Stay Informed on Corporate Sustainability

Author: Archie Villaflores

The latest edition of our HR leadership and management newsletters highlights the strategic shifts defining workforce development today. First, ‘Citco’s HR Portfolio Management Team Named Best Specialist Team at the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025’ last October demonstrates how operational discipline, standardised processes, and integrated tools can elevate HR from support function to business partner. Their achievement sets the benchmark for structured programmes and measurable outcomes for the 2026 awards. Meanwhile, ‘IOB advances skills framework to strengthen Ireland’s funds sector workforce’ links HR planning to organisational performance. It maps essential skills, helping professionals and organisations recruit and develop staff effectively. In addition, ‘Bluworks secures funding to scale HR solutions across Egypt and MENA’ highlights innovation in workforce management. The startup streamlines scheduling, payroll, and compliance, creating efficiency and empowerment for employees. These stories illustrate a global trajectory for HR: integrating process, skills, and technology to drive growth, productivity, and workforce engagement. Explore how these initiatives are reshaping HR strategy and performance across sectors and regions.

Author: Archie Villaflores

Citco’s HR Portfolio Management Team won as the Best Specialist Team at the HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025 held last October. Their achievement now frames the momentum leading into the 2026 contenders.

Author: People Matters

French fashion retailer Longchamp appoints Thierry Kun as Head of Human Resources Business Partner for Asia Pacific. The role will focus on people development, employee engagement, and strategic HR projects across key APAC markets.

Author: Disrupt Africa

Egyptian HR-tech startup bluworks secures US$1 million (€860,000) seed funding to expand workforce management solutions. The platform targets blue-collar efficiency, payroll, attendance, and compliance for SMEs and large employers.

Author: Business Eye

Employment in Northern Ireland continues to grow despite economic challenges, with firms raising staffing levels amid higher wage pressures. Private sector companies are focusing on recruitment, workforce planning, and HR strategies to manage rising costs effectively.

Author: BBC

US tech company Biller Genie is expanding in Northern Ireland, creating 100 new roles over three years. The move focuses on workforce development, HR planning, and talent acquisition across Belfast’s growing tech sector.

Author: Business Plus

Ireland’s financial services sector is enhancing workforce capability through the next phase of the Irish Financial Services Skills Framework. The initiative provides professionals and firms with a structured roadmap to develop and validate critical skills.

Author: Archie Villaflores

HR leadership is moving through a period of rapid adjustment as organisations balance capability building, technology expectations and evolving workplace standards. Just last month, Liz Mahon of PHX Ireland Wins HR Rising Star of the Year at HR Leadership & Management Awards 2025 shows how emerging leaders are shaping modern practice through practical impact rather than grand theory. This accolade sets the bar for next year’s awards, showcasing the level of influence and effectiveness expected from rising leaders. HRLocker and Paycheck Plus integrate HR and payroll for SMEs points to sustained demand for simpler systems that reduce administrative pressure and give teams more space to focus on people-centred priorities. Seamless alignment between platforms is becoming a marker of operational maturity as smaller organisations scale. New EY survey identifies how HR can close talent gaps in AI adoption examines capability gaps that require both steady leadership and consistent organisational support. The findings reinforce the need for structured development pathways that help teams work confidently with new tools. Each story speaks to a sector refining its methods while keeping its focus on people. This issue brings those themes together to help readers track where HR leadership is heading next.

Author: Jed Nykolle Harme

Last month, Liz Mahon of PHX Ireland was named 2025 HR Rising Star of the Year, setting a benchmark for talent development and inspiring the next wave of entrants for 2026.

Author: Pulse 2.0

Keensight Capital strengthens its human resources leadership with two senior appointments to support global expansion across Europe, North America, and Asia. The move prioritises talent development, organisational culture, and retention amid rapid growth.