HR Leadership in a Volatile and Changing World: Building a Change-Ready Leadership Team

How AI and HR Technology Can Bring Out the Best in Your People

 The New Work Paradigm: A Manifesto for Organisational Transformation

Track Session Succession Planning and Leadership Pipeline Development: Ensuring Long-Term Organisational Success

Track Session Holistic Leadership Development: The key to Transformative Change and High Performance

Masterclass Excel Efficiency Masterclass

Track Session | Case Study Culture Improvement and Impact on Business – Harmony Gold Journey

Track Session Managing Employee Engagement and Wellbeing in a Hybrid Workforce

Round Table Discussion Avoiding Pitfalls in HR Technology Implementation

Why You’re Stuck: The Invisible Ceiling Between Good and Great

Don’t miss out!

View registration options and fees for the
HR Director Annual Conference 2025

PRE-Conference Workshop | 11 March 2025

Mastering HR Tech, Analytics, and AI
for Executive Leadership

Introduction

Unlock the future of HR in just one day! Join us for an exhilarating workshop designed exclusively for HR executives, where we’ll dive deep into the latest HR technologies, powerful analytics, and the game-changing potential of AI. Discover how cutting-edge tools can transform your organisation. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to revolutionize your HR strategy and stay ahead of the curve!

What you will walk away with / learn

  • Master the use of HR Tech, Analytics, and AI within your HR Division
  • Become equipped with actionable insights and practical tools to transform your HR function
  • Craft the ultimate HR Tech stack and scale Tech, Analytics and AI using a five-tiered model
  • Gain comprehensive understanding of everything from ethics and governance to stakeholder engagement and business outcomes as related to HR Tech, Analytics and AI.
  • Explore cutting-edge AI applications, including process automation and generative AI tools like ChatGPT

Workshop Overview

  • How to use HR Tech, Analytics and AI
    • The ultimate HR Tech Stack
    • The 5 scale HR Tech & Analytics Model
  • 9 Dimensions of HR Tech/Analytics maturity
    • Foundation
      • Governance
      • Methodology
      • Stakeholder engagement
    • Resources

      • Skills
      • Technology
      • Data
    • Value

      • Culture
      • Business Outcomes
      • Workforce Experience
  • Introduction to AI

    • What is AI?
    • History of AI
  • Overview of the different types of AI in HR – with examples

    • Analytics
    • Process Automation
    • Nudges and Recommendations
    • Generative AI
    • Practical use of Generative AI in HR

      • What is Chat-GPT (and other tools)
      • Discussion on how to use Chat-CPT
      • Practical exercise in using ChatGPT

Facilitator
Elmen Lamprecht
Talent Sourcing Manager, Engen

With close to 20 years’ experience in Human Resources, Talent Attraction & Acquisition, Elmen helps his clients to unleash the unlimited potential of their People using HR Technology. Elmen shares his expertise at events as speaker and have published several articles about HR Tech.

His expertise includes:

  • Consulting on optimising the use of HR Technology
  • People analytics and HR Reporting
  • Improving Employee Engagement using HR Tech
  • Creating inspirational hybrid working solutions
  • Planning and building HR Metaverses
  • Implementation of various Technology in HR, including: Game-based
  • Learning, Chat Bots and Video Interviewing
  • Implementation of Artificial Intelligence (including Prescriptive
  • Analytics and Machine Learning)
  • Virtual Reality, Augmented Reality, Interactive Employee
  • Engagement Tech
  • Advanced Gamification

SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

Download the conference brochure

Contains full programme and more information on our featured speakers coming soon!

PARTNER WITH US!
Sponsorship & Exhibition options available!

For over a decade, KR has curated this premier event, attracting HR leaders who are influential decision-makers. Elevate your brand and establish robust business relationships, lead generation and a thriving pipeline through our sponsorship opportunities.

Benefits of becoming a partner:

  • Engage directly with current and potential business partners.
  • Forge significant connections, generate leads, and close sales.
  • Showcase your most recent product and service innovations.
  • Feature your executives through speaking opportunities that solidify your market position.
  • Access an elite networking platform with top HR decision-makers.
  • Demonstrate your products’ and solutions’ practical applications within our inventive conference agenda.
  • Select from a variety of sponsorship packages to fit any budget.

NOTE

This conference is not a large tradeshow. It is purposefully designed for networking, sharing, and learning. Therefore, sponsorship and exhibition spaces are selectively available.

For more information on our varied packages, please contact Katie van der Schyff at katie@knowres.co.za.

HR Director Conference 2025 Venue | Experience the beauty of Stellenbosch!

VENUE

Protea by Marriott Hotel

Experience the best of Stellenbosch from our hotel – Ideally situated and brimming with amenities, Protea Hotel Stellenbosch is an ideal destination for business and leisure.

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