Dr William Baker
William is a seasoned HR/Training/OD Professional whose experience of operating in 25 countries has afforded the opportunity to develop a strong capability in interacting effectively with individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds.
He is a highly pragmatic individual, always focused upon securing the best solutions to cater for client needs within their specific organisational and geographical contexts.
Both inside and outside of work, he demonstrates boundless energy. In his leisure time, he enjoys hiking, an activity which has taken him to the Great Wall of China, the Inca Trail in Peru, and the Grand Canyon. He has also competed in +/- 40 “ultra distance” (80-120 km) canoe marathons within South Africa.
Professional Experience
William brings over 30 years’ experience of HR Management/Training/OD and Change Management, with significant strategic and senior management involvement within a diversity of sectors including FMCG, manufacturing, mining, construction, motor industry and Training Boards.
Qualifications and Accreditations
William received his Doctor of Business Administration (DBA) from Business School Netherlands (Holland). His other qualifications include Master of Management (MM), Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PDM) and Bachelor of Social Science.
Examples of Recent Assignments
Recent assignments and associated achievements have included:-
- Worldwide transformation of the HR Function within an international blue chip organisation.
- Part of a “Change Management/OD” team transforming a Global Company from a “Traditional Geographic” structure to a “Matrix Structure”.
- Development of an HR Function of a Global Manufacturing Company to cope effectively with an increase in organisational headcount from 500 to over 3,000 in Africa.
- Establishment of Training Academies operational across several countries and regions.
- Set up a “Training & Development” strategy and function for a “Mining Company” in Saudi Arabia.
- Part of an “OD Team” in a Mining Company in Mali, West Africa, tasked with making the mine profitable.
- Part of a “HR Project” in a ‘Mine” in Eritrea, aligning HRM to the company goals.
- Acting as a key member of the project team responsible for establishing and revising both job descriptions and competency frameworks for a prominent organisation within Saudi Arabia.