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.

The conference offers an exclusive opportunity to

  • Delve into the latest HR trends and challenges, underpinned by empirical data and actual experiences.

  • Engage with seasoned professionals, gleaning from their insights and pragmatic strategies tailored to your organisational context.

  • Connect with a community of your peers, exchanging innovative ideas and best practices poised to revolutionise HR practices.

  • Influence the HR discourse, contributing to the shaping of strategic directions for 2024 and beyond.
    Your participation ensures you are well-equipped to lead with assurance, navigate transitions with acumen and steer your organisation to thrive. This event is a pivotal step in refining your HR expertise and establishing connections with industry peers. Join us in advancing the future of HR with invaluable knowledge, insights, and an empowering network.

Why attend the HR Director Conference 2024?

  • Listen to the learnings and adaptations prominent companies are undertaking.

  • Discover what is on the horizon for HR.

  • Participate in dynamic live discussions on current topics that are insightful and engaging.

  • Interact with our panel of experts, discuss challenges, and learn practical solutions.

  • Act on knowledge about immediate steps to shape your organisation’s future and prepare for upcoming shifts.

  • Broaden your professional network and stay abreast of HR innovations.

  • Exchange insights and compare benchmarks across various industries to enhance your strategic approach.

  • Reconnect and network face-to-face!

    This conference is specifically tailored for HR leaders who aspire to excel in an ever-transforming environment. The HR Director Conference is not just an event; it is a strategic summit designed to catalyse profound professional growth and organisational change. It is where thought leadership converges with practical application, empowering you to reshape the future of work with innovation and a human-centric approach. Don’t let this opportunity pass you by. Secure your place among the trailblazers and change-makers at the forefront of HR evolution!

     

Exciting lineup of topics to look forward to

Presentation

Empowering Tomorrow’s Workforce: Cultivating Leadership for Enhanced Short-term and Long-term Objectives – Unveiling Strategies Across the Technology and Hospitality Industries with Prudence Pitter

In Dialogue

Assessing the South African Labour Market – Insights, Trends and Future Outlook

Expectations of the Board from CHROs – Advancing the Stature of CHROs: Insights from Board Members

Panel Discussion

Strengthening CHRO and CEO Dynamics for Impactful Leadership

Presentation

The ROI of Investing in Mental Health: How Prioritising Employee Wellbeing Boosts Productivity and Drives Business Growth

Masterclass

E-Learning is Boring, In-person Training is Unscalable: What is the Future of DEIB Training?

Panel Discussion

Cultivating Robust HR Leadership Teams

Presentation

Creation of Decent Work and Sustainable Livelihood – The importance for your organisation

Masterclass

Achieving Excellence in Remote and Hybrid Work Management

In Conversation With

Analysing Workforce Trends, Organisational Needs and Crafting Strategic Workforce Plans

Presentation

Pioneering ESG within the HR Framework

Presentation

Dynamic Succession Planning: Future-Proofing Your Leadership Pipeline

Round Table Discussion

Mastering Talent Acquisition and Retention Strategies

Panel Discussion

Innovating Compensation and Benefits for Competitive Advantage

Presentation

Workplace Skills Revolution is What SA Needs

Panel Discussion

Translating Sporting Triumphs into Business Victories: Insights from the Field

Masterclass

Fostering Well-being Among People Professionals

Panel Discussion

Refining HR Operating Models for Enhanced Value Delivery

Presentation

Navigating Change Management with Resilience

Masterclass

Strategies for Agile Workforce Planning and Management

Presentation

The Potential of AI-based Internal Talent Marketplaces for CHROs

In Conversation With

Built for People – Transform your employee experience using product management principles

Presentation

Enhancing HR analytics: Strategies, structure, and advancement for your organisation

In Conversation With

Unpacking the Potential of Internal Talent Marketplaces

for CHROs

In Conversation With

Cultivating Cohesion with Gen Z and Other Generations in the Workforce

Prudence Pitter
Prudence PitterGlobal Head of HR – Auto/Mfg and Healthcare & Life Sciences, Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Jane Datta
Jane DattaFounder, JCD Advisory (former NASA Chief Human Capital Officer)
Jessica Zwaan
Jessica ZwaanCOO, Talentful
Author: Built for People: Transform Your Employee Experience Using Product Management Principles. Kogan Page, May 2023
Paul Norman
Paul NormanGroup CHRO, MTN
Editor: HR The New Agenda. KR, 2021
Ntoza Bam
Ntoza BamHR Director, MRC
Germinah Nyikana
Germinah NyikanaHR Executive, Clicks Retailers
Jon Foster-Pedley
Jon Foster-PedleyDean and Director of Henley Business School SA
Navlika Ratangee
Navlika RatangeeManaging Director, Lyra Southern Africa (formally ICAS SA)
Editor: Improving Mental Health in the Workplace.
KR, 2021
Arthur Kamp
Arthur KampChief Economist, Sanlam Investments
Ninette Oliver
Ninette OliverHuman Resources Director, PepsiCo
Sana-Ullah Bray
Sana-Ullah BrayGroup Executive: Human Capital, Sanlam Group
Senta Morley
Senta MorleyHR Head, The Foschini Group
Prof Jacques Faul
Prof Jacques FaulChief Executive Officer, Titans Cricket
Cheryl-Ann Peters
Cheryl-Ann PetersHuman Resources Executive, Old Mutual
Anita Cupido
Anita CupidoProfessional Coach | Change Facilitator | OD Consultant
Diana Johnson
Diana JohnsonHR Director, BAT SA
Tshifhiwa Dombo
Tshifhiwa DomboHR Industry & Customer Advisor, SAP
Ilhaam Groenewald
Ilhaam GroenewaldChief Director: Maties Sport, Stellenbosch University
Maja Macdougall
Maja MacdougallDirector: Human Resources, AFMS Group
Eswhin Booysen
Eswhin BooysenCHRO, in2food
Bongiwe Mbunge
Bongiwe MbungePartner – Business Sustainability, Mazars
Gerhard Badenhorst
Gerhard BadenhorstPrincipal Engagement Manager, Workday
Thato Matlala
Thato MatlalaChief Talent & Strategy Officer, Pink Onion Africa Talent & Technology Solutions
Alon Lits
Alon LitsCEO and Co-founder, October Health (previously Panda)
Faatiemah Lodewyk
Faatiemah LodewykDirector, Talent Core Consulting Faatiemah, the founder of TalentCore
Brian Heydenrych
Brian HeydenrychSenior Leader, CONTRACT
Shireen Johnson
Shireen JohnsonPeople Director, Virgin Active and Kauai
Prof Ines Meyer
Prof Ines MeyerNRF/DSI SA Research Chair Initiative: Creation of Decent Work & Sustainable Livelihood, University of Cape Town
Roy Gluckman
Roy GluckmanDirector, Run to the Monster
Candice Hankey
Candice HankeyConsultant at Free To Grow
Wilhelm Crous
Wilhelm CrousManaging, KR

Participating Organisations

Sponsors and Exhibitors

PLATINUM SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR

GOLD SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR

GOLD SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR

SILVER SPONSOR & EXHIBITOR

SPONSOR

EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR

EXHIBITOR

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Don’t miss out!

View registration options and fees for the
HR Director Annual Conference 2024

Highlights from previous HR Director Conferences
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Sponsor

Great event, well done to you and the team. — Andy Campbell, Human Capital Strategy Director, Oracle (UK)

Exhibitor

Thank you for the valued email and organising the HR Directors conference. It was a very good event from which we benefitted much and certainly interested in coming again next year. — Jose Fernandes (SQIM)

Speaker

Thanks for inviting me! Well done on a well organised event. I would be very happy to be involved in any future events. — Mandy Kerr, Yuppiechef

Speaker/Author

I want to congratulate you on the amazing conference you ran, with really great speakers; I really enjoyed it! An Bakkes

Delegates

The Conference was excellent – as always !! All the speakers were brilliant and I learnt so much during the two days. Thank you for all your hard work! — Randwater, HR Director 2022 Conference

I wanted to send an email thanking the KR team for a wonderful conference. I am sure that this took months of planning and as a delegate, really had a fantastic conference. The platform you hosted it on was incredible and a big thank you! May there by many more. — Caprisa, HR Director Conference 2022

Well done, great content, we loved it. —Tunacor, HR Director 2022 Conference

It was most definitely an awesome experience. — Fnb Homeloans

I would like to express my appreciation for the conference. I found it most insightful and I enjoyed the variety of the speakers and the sessions. It was also extremely well organised and ran like clockwork. Thank you again, and you can count on me to attend the next one. Liberty

Very informative and thought provoking to learn from others and apply best practice to my organisation. — Frey’s Food Brands

Download the conference brochure

Contains full programme and more information on our featured speakers!

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.

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