Coupled with this, her bubbly attitude, emotional intelligence and em
pathetic skills are likely to stand her in good stead as the new Absa Provincial Head of Human Resources (HR) in KwaZulu-Natal.
“I feel privileged to take up this role and be able to grow the business in the right way. Together with a team of Human Resources specialists, we look after the Absa Retail and Business Banking HR function for KZN. My role involves partnering with heads of business to drive the bank’s strategy as well as lead my HR team to success,” she said.
Raeesa’s extensive experience abroad will have a major influence on how she tackles her new position. “Having the human element of care and cultural understanding builds solid bonds and relationships. I have worked in London, Cairo, Botswana and Johannesburg, all very different cultural and economic climates, yet the beauty in people across all was common.”
Absa is determined to have a strong employee value proposition to invest in employees and attract the best talent.
Faisal Mkhize, Absa Provincial Managing Executive for KwaZulu-Natal, says: “I look forward to Raeesa’s contribution in leading the people-side of our business to be strong and add value to the lives of our employees.
Our business strategy prioritises people in order to service our clients and customers well. We will actively improve people engagement and invest in people.”
She has worked in the Johannesburg, London, Cairo and Botswana offices of Barclays as part of the Future Leaders Development Programme.
“When Absa on-boarded me I was put into the HR stream and grew into the role. My career took off from there and I have never looked back,” she said.
Raeesa is a home-grown talent, having started her HR career eight years ago on the Absa Graduate Development Programme. Her previous roles include that of HR Business Partner, Resourcing Consultant, Employee Relations (ER) Manager and HR Management Information and Projects.
Described by her colleagues as “not your typical HR person”, she has an in-depth understanding of the organisation across all business units.
She says: “I enjoy work that challenges me to push the boundaries and look for innovative ways to attract, develop and retain talent within an organisation. I am always looking to expand my knowledge of people management and business practice.
I advise youngsters to be focused when afforded opportunities at work and be willing to learn, especially those starting their careers. I believe with a good attitude and support from family our young people could have a brighter future.”
In addition to setting up an ER division in Egypt from scratch and compiling HR board packs for the Board of Directors in Botswana, Raeesa was acknowledged with the Graduate Leadership Award in 2008 and the Barclays Prestige Award in Bronze Leadership.
She has a multitude of academic qualifications, including a Bachelor of Commerce Honours (Management), Certificate in Islamic Law and Bachelor of Social Science.
Her extensive experience and expertise can only augur well for her new role in Absa Retail and Business Banking in the province.
