Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Earlier Positions
Languages
Citizenship
References
Certification
Affiliations
Software
Timeline
Hi, I’m

LAURA EXNER

Oslo
LAURA EXNER

Summary

Collaborative HR transformation leader who employs design, systems thinking and coaching approach to unleash untapped potential in individuals, teams and organisations. Uses vast international experience to support lasting change for improved social sustainability. Drives efficiency through digital solutions implementation with a people first approach. Excellent team leadership and program management abilities.

Overview

19
years of professional experience
1
Certification
2
Languages

Work History

Höegh Autoliners

Chief HR & Communications Officer
02.2019 - Current

Job overview

Previous roles within the company

  • Chief of Staff (Dec 2019 - Dec 2020)
  • Head of Global HR (Feb 2019 - Nov 2019)

Responsibilities

Have lead various global teams of ca. 15 people in split locations including HR, Payroll, Communications & PR and Administration. Joined the SMT in 2021 and worked with the Board on Sustainability, Goverance and Compensation Committee activities including all social sustainability reporting.

Achievements

  • Updated a global leadership development framework including a first 5 years early career development program
  • Implemented full suite of SuccessFactors across 16 countries and digitalized all HR processes
  • Successfully implemented hybrid working globally including new working practices
  • Increased DEI by promoting inclusive hiring practices and supporting various diversity initiatives.
  • Streamlined recruitment processes for improved efficiency and faster candidate selection
  • Increased employee retention by creating engaging professional development opportunities and implementing innovative HR policies and programs.
  • Optimized performance management system for better alignment with organizational goals and employee expectations.
  • Supported succession planning efforts by identifying key roles that required proactive talent pipeline development strategies.
  • Facilitated cross-functional sessions designed to increase collaboration and communication across departments
  • Supported IPO process including implementing a long term incentive plan for the SMT
  • Gained ISO certification 450001
  • Maintained global compliance with employment laws and regulations through continuous monitoring of legal updates and prompt implementation of required changes
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning, encouraging employees to pursue further education and professional certifications relevant to their roles
  • Collaborated with management to identify skill gaps and tailor training initiatives accordingly
  • Provided coaching and mentoring for employees.
  • Democratised learning by implementing digital learning platform and related policies and processes
  • Implemented Microsoft Teams and new ways of working during COVID in collaboration with IT
  • Implemented a global restructure as part of 50 mil USD cost saving programme

PwC Norway

Senior Manager Human Capital
09.2011 - 01.2019

Job overview

Roles within the company

  • Senior Manager - Workday Project Leader (2017 - 2019)
  • Senior Manager - Human Capital Leader (2013 - 2017)
  • Senior Manager - Human Capital (2012 - 2013)
  • Senior Manager - Knowledge Management (2011)

Responsibilities

Began in supporting the set up of Knowledge Management but quickly moved over to help transform the HR team into a centralized HRBP led model. Had leadership responsibility for up to 16 people. Represented Norway in EMEA and global PwC forums. Was the project leader for Norway for the implementation of Workday and all related workstreams (change management, standardization processes globally, digital leadership and HR transformation).

Achievements

  • Delivered Workday project on time and within budget in a challenging context, with excellent feedback from the global project team on quality and delivery
  • Provided strong leadership to the HR team during constant change during the HR transformation model work
  • Coached team members to develop core HR skills for further career development
  • Achieved operational excellence by streamlining processes and implementing best practices.
  • Promoted a culture of continuous learning through regular workshops, seminars, and training sessions for leaders and staff.
  • Championed many process improvement initiatives that led to significant cost savings without compromising on quality standards.
  • Implementation of Assessment Centres for graduate recruitment reducing recruit to offer time with use of machine learning
  • Implemented job evaluation methodology for Corporate Services to enhance career development and compensation decisions
  • Supported establishment of knowledge management function

PwC UK

Senior Manager/ Manager - Human Capital
10.2005 - 09.2011

Job overview

Responsibilities

Began as a Manager supporting two Senior Managers in a HRBP position for many Corporate Services functions. Over time took on sole responsibility for HR, Marketing, Communications, Business Development and Knowledge Management (ca 600 employees in the UK). Partnered closely with business leaders to drive the talent agenda, consult on critical people decisions and achieve operational excellence for the business in extremely challenging circumstances during the financial crisis.

Achievements

  • Implemented a new people management model
  • Supported leadership succession through a period of significant change
  • Implemented a new talent management approach
  • Led a number of reorganisations and redundancy programs
  • Simplified HR processes e.g. promotions, recognition, career progression pathways
  • Led Internal Firms Services (IFS) salary and performance review change project to improve link to performance based pay.

Education

University of Canterbury
Christchurch, New Zealand

Bachelor of Science from Psychology

University Overview

Skills

  • Coaching
  • Social sustainability including DEI
  • ESG reporting
  • Organisational culture
  • HR strategy execution
  • Leadership development
  • HR systems implementation
  • Global HR management
  • Recruitment and onboarding
  • Succession and talent management
  • Internal communications
  • HR policies and procedures
  • HR analytics
  • Speech writing
  • Event networking

Earlier Positions

Earlier Positions
  • HR Advisor/ Assistant, NAA, UK, 04/2005 - 10/2005
  • HR Advisor/ Assistant, Inland Revenue, NZ, 03/2002 - 11/2005
  • HR Assistant, Ministry of Reserach, Science & Technology, NZ, 04/2002 - 10/2002
  • Customer Services Officer, ASB Bank, NZ, 01/2001 - 04/2002

Languages

English
Native language
Norwegian
Advanced
C1

Citizenship

Citizenship
  • Norwegian
  • New Zealand
  • British

References

References
  • Kristin Omreng, 93408386, kristin.omreng@pgs.com
  • Thor Jørgen Guttormsen, 40039888, thor.jorgen.guttormsen@hoegh.com

Certification

  • UN Global Compact Target Gender Equality
  • Organisational & Relationship Systems Coaching (120 hours)
  • Co-Active Coach - CTI (120 hours)
  • Barrets Value Centre certification
  • C-ute (now AON) psychometric testing

Affiliations

Affiliations
  • CIPD

Software

Workday

SuccessFactors

Microsoft 365

Percipio

Docusign

MuchSkills

Timeline

Chief HR & Communications Officer
Höegh Autoliners
02.2019 - Current
Senior Manager Human Capital
PwC Norway
09.2011 - 01.2019
Senior Manager/ Manager - Human Capital
PwC UK
10.2005 - 09.2011
University of Canterbury
Bachelor of Science from Psychology
LAURA EXNER