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Interview with Shirley Zinn : Head of Group HR, Nedbank Group

In an interview with Michele Butler-Van Eeden, Shirley Zinn (HR Director, Nedbank Group) gives us a glimpse into the HR strategies and successes that supports one of the four largest banking groups in South Africa.

by Michele Butler-Van Eeden

Shirley Zinn, Head of Group HR, Nedbank Group.

1. What are the three biggest challenges for your organisation?
   • Accelerating  transformation: Nedbank is committed to leading transformation and although great strides have been made, there is always work to be done.
   • Building a unique culture for competitive advantage and making Nedbank a great place to work for all.
   • Becoming more client driven in order o become more competitive in all our businesses by being client driven and focusing on growing economic profit.
     
     
2. How will the HR department respond to those challenges?
   • The challenges or focus areas are incorporated into the HR business plans and are monitored at various forums throughout the organisation.
   • Constantly raising our game as HR professionals and making a difference.
     
     
3. What are you doing to position your HR department as a true business partner?
   • In 2009, the Human Resources function underwent a revamp (HR 2010 programme). This programme gave us the opportunity to really scrutinise what we do and how we can do it better, or even differently. This has allowed us to enhance the quality of the HR services offered to the Group and will result in seamless delivery of value add HR services. This will allow for greater customer focus.
   • The HR 2010 and Beyond Programme is dedicated to enhancing HR capability and competence levels; building effectiveness and efficiencies in our interactions and relationships; and to enable all HR professionals to realise the vision of building a ‘Great Place to Work’.
     
     
4. How do you ensure your HR department is consistently functioning on the cutting edge of HR expertise?
   • HR professionals are encouraged to take up external and internal learning opportunities within the group. We are also in the process of setting up a HR academy.
     
     
5. What are the four most important qualities you are looking for in HR professionals?
   • Credible leadership;
   • Technical competency and capability;
   • Astute professionalism;
   • Values.

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