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Gigi Dada

Global HR Leader

About Me

Global HR executive with 15+ years of leadership experience in HR operations, strategy, and transformation across scale-ups and international NGOs. Proven track record in designing scalable HR operating models, optimizing HR systems, implementing enterprise HR technologies, and driving operational excellence across complex, multi-country environments. Expertise spans HRIS and digital transformation, Total Rewards, Global Payroll and end-to-end Employee Lifecycle Management. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and partnering with executive leadership to align people strategy with organizational priorities and long-term growth. Currently enrolled in the Wharton CHRO Program, further strengthening executive capability in enterprise talent strategy, governance, and board-level HR leadership.

Jurisdiction

Netherlands

Experience

Seniority LevelMid-Senior level
Years of Experience15-20 years
Current StatusActive
Director, Global HR OperationsRainforest Alliance
2025 - Present

• Lead the global People Operations function across all regions, shaping a consistent, data-driven HR operating model that enables enterprise performance and organizational resilience. • Own the design and governance of global HR infrastructure, including HR systems, payroll, compliance, and service delivery frameworks, ensuring scalability, risk mitigation, and regulatory integrity across multi-country environments. • Drive enterprise-wide digital transformation, spearheading HRIS optimization, global payroll strategy, and technology integration to strengthen data governance, operational efficiency, and executive decision-making capability. • Champion workforce experience and operational excellence through standardization, automation, and advanced people analytics, translating data into actionable insights for executive and Board-level stakeholders. • Partner with the CHRO, C-suite, Finance, and regional leaders to align people strategy, workforce planning, and governance with long-term organizational priorities and financial sustainability. • Lead cross-functional transformation initiatives that strengthen accountability, data integrity, and global service delivery, positioning HR as a strategic enabler of growth and mission impact.

Global Head of HRRaxio Data Centers
2022 - 2025

• Shaped and executed enterprise-wide People Strategy in close partnership with the Executive Team, aligning talent, culture, and organizational capability with long-term business objectives. • Established globally consistent HR governance frameworks, ensuring policy alignment, operational coherence, and regulatory compliance across multi-country operations. • Acted as steward of organizational culture and values, embedding leadership principles and driving engagement across a distributed global workforce. • Designed and implemented global HR architecture, including operating model structure, policy harmonization, and scalable people practices. • Led enterprise HR digital transformation, modernizing HR systems and leveraging data analytics to strengthen decision-making, workforce planning, and operational efficiency. • Owned the global HR budget and workforce planning cycle, overseeing headcount forecasting and strategic talent investment decisions. • Oversaw enterprise risk and compliance, safeguarding the organization’s reputation through proactive labor law governance and ethical employment practices. • Directed global talent acquisition, retention, and succession strategies to ensure leadership pipeline continuity and critical capability readiness. • Designed performance management and career architecture frameworks to strengthen accountability, leadership development, and internal mobility. • Built and governed global Total Rewards strategy, including compensation frameworks, merit and inflation cycles, benchmarking, and pay equity alignment. • Built and developed high-performing HR leadership teams, fostering capability growth, accountability, and strategic partnership mindset.

Global HR ManagerDoctors Without Borders
2017 - 2021

• Directed HR activities across multiple countries, supporting a diverse workforce of over 1,000 staff, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values. • Implemented 'best fit' HR practices managing changes in HR systems and processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. • Led the roll-out of performance management systems, ensuring consistent application and improvement of staff performance. • Drove employee engagement programs to enhance staff satisfaction and retention.

Head of HRDoctors Without Borders, DRC
2012 - 2013

• Spearheaded the revision of Terms & Conditions to align with national legal requirements and organizational HRM philosophy. • Initiated a comprehensive update of job descriptions and the salary scale to enhance transparency and equity. • Led HR teams in identifying and eliminating inefficiencies in HRM processes, resulting in improved workflow and productivity. • Optimized annual workforce planning and budgeting processes, ensuring efficient allocation of resources. • Oversaw the successful implementation of a performance management system to enhance employee development and accountability. • Mediated relations with national authorities, unions, and staff representatives to maintain positive working relationships and resolve disputes effectively.

HR ManagerDoctors Without Borders, DRC
2011 - 2012

Education

Degree of CHRO programWharton Executive Education
2025 - Present
Masters of Business Administration, Human Resources ManagementVrije Universiteit Amsterdam (VU Amsterdam)
2021 - 2022
Masters of Social WorkNew York University
2013 - 2015

Skills

Core skills0
Languages3

Languages

English
French
Turkish