Maria Safdar Email & Phone Number

Lahore, Pk

Pakistan

• Heading the Corporate HR Area with direct reporting into CEO. Secretary HR & Remuneration Committee, present HR agenda at the Board level. Member Health & Safety Committee, and Executive Committee.• Spearheading overall Corporate HR Strategy. Leading Corporate HR transformation, enhancing efficiencies and governance across Pakistan, Middle East, UK, & USA• Responsible for the design of Abacus’ talent architecture, as well as the company’s total rewards, performance management, HR service delivery, talent supply chain and talent management and leadership development strategy• Successfully orchestrated HR transformations across diverse regions (Pakistan, Middle East, UK, USA), shaping high-performing teams in Abacus' 11 diverse verticals in Technology, Consulting and BPO businesses. Achieved seamless alignment of HR practices, implementing strategic initiatives like Mercer Salary benchmarking, Leadership Competency framework, and HR process automation through SAP-SuccessFactors. Resulted in streamlined operations, exceptional employee experiences, and reinforced the overall employee value proposition.Key Achievements:* Reduced voluntary attrition from 49% to 15%.* Designed a robust DE&I strategy, placing Abacus among the top 20 Most Inclusive Organizations in Pakistan by sustaining a balanced gender ratio (35% to 65%), securing Level 5 (Best Practice, Exemplary) accolade in Global Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Benchmarks Awards 2023-24. * Improved Mercer Employee Engagement Survey by Avg.15% in all 12 HR Dimensions exceeding All industry scores by average of 10%.* Significant improvement in Corporate HR Team's Engagement Index by 49% in 2023 and 61% in 2024* Built leadership bench strength through robust Leadership & Coaching Programs ~ Futurist - Abacus Emerging Leaders Program(50 HiPos), Sales Excellence Program (40 Top Salesforce), NextGen Women Leaders Program (25 HiPo Women), Futurist 2.0 (25 High Potential Successors)

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

Pakistan

Abacus is an international professional services firm delivering world-class technology, outsourcing and consulting solutions. Our strategic partners include Google, SnapLogic, UniPath, Atlassian, AuthO, Microsoft, SAP, Mercer, and Center for Creative Leadership with clients across 4 continents.* Responsible for the overall Talent, Learning & OD Strategy for Abacus* Succession Planning and Leadership Development Strategy* Managing L&OD budget

Pakistan

LUMS Consultancy Group (LCG) is the first and largest student run consulting club in Pakistan, modelled on the Harvard Consulting Club.

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

* Spearheaded Succession Planning & Leadership Development Strategy, orchestrating the HAWK Leadership Program for 40 High Potentials in collaboration with FranklinCovey, delivering a transformative One-Year Blended Learning Impact Journey.* Oversaw global reporting on program progress, fostering close collaboration with FranklinCovey Implementation Specialist to ensure maximum impact.* Developed Individual Development Plans tailored to each High Potential, utilizing Development Centers for precise assessment of their Potential.* Implemented Organization-wide Learning & Development initiatives, catering to both Operations and Corporate level staff.* Cultivated Employee Engagement & Culture through strategic interventions.* Designed a comprehensive Performance Management System from Interface design to Workflows, meticulously aligned with FINCA's policies, processes, and culture.* Design and E2E execution of Career Paths for Operations and Liability staff, integrating Performance Incentive Plans and Learning Paths to drive performance and growth. Established KPI-driven Performance and Learning Plans to foster continuous improvement and development.

Lahore, Punjab, Pakistan

• Articulate the alignment of Talent Management Strategy through building Leadership Bench Strength by ensuring smooth execution of Succession Planning and Leadership Development interventions for 77 organizational-wide Business Critical Positions including Management Board • Worked closely with Global HR Advisor, Talent & Succession Planning Lead and L&D to align development interventions at strategic level• Budgeting and Strategic Planning of yearly programs and projects to develop and train people in their respective areas• Designed tailored Learning Journeys based on Individual Development Plans focused on identifying areas to accelerate growth and close critical gaps • Designed and executed Development Centers for High Potential Program• Designed and executed Performance Management System with organization-wide transformation drive by working closely with stakeholders, project team and vendors• Developed a comprehensive Competency Framework at 3 levels aligned with FINCA’s top strategic business priorities and mission• Designed and executed Career Paths for Business and Corporate level positions aligned with learning plans and performance goals/KPIs along with Head of Reward and HRIS to ensure placements and promotions are aligned with the career paths• Design and delivery of various Blended Learning interventions and Special Projects like Mock Branch – 6 Day Simulated Branch Experience for Ops Staff and Customer Experience 2-Day Immersive Learning Program at Corporate level• Optimized the execution of various learning and OD programs through innovative and creative strategies, digital and e-platforms• Managed communication agenda through various write-ups for FINCA social media close group and newsletter• Designed and developed Culture, D&I Campaigns along with HOD by aligning them with FINCA core values, mission/vision• Devise Employee engagement strategy and interventions, designing employee-centered FINCA strategy led communication

Dubai, United Arab Emirates

GAC Corporate Academy (GCA) is the ISO29990 Certified Corporate Learning Organisation of the GAC Group. Commencing its operations in February 2007, it operates as a semi-autonomous business unit as part of GAC Corporate Head Office based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.^ Designed individualized, asynchronous e-learning courses for e-Learning Academy

Islamabad

HTA is Pakistan’s renown Executive Search and Manpower Outsourcing Firm with client spectrum ranges from Fortune 500 Companies to leading local companies (www.hasnain.biz)

Executive Mba, Business Administration And Management, General

Education record

Following online courses were mandatory requirement for Executive MBA 2020-22 at LUMS: 1. Spreadsheet Modeling 2. Mathematics.

Leadership Winter Academy, Germany

Women'S World Banking Leadership And Diversity For Innovation Program, New York, Usa

Bachelor Of Business Administration (Bba-4Yr. Hons.), Marketing