HR Excellence Spotlight: Guinea's Best

HR Excellence Spotlight is our flagship digital publication, highlighting the top 25 HR professionals in every African country.

Celebrating leaders who are driving change

This recognition celebrates leaders who are driving change, setting standards, and inspiring the next generation of HR talent.

Each edition of HR Excellence Spotlight not only celebrates excellence but also fosters dialogue and knowledge sharing among HR leaders through the HR Excellence mindset video series, making it a must-read for those passionate about HR's evolving role in Africa. Read on to explore the leadership mindsets that sets the best HR leaders apart.

Recognizing Guinea's Best:

Chérif Bah

Head HR Department Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea

Chérif Bah is a seasoned HR professional with over 14 years of experience in human resources, currently serving as the Head of the HR Department at the Central Bank of the Republic of Guinea. He specialises in strategic HR management, team development, and operational excellence. Chérif has held various roles within the bank since 2010, progressing from HR Services Supervisory Officer to his current senior position. He holds an MBA in Human Resource Management from CESAG Business School and a recent diploma in Banking Management from École Supérieure de la Banque. 

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Lamarana Gocky Barry

HR Director- Orange Guinéa

With over eight years of experience in various HR and communication leadership roles within the Orange Group, Lamarana has been instrumental in driving communication and HR transformation initiatives. His expertise includes strategic HR management, internal communications, and organisational development, demonstrated through his impactful tenure at both regional and national levels. He holds a Master’s degree in Strategic Communication and Marketing Management from INEAD, France. 

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Morifing Conde

Group Director Human Resources & Administration- Compagnie des Bauxites de Guinea

Morifing has contributed immensely to HR in Guinea across his extensive roles in administration, and government relations. In his current role, he drives strategic HR initiatives, focusing on human capital development and administrative excellence to align with CBG's strategic objectives. Previously, as Director of Government Relations, he built crucial partnerships with governmental entities, enhancing CBG’s corporate governance. Morifing is also an Executive MBA candidate at HEC Paris, further enhancing his expertise in business leadership and governance. 

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Fatoumata Binta Baldé

Senior Officer Talent Acquisition- GAC

Fatoumata  has been instrumental in global talent acquisition and integration. With extensive experience in recruitment and career management, including previous roles at UBA Guinea and Trust Africa, she excels in sourcing top talent and enhancing recruitment processes. Her expertise in fostering dynamic, professional teams has been key in aligning organisational goals with human capital strategies, making her a valuable asset in Guinea’s mining and corporate sectors. 

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Pokpa Bolamou

HR Director- Société Générale Guinéa

Pokpa leads innovative HR strategies to enhance talent acquisition, employee engagement, and organisational culture in his current role. His focus on aligning HR practices with business objectives has been instrumental in transforming the workforce dynamics and optimising performance within the banking sector. With an Executive MBA from Groupe SupDeco Dakar, Pokpa combines strategic insight and practical expertise, making him a key driver of human capital development and operational excellence at Société Générale Guinée. 

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Alhassane Bah

Human Capital Director Coris Bank International Guinea

Alhassane Bah is a highly experienced HR leader with a comprehensive background spanning various sectors, including banking, international NGOs, and humanitarian organisations. As the Human Capital Director at Coris Bank International Guinea, he excels in talent management, organisational development, performance management, and employee relations. With a degree in Management from Gamal Abdel Nasser University, he has honed his skills in HR strategy, learning and development, and operational management across West and Central Africa. 

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Thierno Oumar Sylla

Director Human Resources First Bank Guinea

Thierno Oumar Sylla is a strategic HR leader with over a decade of experience in the banking sector, currently serving as the Human Resources Director at FBNBank Guinée. He has a robust track record in recruitment, talent development, and organisational management, having previously held key HR roles at UBA Guinea. Thierno is dedicated to fostering partnerships that promote youth employment and economic development in Guinea. His expertise spans performance management, employee relations, and strategic HR planning. 

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Mohamed Alhassane Donzo

Director of HR- SOGEB Guinéa

Mohamed Alhassane Donzo, as the HR Director at SOGEB Guinée, has spearheaded a transformative approach that has revitalised the company’s human resources framework. He is passionate about local talent development and has been instrumental in restructuring the state-owned entity by driving initiatives that quadrupled revenue, reduced resource usage, and created over 135 jobs, both direct and indirect. With a blend of expertise in HR management and business law, Mohamed’s vision for SOGEB revolves around fostering a collaborative environment where employees thrive, ensuring the organisation remains a dynamic player in Guinea’s telecommunications sector. Mohamed holds a Master’s in Business Law from Université Hassan II Mohammedia and is passionate about integrating legal and HR expertise to drive organisational growth. 

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Abraham Youla

Human Rseources Director ANAFIC

Abraham is a visionary leader who blends his passion for governance and local development with his expertise in human capital management. With a strong background in accounting, gained from his tenure at LafargeHolcim, and academic credentials from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne, Abraham blends strategic HR and financial expertise to drive organisational growth and community empowerment. Under his leadership, he has championed initiatives that empower local communities, enhance governance structures, and create sustainable development pathways. Abraham’s approach is not just about managing people; it’s about building a cohesive, high-impact workforce that drives innovation and progress across Guinea’s local governments, making a tangible difference in communities nationwide. 

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Salia Camara

Human Resources Director VISTAGUI

Salia Camara is an experienced HR professional, currently leading human resources at VISTAGUI since July 2021. With over 20 years of experience in the banking sector, including pivotal HR roles at BICIGUI (BNP Paribas Group), including Director of HR and HR Administration Manager, Salia has a proven track record in HR operations, talent management, and strategic development. A specialist in variable compensation and remuneration structures, he refined his expertise at the Magellan Institute. Salia is dedicated to fostering employee development and enhancing organisational performance. 

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Francois Noel Haba

Head Learning Development & Talent Management- Ecobank Guinea

François is a driving force behind the Ecobank's talent transformation initiatives. With a keen focus on nurturing growth and developing high-performing teams, he has elevated Ecobank’s learning culture, ensuring that employees are empowered with the skills and insights needed to excel. He holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from Université Général Lansana Conté. François combines his extensive background in HR, gained from roles at UBA Group and Groupe COFINA, with a strategic vision that aligns employee development with business goals. Passionate about unlocking potential, he crafts innovative programs that not only enhance individual careers but also contribute to Ecobank’s success as a leader in the financial sector. His leadership is all about creating opportunities and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. 

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Mamadou Aliou DIAWARA

HR Director- BATIPRO sa

Mamadou is a visionary leader dedicated to shaping the company’s people strategy for optimal business impact. With a deep expertise in compliance and institutional relations, gained from previous roles, Mamadou has built a culture of trust, performance, and innovation within BATIPRO. His strategic approach ensures that HR initiatives are not just about policy but are also aligned with fostering growth, engagement, and long-term employee development. A seasoned professional educated at Gamal Abdel Nasser University, he is committed to driving transformative change and positioning BATIPRO as a leading employer in the construction sector in Guinea. 

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David Bouchard

Senior Manager, HR (Simandou)- Rio Tinto

David Bouchard is an accomplished HR leader with a dynamic career spanning over 16 years at Rio Tinto. Currently spearheading the HR function for the Simandou Project in Guinea, David excels in driving transformative people strategies, enhancing talent management, and navigating complex labour relations, particularly in emerging markets. His global expertise, shaped through strategic roles with experience across continents, from New Zealand’s aluminium smelters to Rio Tinto’s operations in Canada, he brings a rich global perspective that infuses innovation into every initiative allowing him to adapt and implement impactful HR initiatives. A graduate of HEC Montréal, David is committed to fostering an inclusive and high-performing workforce that aligns with Rio Tinto's vision for growth and sustainability. 

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Hawa TOURE BARRY

Head HR MTN Guinea

With over 14 years of experience in human resources, Hawa Toure Barry has a proven track record of driving HR strategies across some of Guinea’s most influential companies, including MTN Guinée and the SMB Winning Consortium. With a track record of transforming workplaces in multicultural and high-paced environments, she’s known for her expertise in talent acquisition, personnel management, and strategic HR initiatives. Hawa’s ability to adapt and lead through challenges has made her a respected figure in the industry, seamlessly aligning HR strategies with business goals to drive sustainable growth. A graduate of Université Gamal Abdel Nasser, Hawa’s passion for empowering teams and creating meaningful career opportunities is evident in her proactive approach to recruitment and employee development, ensuring that every organisation she touches thrives from within. 

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Tatiana Korneyko

Senior Manager Human Capital Guinea Alumina Corporation S.A.

Tatiana Korneyko leads the Human Capital strategy at Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC) with a sharp, innovative mindset and a global perspective shaped by her experiences in Russia and Africa. With a PhD in Political Science from Moscow State University, she brings an analytical edge to her role, expertly navigating the complexities of talent development and organisational culture in the mining sector. Tatiana’s approach goes beyond traditional HR; she crafts bespoke strategies that foster growth, resilience, and adaptability within GAC’s workforce, ensuring the company remains competitive in a rapidly evolving industry. Her ability to translate high-level business goals into actionable, people-focused initiatives has made her a pivotal figure in driving GAC’s success and growth in Guinea. 

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Ibrahima Tambarin Balde

Human Resources Officer- Elite Mining Guinea SA

Ibrahima Keoulen Tounkara is a dynamic and creative HR professional with a proven track record in managing human resources in multicultural environments. Currently serving as an HR Officer at Elite Mining Guinea SA, he has previously worked with Société des Bauxites de Guinée, where he gained valuable experience as an HR Supervisor and Assistant. Ibrahima holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Sup’Management and a Bachelor’s in Sociology from Université Nongo Conakry. He is committed to driving HR excellence and community engagement. 

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Ibrahima Tambarin Balde

Director HR, Communication and Sustainable development- LafargeHolcim Guinea (Guinea Cement)

With a career spanning over two decades across heavy industry, services, and international NGOs, Ibrahima excels at crafting comprehensive HR frameworks that drive business growth and employee engagement. As Director of HR, Communication, and Sustainable Development at LafargeHolcim Guinée, he expertly manages talent acquisition, employee benefits, and strategic planning. His previous roles at G4S and Plan International have honed his skills in industrial relations and team building. His expertise extends from strategic planning and performance management to team building and project leadership, enabling him to navigate the complexities of large-scale operations. With an Executive MBA from IAE Paris - Sorbonne Business School, Ibrahima combines business acumen with a strategic approach to human capital management and sustainable development initiatives. 

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Antoine Camara

HR Director Nordgold Lefa

Antoine Camara is a strategic HR leader with over a decade of experience in the mining sector across West Africa. Currently serving as the Human Resources Director at Nordgold Lefa, he is responsible for implementing effective HR strategies that align with the company’s objectives, managing talent acquisition, and enhancing employee engagement. With a proven track record at African Mining Services and AMCO Drilling, he specialises in talent management, payroll, and compliance, effectively supporting operations in Guinea, Mali, and Senegal. He holds a degree in Economic Sciences and Management from Université Julius N’yéréré de Kankan. 

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Alpha Oumar Camara

Senior Human Reources Manager Winning Consortium Simandou

Alpha Oumar Camara is a seasoned HR professional with extensive expertise in managing HR operations across various industries, including mining and manufacturing. As the Senior Human Resources Manager at Winning Consortium Simandou, he excels in negotiation, operations management, and implementing HR policies that align with strategic business objectives. Alpha's career spans multiple industries, from MAN Energy Solutions to Huawei, where he honed his skills in building cohesive teams and implementing strategic HR frameworks. Passionate about creating opportunities for African youth, he is not just managing HR; he’s shaping the future workforce of Guinea. 

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Mohamed Thomas Lucas Camara

Director of Human Resources SMB-Winnung Consortium

Mohamed Thomas Lucas Camara is an accomplished HR Director at SMB-Winning Consortium, where he has led the human resources function since 2021. With nearly a decade of experience in the mining sector, Mohamed has proven expertise in developing HR strategies that foster employee engagement and drive organisational efficiency. Previously serving as Deputy Director of Human Resources at Société Minière de Boké, he possesses in-depth knowledge of managing HR operations in complex, multicultural environments, ensuring compliance and promoting a positive corporate culture. 

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Herve Vincent Kourouma

Human Resources Director Les Moulins D’Afrique, a subsidiary of the SONOCO Group

Herve Vincent Kourouma is a multifaceted HR leader, currently steering learning and organisational development as HR Director at Les Moulins d'Afrique. With a robust background in talent management, he has been instrumental in cultivating environments where employees thrive. Certified as a VitalSmarts Trainer and an accredited iWAM coach, Herve brings a holistic approach to leadership development, blending innovative strategies with practical, results-driven solutions. Beyond his professional role, he is a dedicated consultant with NetExpat and a board member at Université Nongo Conakry, where he influences HR education and development. 

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Mr. Kourouma

HR Manager Africa Mining Group SAS

M Kourouma is a strategic and results-driven human resources executive with over 13 years of diverse experience across mining, consultancy, and multinational corporations. Currently the CEO and Co-Founder of Simandou Consulting and HR Director at Africa Mining Group, M Kourouma excels in building dynamic teams and aligning business objectives with HR strategies and an expert in headhunting for C-suite roles. His expertise spans talent acquisition, policy formulation, performance management, and change management, effectively transforming organisations into high-performing environments.  

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Abdoulaye kaba

Senior HR Advisor Project Global Mining Ltd

Abdoulaye Kaba is a seasoned Senior HR Advisor with Project Global Mining Ltd, boasting over a decade of experience in human resources within the mining and civil engineering sectors. Known for his strategic acumen, Abdoulaye has spearheaded HR departments for key industry players, including Société des Bauxites de Guinée and Guiter SA, managing large workforces and ensuring compliance with labor laws. His expertise extends across talent acquisition, compensation design, employee engagement, and HR policy implementation, all tailored to drive operational excellence. Abdoulaye holds an MBA in HR Management from Collège de Paris, solidifying his position as a trusted advisor in workforce development and organizational growth. 

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Ismael Tahirou TRAORE

Head of HR Department (HR Manager) SOHA Constructions

Ismael Tahirou Traore is an accomplished HR professional currently steering the HR department at SOHA - Constructions, part of the SONOCO GROUP in Guinea. With a solid background in HR operations and a keen focus on team management, recruitment, payroll, and employee benefits, Ismael has gained diverse experience across various sectors. He has served in multiple capacities within the SONOCO GROUP and other organisations, building a reputation for transforming HR practices and driving operational efficiency. A graduate of Groupe SupDeco Dakar with expertise in project management and digital transformation, he combines strategic insight with hands-on skills, ensuring robust human resource management and organisational development. 

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Mohamed Mamy KOUROUMA

Human Resources Industrial Relations Manager DTP Mining

Mohamed Mamy Kourouma is a seasoned HR leader specialising in industrial relations and human resource management at DTP Mining. With over six years at DTP, he has managed HR operations, succession planning, and employee development, ensuring streamlined processes and compliance with industry standards. His experience extends across various capacities, including overseeing recruitment and training initiatives for large-scale projects at GAC and Fluor, and implementing robust HR frameworks for SOHA Constructions. Mohamed holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Sup’Management and has a strong foundation in conflict prevention and workplace safety, further enhancing his expertise in managing dynamic and multicultural teams effectively. 

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What Sets Great HR Leaders Apart?

True HR leadership extends beyond skills and qualifications; it’s anchored in the powerful mindsets that enable some HR professionals to excel and make a lasting impact. Are you ready to shift your perspective and elevate your leadership from good to truly exceptional?

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