Nikki Claassen

Provided senior HR leadership to Merchant West, partnering with executive leadership to strengthen people strategy, organisational capability, culture, performance and HR operations.

Developed and implemented the HR Strategy and 12-month People Plan, strengthened the HR operating model, led HR systems implementation, enhanced performance and governance frameworks, and delivered culture, recogniti

Led regional people strategy and organisational integration following MSCI’s acquisition of Burgiss, partnering with senior stakeholders across a complex global matrix environment.

Supported post-acquisition transformation by aligning people practices, culture and leadership priorities while providing strategic oversight across workforce planning, talent, reward, employee relations, compliance an

Led HR strategy and operations across EMEA and APAC during a period of rapid international growth, managing a distributed HR team and supporting 600+ employees across multiple markets.

Drove the expansion and professionalisation of HR capability through HRIS implementation, international hiring solutions, leadership development, workforce planning and recruitment transformation, while overseeing

Built and professionalised the HR function to support rapid organisational growth, establishing the people infrastructure, governance, systems and management practices required to scale.

Introduced performance management, onboarding, grading and competency frameworks, strengthened employee engagement and positioned HR as a strategic partner to the business.

Directed HR support across EMEA, APAC and Global Content functions, leading a regional HR team and supporting 300+ employees across multiple markets.

Led the people workstream through the Ipreo–IHS Markit integration, strengthened regional HR operations and employer brand, and advised leaders on organisational change, complex employee relations and multi-country compliance.

Partnered closely with global executive leaders, aligning HR strategies with key business objectives to foster a culture of engagement, well-being, and high performance.

Cultivated strong, strategic relationships, influenced executive leadership to drive transformative initiatives, achieving exceptional outcomes for both employees and the organisation.

Led HR workstreams for significant organisational transformations, including complex restructuring and reorganisation initiatives, ensuring seamless execution and alignment with strategic business goals.

Designed and implemented a strategic people plan aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals to enhance performance and growth. Led key HR processes: rewards, performance management, talent development, and employee engagement, ensuring alignment with business priorities. Provided business-focused HR guidance to managers on complex employee relations, promoting sound decision-making.

Delivered expert HR consultation and guidance to regional contract managers, effectively enhancing performance management, employee engagement, and relations in a complex, unionised environment. Demonstrated a strong ability to navigate and resolve employee relations challenges while ensuring compliance and fostering a collaborative workplace culture.

Worked as HR Advisor at May Gurney (now Kier).

Worked as HR Graduate at May Gurney (now Kier).

Responsible for coordinating and managing the running of the examination process in accordance with the relevant legislation and Government advice/code of practice.

Responsible for recruitment and selection of staff for Customer Contact Centers.

Pursued a Master's degree in Human Resource Management, focusing on advanced HR practices and strategic people management.