Reena Gurtner
SVP, HR and communications
BW Maritime
What was your first HR job?
I joined the Four Seasons Hotel in London as a management trainee and had a brief rotation in HR operations.
Why a career in HR?
I started my career in operations, but my affinity to building relationships with people led me to move into HR. I found it energising when my efforts helped bring out the best in employees and made a positive impact on their personal development and company performance.
If you weren’t in HR, what would you be doing?
I would have completed my degree in medical school.
Which HR function do you like best?
I enjoy learning and development, whether it is conducting training or developing employees through succession planning, implementing high potential programmes or on-the-job coaching. It is rewarding to see employees progress and know I have played a part in their development.
If you could meet one person who would it be?
Mahatma Gandhi. His ability to influence an entire nation of people and being a conduit for positive change was inspirational.
What do you think will be the role of HR five years from now?
HR will get more complex with today’s increasingly global and multi-generational workforce. Building loyalty is crucial and HR will need to put systems and processes in place to cater to this shift in workplace dynamics.
What is the best career advice you have received?
Early on in my career I learned not to shy away from new opportunities, but view them as personal challenges to grow and develop. This was my primary motivation to work in different parts of the world; experiences which led me to learn new things and perspectives throughout my career.
How can HR be more strategic?
HR needs to develop its people strategy in line with the business strategy of the company. This means building a workforce with the right structure and capabilities, and fostering a culture to retain and attract good people. It needs to put processes in place to reduce bureaucracy and focus on the end goal to achieve results smarter and faster.
Can you describe a regular workday at your company?
Because my role is strategic, the majority of my day is spent working with the senior management team on implementing actions to deliver the company’s goals. I also communicate regularly with my global HR teams and department managers to stay close to the daily operations that are vital to shaping HR strategy.
I can’t live without my iPod playlist.
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