What is the HR World Summit South Africa?

The HR World Summit South Africa is an invitation-only HR leadership conference, now in its 6th edition, bringing together 200+ CHROs, senior HR leaders, and workforce strategy experts. Held under the theme "Advancing South Africa's Human Capital Edge," it focuses on building future-ready teams, resilient workplace cultures, and talent strategies aligned to business priorities.

When and where is the summit taking place?

The HR World Summit South Africa takes place on 16 September 2026, at Focus Rooms - Universe, as a single-day, in-person event in South Africa.

How can I sponsor the summit?

Sponsorship packages are available for solution providers looking to reach senior HR and people leaders. Submit the sponsorship enquiry form on this page, or contact the Exito team directly to receive the prospectus and partnership options.

How do I register as a delegate?

Delegate access is invitation-only and reserved for qualified senior HR leaders. Apply through the registration form on this page, and the Exito team will review your details and confirm eligible delegates directly.

HR 100

Honouring HR Trailblazers Fostering a Future of Collaboration

Presenting the HR100

100 HR leaders to watch

Methodology

The HR World Summit compiles an annual list of prominent leaders in the HR landscape based on nominations, direct applications, information from our database, interviews, company websites, and other public sources.

They are united in their passion and unwavering commitment to making a difference.

Want to see someone on the list? Nominate here

These inspiring leaders are making waves across diverse domains, spearheading activities that encompass talent acquisition, employee engagement, workplace culture, and strategic workforce planning.

Nominate for the HR100

Want to meet these inspiring leaders?

Learn from these incredible leaders by attending the HR World Summit. Attendees will gain insights into the latest trends and technologies, as well as strategies for overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities.

100 HR leaders we honoured in 2026

Natasha Davies

Head of Human Capital
Public Investment Corporation

Stanley Shabangu

Chief Human Resources Officer
City Power

Nthabeleng Seekane

Head of People & Culture
Dischem

Melikhaya Snaigo

Group Head: HR Delivery
SABC

Pindiwe Gida

Chief Officer: Human Capital & Corporate Services
South African Local Government Association (SALGA)

Daniel Olifant

Chief Human Capital Officer
South African National Blood Service

Itumeleng K. Matsheka

Chief of People Management & Learning
Transnet

Thabo Mashaba

Chief People Officer
Absa Group

Candice Perigadu

AVP- Learning & Development Specialist
Absa Group

Busisiwe Nthane

Head People and Culture
Absa Group

Prema Tina Arunajalam

Head of Data & AI Culture
Absa Group

Lerato Nonyane

Country HR Head - People & Culture
Acwa

Kago Mmolawa

Group Head Culture, Change and Organizational Effectiveness
AECI Limited

Nhlanhla Qwabe

Chief Human Resources Officer
Africa Health Research Institute

Asha Sivenath

Head of Human Resources & Transformation Southern Africa
ALPLA Group

Catherine Moodley

Vice President of People and Organization Technology
Anglo American

Zanele Dintwa

People Lead: Chief Human Resources Officer
Aon South Africa

Shelleny Govender-Dhooma

HR Director African Cluster
AstraZeneca

Esha Naidoo

Group Head of People
Auto & Truck Tyres (Pty) Ltd

Hanifa Tayoob

Human Resources Director
Bakers Tankers

Gugulethu Nkosi

Head of Human Capital RSA
Barloworld Equipment

Solly Mathebula

Chief People Officer
Bearing Man Group (Pty) Ltd

Palesa Matoli

Executive Head of Human Capital and Transformation
Bidvest Bank Limited

Marcellino Vincenzo Roberts

Head: People Excellence
Biovac

Tebogo Kgama Monakedi

HR Director
Chep

Beverley Bennett

Chief Human Resources Officer
Core Education

Zayd Shaikh

Chief People Officer
Clinix Health Group

Yvette Gradwell

HR Director
COFCO International

Portia Sithole

Head of People & Performance
Cotton On Group

Catherine Shih

HR Director
CPES (Pty) Ltd T/A vivo

Laone Barei

Global Head Human Resources
CPS

Nomfundo Vilakazi

People and Culture Director
Dischem

Hangwelani Dlamini

Human Resources Director
Donaldson

Bryony van Zyl

Chief People Officer
Dream Hotels & Resorts

Pamentha Kadathlal

Human Resources Director
Ecolab

Terene Rampersad

Head of Human Capital
Eris Property Group (Pty) Ltd

Mangla Haripersad

Head of Human Resources
Expert Stores South Africa

Gladys Nkosi

Human Capital Head - Business Unit
FNB South Africa

Ntombi Ramarou

Head of Human Capital
FNB South Africa

Claire McMaster

Executive Head Human Resources
Fraser Alexander

Rekha Govender

Head of Human Resources
Goscor Group of Companies

Shaun Munnhar

Head of HR Sub-Saharan Africa
Hillebrand Gori

Charlene Adolph

Managing Executive: Human Resources
Huge Connect

Bianca Rohan Anthon

HR Director
Illovo Sugar Africa

Navasha Chetty

Chief People Officer
JSE

Nosipho Kunene

Human Resources Director: Sub-Saharan Africa
Kimberly-Clark

Mevashnee Naidoo

Human Resources Director
Knight Piesold Southern Africa

Nthabiseng Thaba

Human Resources Director
Leroy Merlin

Mpho Nkoane

Head of Human Capital
Momentum Group

Sipho Mabaso

Head of People
Mr Price Group

Dr. Savina Harrilall

Chief People Officer
Mukuru

Gavin (Lovett) Peirce

Head of Learning and Development
Nampak Metals

Zameer Ahmed

Head HR Digital Transformation
Netcare

Kholo Kunene

Africa Human Resources Director
Nissan Motor Corporation

Mosebjadi Marcy Murwa

People and Talent Director
Norcros SA

Zanele Mkwanazi

People & Organisation Director
Novo Nordisk South Africa

Tebogo Seakamela

Vice President :Human Capital & Organisational Effectiveness
Nyanza Light Metals

Ronelle Kind

Head of Remuneration, Employee Benefits and Shared Services
Omnia Holdings

Vikash Manik

Group Head Talent
Omnia Holdings

Samantha Robinson

Head of HR
Open Fibre

Michelle Chandler

Chief People Officer
Pack 'n Stack

Marina Bothma

Head of Human Capital
Penta Motor Group

Smita Ramouthar

People Business Partner Director
PepsiCo

Judy Mahadeo

Group Head: Employee Experience,Talent and Development
Pick 'n Pay

Praveen Jawahir

Head of HR Shared Services
Pick 'n Pay

Kyle Gareth Chetty

Head of Human Resources
Planet42

Dorah Tlala-Tanor

Group Chief HR Officer & Corporate Affairs
Proconics

Tarryn Allie

RSA Country HR Director
Procter & Gamble

Barney Khumalo

Chief People Officer
RAINBOW

Ayanda Dlamini

Director : Human Resources and Employee Relations
RCL FOODS

Tshepo Yvonne Mosadi

HR Director
RCL FOODS

Summen Gounden

HR Director
Reef Tankers

Dr Refiloe Ramodibe

Talent and Performance Management Head
RMB - Rand Merchant Bank

Sifiso Gasa Stanley

Chief Human Resources Officer
Röhlig-Grindrod Logistics South Africa

Mbali Magudulela

Senior Vice President of Corporate Human Resources
Sibanye-Stillwater

Emma Thomas

Head of Human Capital
SPARK Schools

Roxanne van Eck

Head of Human Capital
Spear REIT Limited

Nomalungelo Shange

Campus Head of Diversity and Transformation
St Stithians College

Ilze Johnston

Head, Talent Acquisition PPB Corporate Functions
Standard Bank Group

Dr Vanessa Ikin

Chief People Officer
The Beverage Company

Shalini Bhateja

Vice President People and Culture - Africa Operating Unit
The Coca-Cola Company

Amrita Singh

Director People & Culture (Africa)
The Coca-Cola Company

Opila Moodley

Executive Director Human Resources, Transformation & Sustainability Africa
The Estée Lauder Companies Inc.

Siphindile Madonsela

Human Resources Director Middle East & Africa
Thyssenkrupp

Aneshree Govender Kammies

Group Head of HR & Training
Traxtion

Nadia Vatalidis

Head of People
Todoist

Janet Frost

HR Director
UD Trucks

Francois Sieberhagen

Chief People Officer
VKB Group

Masechaba Amanda Letsela

Head: Organizational Effectiveness
Woolworths Financial Services ·

Nasreen Khan

Country HR Head African Cluster
Xylem

Mmabatho Tlale

Chief Human Capital officer
ZEDA Limited

Rochelle Bedessy

Head of HR & Admin
Zoomlion South Africa

Charne Sahabedin

Human Capital Head
First National Bank

Farzanah Kathrada

Head, People and Culture
Standard Bank

Bridget makhura

Chief People Officer
Clicks Group

Leonora Chetty

Human Resource Director
Tiber Construction Group

Trevonica Naidu

Head of Human Capital Experience
VKB Group