Mary-Joy Emefe

Seasoned Human Resources Executive with over 15 years of progressive leadership experience driving enterprise-wide people strategies across diverse sectors including Oil & Gas, Financial Services, Education, and Non-Profit organizations. Proven expertise in human capital strategy, organizational design, workforce planning, succession management, leadership development, compensation and rewards, employee engagement, performance management, and HR transformation. Currently serving as Group Head, Human Resources & Administration, providing strategic leadership and partnering with executive management to align people strategies with business objectives and long-term growth plans.

Demonstrated success in building high-performing organizations, leading change initiatives, implementing HR technologies, and strengthening organizational capability to support business performance. Recognized as a trusted advisor to senior executives with strong business acumen, stakeholder management capability, and a track record of delivering sustainable people solutions that drive operational excellence and organizational growth.

Group Head, Human Resources & Administration - RAINOIL LIMITED/ETERNA PLC

(2023-03)

Provide strategic leadership for all Human Resources and Administrative functions across the Group while partnering with Executive Management to drive business performance through people strategy.

• Lead the development and execution of Group-wide human capital strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Drive organizational design, workforce planning, succession planning, and leadership development initiatives.
• Oversee talent acquisition strategies to ensure attraction and retention of critical talent.
• Lead performance management processes and talent review programs across the organization.
• Drive employee engagement and culture transformation initiatives.
• Champion HR automation and digital transformation projects.
• Advise executive leadership on organizational effectiveness, workforce capability, and talent risks.
• Lead compensation benchmarking and reward strategy implementation.
• Ensure compliance with labour laws, regulatory requirements, and corporate governance standards.
• Spearhead corporate social responsibility and employee wellness initiatives.
• Successfully implemented HR technology solutions that improved operational efficiency and reporting capability.
• Strengthened succession planning and leadership development frameworks.
• Enhanced performance management processes and talent review effectiveness.

Head, Human Resources - AIG-IMOUKHUEDE FOUNDATION

(2022-01 - 2022-12)

Led all aspects of Human Resources strategy and operations for the Foundation.

• Developed and implemented HR strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Led talent acquisition, onboarding, learning and development, employee relations, and performance management.
• Designed workforce capability development initiatives.
• Managed compensation benchmarking and remuneration reviews.
• Conducted HR compliance audits and policy reviews.
• Implemented HR systems and employee records management processes.

Head, Human Resources - CARDINAL SECURITIES SERVICES LIMITED

(2018-10 - 2021-12)

Provided strategic and operational HR leadership while serving as advisor to the CEO and Executive Management Team.

• Led talent acquisition, learning and development, employee engagement, compensation and benefits, and HR operations.
• Managed workforce planning and organizational development initiatives.
• Developed and implemented employee engagement and retention programs.
• Led performance management transformation using Balanced Scorecard and 360-degree appraisal frameworks.
• Managed departmental budgeting and HR governance activities.
• Ensured compliance with employment legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Improved organizational performance through implementation of robust performance management systems.
• Strengthened employee engagement and retention initiatives.

Admin / HR Manager - THE LEARNING PLACE CENTRE (TLPC)

(2018-03 - 2018-09)

• Managed recruitment, onboarding, employee relations, and performance management processes.
• Oversaw administrative operations, procurement, facilities management, and compliance activities.
• Administered employee benefits and welfare programs.

Senior Human Resources Business Partner - A-Z PETROLEUM LIMITED (CHICASON GROUP)

(2015-01 - 2018-02)

Partnered with business leaders to drive strategic and operational HR initiatives across multiple business units.

• Supported workforce planning, organizational restructuring, and succession planning initiatives.
• Led recruitment, talent management, learning and development, and employee relations activities.
• Facilitated HR transformation and automation projects.
• Advised management on disciplinary matters, labour law compliance, and employee relations issues.
• Coordinated performance management and talent review processes.
• Supported leadership development and capability-building programs.
• Contributed significantly to HR transformation and process automation initiatives.
• Strengthened workforce capability through structured learning and development interventions.

HR & Administration Officer - A-Z PETROLEUM LIMITED (CHICASON GROUP)

(2011-12 - 2014-12)

• Coordinated recruitment, onboarding, training, performance management, and employee welfare programs.
• Managed HRIS reporting and employee records.
• Supported payroll administration and benefits management.
• Assisted in procurement and administrative operations.

Human Resources Intern (Contract) - FIRST CITY MONUMENT BANK (FCMB)

(2010-07 - 2010-12)

• Supported the implementation of Balanced Scorecard initiatives.
• Assisted with performance management and HR data administration.

Supply Chain / Procurement Consultant (Contract) - XAV CONSULT LIMITED

(2011-02 - 2011-07)

• Participated in supplier evaluation and procurement review projects.

Marketing & Operations Consultant - NAL-COMET SHIPPING AGENCIES

(2009-08 - 2009-10)

• Conducted market research and business analysis projects.
• Supported operational and regulatory compliance activities.

Supervisor / HR Officer - MACDONALD BAKERIES & CONFECTIONERIES

(2007-07 - 2008-06)

• Supervised operations and managed employee relations, attendance, leave administration, and workforce discipline.

Master of Business Administration - MBA - Lagos Business School (Pan-Atlantic University) (2008 - 2010)

Bachelor of Science - Food Science & Technology - Abia State University, Uturu (2000 - 2005)