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Shane Blake
Regional Director, Human Resources, EMEA
Professional Background
Shane Blake has established a robust career in the field of Human Resources, particularly within the technology and finance sectors. With a strong foundation built at ACI Worldwide, a leading provider of real-time payments systems, Shane has taken on progressively responsible roles, culminating in his current position as Regional Director of Human Resources for the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. In this capacity, he is instrumental in driving HR strategies that support ACI's position as a universal payments powerhouse, where more than 5,100 organizations rely on their vast suite of products to handle over $14 trillion in daily electronic payments.
Starting his journey as a Senior Recruitment Consultant and working his way through various HR roles, Shane has a rich history at ACI Worldwide. His tenure includes significant positions such as Senior Human Resources Consultant, HR Manager, and Senior Manager of Human Resources, giving him a comprehensive view of the HR functions and their critical influence on organizational success. Shane’s experience encompasses talent acquisition, employee relations, and strategic HR planning, all of which are vital for enhancing employee engagement and operational efficiency.
Shane’s experience also extends beyond ACI Worldwide. He has worked as a Recruitment Manager at Dell and has contributed to the recruitment processes at other notable organizations, including CPL and Elan. These experiences have equipped him with a nuanced understanding of talent management across different business environments, fostering a mindset geared towards creating harmonious workplace cultures where employees can thrive.
Education and Achievements
Shane's academic credentials lay a strong groundwork for his career achievements. He holds a Bachelor's Degree with Honours in Accounting and Human Resource Management from the National College of Ireland (NCI) in Dublin, where he honed his skills in both financial management and HR practices. Further strengthening his expertise, he has also become a Chartered Graduate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (MCIPD), which highlights his commitment to ongoing professional development in human resources.
Shane completed his Leaving Certificate at Ardscoil Ris in Limerick, where his foundational education began shaping his career path. Throughout his educational journey, Shane has demonstrated a consistent focus on developing skills that blend technical accounting acuity with people management excellence.
Professional Contributions
Throughout his career, Shane has actively engaged in initiatives that underscore his commitment to enhancing workforce effectiveness. At ACI Worldwide, he has led diverse HR projects that drive employee engagement, optimize hiring strategies, and support the company's mission to provide innovative payments solutions. His ability to align HR practices with business objectives has greatly contributed to ACI’s reputation as a leading organization in the payments industry. Shane’s work has not only advanced the strategic aims of the company but has also had a considerable positive impact on employee satisfaction and retention rates, making ACI a preferred employer in the tech sector.
As a strategic thinker, Shane has implemented training and development programs tailored to cultivating talent and supporting the growth ambitions of employees, thereby ensuring that the workforce is equipped with the necessary tools to meet the challenges of an evolving financial landscape. He has championed initiatives that promote diversity and inclusion, setting benchmarks for inclusive hiring practices that resonate well with ACI’s organizational principles.
In addition to his HR roles, Shane’s extensive experience in recruitment and talent management provides him with a unique insight into the intricacies of the hiring process. His background as a Recruitment Manager and Talent Acquisition Specialist enables him to identify and attract top-tier talent that aligns not just with skill requirements but also with the company culture, thereby optimizing workforce integration and performance.
Achievements
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Leadership in Human Resources: As Regional Director for HR in EMEA at ACI Worldwide, Shane has successfully navigated the complexities of managing a diverse workforce spread across multiple countries, ensuring the implementation of effective HR strategies that support overall business goals.
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Strategic Talent Acquisition: During his time in various recruitment roles, Shane has demonstrated a remarkable ability to build and sustain relationships with stakeholders while effectively fulfilling challenging hiring requirements, which has resulted in substantial reductions in time-to-hire metrics.
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Chartered HR Professional: Shane’s status as a Chartered Graduate through the MCIPD reflects his commitment to maintaining high professional standards in HR practices and enhancing his competency in this critical area.
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Enhancing Employee Engagement: Shane has been pivotal in launching employee engagement initiatives that have resulted in increased retention rates and a more satisfied employee base, fostering a culture that thrives on collaboration and innovation.
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