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Monica Zai
Human Resources Director at The HEINEKEN Company
Professional Background
Monica Zai is a seasoned Senior HR Director with an impressive international track record spanning over 25 years in the fields of Human Resources, consultancy, and industry. She has played pivotal roles in Corporate settings, Business Units, and as a Country Responsible across diverse sectors, particularly in the Food Industry and Industrial areas. Monica's work focuses on integrating HR functions as strategic partners within businesses, aligning human resources with the overarching goals and needs of the organization. Her vast expertise includes transformation processes, change management, coaching, talent development, and labor relations, making her a well-rounded leader in the HR domain.
Throughout her career, Monica has demonstrated her ability to establish value through human resources in the creation, launch, and consolidation of new companies and strategic business lines. Her extensive experience in organizational transformation has empowered numerous businesses to adjust to the ever-evolving market landscape, ensuring that human resources remain at the forefront of these changes.
Monica's exceptional communication skills, fluent in four languages—English, Italian, Spanish, and French—allow her to effectively engage with a multicultural workforce, enhancing the global reach of her initiatives.
Education and Achievements
Monica’s educational background is diverse and tailored to her professional growth in HR management and leadership. She holds a Master’s Degree in Human Resources Management from ESIC: Business & Marketing School, equipping her with foundational knowledge and advanced skills in managing personnel and administering HR practices effectively. Additionally, she completed various specialized studies such as the Strategic Leadership Program at Ashridge Executive Education, which has further honed her leadership capabilities.
Her commitment to continual learning is evident through various certifications, including Hogan Assessment Certification, which emphasizes her proficiency in talent assessment and people management. She has also completed courses in Finance for non-financiers and advanced courses in Foreign Trade and Business Advertising, broadening her understanding of the intersection between HR and these critical business functions.
Notable Positions and Contributions
Monica's professional journey is marked by her significant contributions to prestigious organizations. Currently serving as the Human Resources Director at The HEINEKEN Company, she leads HR strategies that align with the company's vision and operational objectives. In her previous roles, she held esteemed positions such as Human Resources Director at Campofrio Food Group across various capacities, where she was instrumental in leading Europe’s HR and transformation initiatives.
The launch of the GHRS division at PWC and the HR department at CFG exemplifies her hands-on approach to establishing HR frameworks that support business growth while enhancing employee engagement and performance. Furthermore, her tenure at Michael Page Group and Randstad laid a strong foundation in consultancy, where she developed her expertise in HR Branding and strategic human resources management.
Monica's multifaceted experience has solidified her status as a respected leader in human resources, known for her versatility, creativity, and results-oriented mindset. Her ambition to position Human Resources as a strategic business partner has not only benefited the organizations she has served but has also inspired her teams to adopt a people-centered approach in their operations. Monica’s focus on organizational needs and employee welfare continues to set the bar for transformative HR practices in today’s competitive landscape.
Achievements
- Played a fundamental role in the launching of several HR divisions, including the GHRS division at PWC and HR department at CFG, fostering organizational growth.
- Led significant transformation projects in the Food Industry, enhancing organizational frameworks and talent management strategies.
- Successfully integrated HR functions as strategic business partners at The HEINEKEN Company and Campofrio Food Group, aligning HR objectives with overall business goals.
Work Philosophy
Monica’s work philosophy centers around the belief that human resources must transition from traditional roles to become integral partners in strategic business operations. She advocates for the necessity of adaptability within the HR function to meet the challenges of transformational change, ensuring alignment between employee engagement and organizational performance. With a focus on continuous improvement, Monica emphasizes the importance of nurturing talent and building strong organizational culture as cornerstones of business success.
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