Hellen Lebone is the Regional Human Resources (HR) Director of Hilton in Africa and Indian Ocean (A&IO) based in Sandton, Johannesburg, South Africa. Lebone has 20 years of experience in human resources in both generalist and specialist roles, and has expertise in areas such as change management, compensation and benefits as well as diversity and inclusion. Hellen is the award winner of the Director of the Year Award 2022 (Human Resources), which was awarded by the Pyne Awards Africa.

BACKGROUND

Hellen joined Hilton in March 2015 to lead the HR function across the company’s hotels within the A&IO region. Her focus is to drive the implementation of HR strategic priorities on building an inclusive and high-performing culture, as well as leadership development. She further leads, coaches and develops the dispersed A&IO HR teams to ensure that they maximise their potential and perform efficiently and effectively. As Hilton aims to create more than 10,000 jobs in the coming years across the region, Hellen ensures the organisation leads with culture to attract the right talent while building a truly nurturing environment for team members. She is passionate about developing young people and empowering female talents. Under her leadership, the number of female general managers in the organisation has grown to almost 25%, and almost half of management positions across the region are occupied by women.

Hellen has extensive experience serving in several leadership roles for multi-national companies like Microsoft, BP Southern Africa and Deloitte & Touche. Locally, she worked as Head of HR for Datacentrix Pty Ltd, where she was a member of the Executive Committee. She also sits on the Advisory Board of Stenden University in Port Alfred. She is passionate about helping people and businesses realise their full potential, and she believes that Africa is truly the next frontier. Her work experience in the continent continues to fuel this passion. She is a graduate of Wits University and Wits Business School where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree and a post-graduate diploma in human resource management.