Romaine

Accomplished and dynamic strategic HR leader with over 25 years of progressive experience in the financial sector and highly regulated environments across Sri Lanka and 26 international markets. Demonstrated expertise in international HR operations, organizational development, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and cross-border workforce strategy within complex global environments. Experienced in driving talent management, workforce planning, succession strategies, and learning & development initiatives as Head of Talent & Development in a leading Sri Lankan conglomerate, fostering high-performance cultures and sustainable organizational growth.

Adept at engaging with boards, executives, and key stakeholders to align HR strategies with broader business objectives while championing diversity, equity, and inclusion across multicultural and geographically dispersed teams. Skilled in HR policy frameworks, enterprise change management, employee relations, disciplinary governance, and people analytics to optimize organizational effectiveness in international operations. Recognized for ethical leadership, influential communication, and dynamic strategic vision, consistently delivering measurable impact in complex global settings.

Successfully completed two Master's degrees with Distinctions, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) and a Master of Research in Management (MRes), strengthening the ability to apply evidence-based HR strategies to support sustainable organizational performance and long-term value creation.

Head of HR – International Operations & AGM – HR at LOLC Group (2024-01 – 2025-04)

• Directed global HR strategy across 26 countries, ensuring compliance with legal frameworks and internal policies.
• Managed employee relations and disciplinary actions, enhancing satisfaction metrics in a multinational environment.
• Oversaw HR system processes, maintaining accurate employee data management aligned with legal standards.
• Collaborated with executive leadership to create policies that mitigated legal risks and fostered high-performance culture.
• Managed complex employee relations issues, maintaining harmonious working relationships.
• Streamlined HR processes for improved efficiency.
• Provided strategic guidance on people management to senior leadership team.
• Nurtured a positive workplace culture with effective communication strategies.

Head of HR – LOLC Finance PLC at LOLC Group (2015-01 – 2023-12)

• Managed comprehensive HR functions for 5,000+ employees, ensuring compliance within financial regulations.
• Implemented HR analytics tools to enable data-driven decisions, improving talent retention and operational efficiency.
• Led and managed the HR function for Sri Lanka's largest financial services merger, integrating four major financial institutions under LOLC Finance, impacting a workforce of approximately 6,000 employees, and delivering a successful end-to-end merger within a highly regulated environment.
• Guaranteed excellent labour relations; maintained peaceful industrial climate.
• Managed complex employee relations issues, maintaining harmonious working relationships.
• Partnered with department heads to align HR practices with business goals.
• Devised succession planning strategy to ensure business continuity.
• Provided strategic guidance on people management to senior leadership team.
• Championed a learning culture with ongoing professional development initiatives.
• Communicated HR updates to staff, keeping employees operating under consistent framework across organisation.
• Managed full recruitment lifecycle of job adverts, applicant vetting and new employee onboarding.

HR Assistant to HR Manager – LOLC Holdings PLC at LOLC Group (2002-07 – 2014-12)

• Managed talent acquisition and industrial relations to establish a compliant HR environment.
• Developed policies in alignment with evolving labour laws to enhance employee engagement.
• Led Learning and Development initiatives to foster a positive organisational culture.
• Coordinated employee engagement initiatives for improved staff morale.
• Implemented HR policies and procedures for legal compliance.
• Maintained open communication channels with employees, fostered trust within teams.
• Collaborated closely with senior leadership team on strategic HR decisions.
• Led change management initiatives for smoother transitions.

Master of Research in Management – University of Lancashire (2025 – 2026)

Master of Business Administration in Business Administration – Cardiff Metropolitan University (2012 – 2014)

Professional Qualification in Human Resource Management – Chartered Institute of Personnel Management – Sri Lanka (2006 – 2009)

Certificate & Foundation Programme in HRM – Chartered Institute of Personnel Management – Sri Lanka (2002 – 2004)