HR Excellence Spotlight: Ivory Coast'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 Ivory Coast's Best:

Emmanuel KADJO

Human Resources Director NSIA Banque

Emmanuel is an experienced Human Resources leader with a strong background in talent management, organizational efficiency, and employee development across various industries. He is currently serving as the Human Resources Director at NSIA Banque Côte d'Ivoire since October 2024. Prior to this role, Emmanuel was the Human Resources Director at Colas Afrique, where he drove HR initiatives across multiple sites, focusing on talent acquisition, performance management, diversity and inclusion, and employee well-being. He also held a similar position at HEINEKEN, where he led talent and leadership development initiatives, managed compensation and benefits, and supported organizational efficiency. Emmanuel's earlier career includes roles at Unilever as a Human Resources Business Partner for Supply Chain. He holds a Master's degree in Human Resources from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix Houphouët Boigny.

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BAADER YEBOUA

Director of Human Resources Societe Generale

Baader Yeboua is an accomplished Human Resources professional with extensive experience in organizational development, training, and HR operations. He is currently the Human Resources Director at Société Générale, a position he has held since January 2017. Prior to this, Baader served as the Chief Human Resources Officer at MTN Guinée Conakry from 2014 to 2016, where he led HR strategies and initiatives. His career also includes significant roles at MTN Côte d'Ivoire as Senior Manager of Organizational Development and Training, and as a Senior Consultant at Cifip Selection Conseils, specializing in recruitment, training, and HR operations. Baader's early career saw him working as the Training Products Manager at Marfim International. He holds a DEA (High Diploma) in Psychology from the Université de Côte d'Ivoire.

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Felicia O. Sangare

Head of People - WAEMU and Remote Djamo

Felicia O. Sangaré is an HR leader with extensive experience in talent management and recruitment. She is currently the Head of People for WAEMU and Remote at Djamo, overseeing talent acquisition, employee engagement, and performance management. Felicia has previously worked as Global Talent Manager at Djamo and Senior Recruiter at Wave Mobile Money, where she led recruitment efforts across Africa. She holds a Microprogramme in Project Management from HEC Montréal and a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Politics from Université de Montréal.

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ALIMAMY BARO

HR Director Ivorian Banking Company

Alimamy Baro is an experienced HR professional with over 15 years in leadership roles. He is currently the HR Director at Ivorian Banking Company, where he has been since November 2021. Previously, Alimamy served as Director of Administration and HR at CRRAE-UMOA and held various HR management positions at Nestlé, including Cluster Senior HRBP and Country HR Manager. He also worked as Factory HR Manager at Nestlé in Ivory Coast and Senegal. Alimamy holds a Master's degree in Business Law from the University of Cocody and a Bac+5 in Human Resources Management from CUFOP University of Cocody.

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Frédérique Manouan

Human Resources Director CMA CGM

Frédérique Manouan is a seasoned HR leader with extensive experience across various industries. She currently serves as the Human Resources Director for the Cluster of Côte d'Ivoire and Burkina Faso at CMA CGM, a position she has held since July 2022. Prior to this, Frédérique was the Regional Human Resources Lead at Aggreko for two years. Her career also includes roles at Unilever, where she led People Experience for Supply Chain and People Operations in Côte d'Ivoire. Earlier in her career, she worked as a Senior Recruitment Manager and Head Hunter at RMO Group. Frédérique holds a DESS in Human Resources Management from the University Center for Professional Training.

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Eric Ferdinand Lagbre,

Human Resources Country Head Olam Food Ingredients

Eric Ferdinand Lagbre is an accomplished HR leader with extensive experience in managing human resources across various sectors. He is currently the Human Resources Country Head at Olam Food Ingredients (ofi) in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, a position he has held since January 2022. Before this, Eric served as the Human Resources Manager at Olam Ivoire for over two years. His career also includes significant roles at Yara International, where he was the HR Manager for Côte d'Ivoire and Cameroon, and at Unilever, where he worked in HR Business Partner and Reward Manager positions across Francophone West Africa, East, and Southern Africa. Eric holds an MBA in Human Resources Management from Ecole de Commerce et de Gestion and is a certified Human Resources Management Professional (CHRMP).

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Myriam Degbeh Zon

Human Resources Manager SANIA Cie (SIFCA Group)

Myriam Degbeh Zon is an experienced HR professional currently serving as the Human Resources Manager at SANIA Cie, a subsidiary of the SIFCA Group, where she has been since June 2018. Prior to this, she worked as the HR Manager at Groupe Défis et Stratégies for over two years. Myriam's career also includes experience as an HR Administrator at APM Terminals Maersk Group. She holds an engineering degree in Institutional Communication and Human Resources Management from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY de Yamoussoukro, where she graduated with honors.

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Hermann Koffi

Director of Operational Human Resources IVORIAN ELECTRICITY COMPANY

Hermann Koffi is an HR leader currently serving as the Director of Operational Human Resources at the Ivorian Electricity Company, a role he has held since February 2024. Before this, he spent over five years as the Deputy Director of HR Development at the same company. Hermann bagged a PhD in Management Sciences at Alassane Ouattara University in 2023.

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Ivy E. Rockson​

Cluster Human Resources Director Nestlé Côte d’Ivoire & Senegal + Satellite countries

Ivy E. Rockson is an accomplished HR leader with extensive experience across West and Central Africa. She is currently the Cluster Human Resources Director for Nestlé Côte d'Ivoire & Senegal, overseeing HR strategies across multiple countries. Previously, Ivy served as the Human Resources Manager for Nestlé Ghana Ltd., where she drove significant strategic HR initiatives, and as the Regional Hire to Retire Lead for Nestlé Central & West Africa, where she led a transformation of the HR function. She has also worked as an HR Business Partner at Nestlé Business Services, achieving a major reduction in employee turnover. Ivy holds an MSc in Human Resource Management from Sheffield Hallam University and a Bachelor's degree in Management Studies from the University of Cape Coast.

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Ahmed Faman DIARRA

Head HR Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire

Ahmed Faman DIARRA is an experienced HR leader, currently serving as the Head of HR at Ecobank Côte d'Ivoire. With over a decade of expertise, he has held senior roles, including Group HR Director at MOVIS INTERNATIONAL and HR Director at CDCI, overseeing HR operations across West and Central Africa. He specializes in talent management, organizational development, and employee relations. Certified in MBTI 1 & 2, Ahmed is skilled in leadership development and enhancing organizational culture. His strategic HR leadership has been instrumental in driving business growth across various sectors.

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Philomene Bella

Director of Organization and Human Resources Ivory Coast LafargeHolcim

Philomène Bella is a seasoned HR professional with over 15 years of experience in organizational development and human resources management. She currently serves as the Director of Organization and Human Resources at LafargeHolcim Ivory Coast, a role she has held since 2017. Previously, she was the HR Manager for West and Central Africa at GlaxoSmithKline and held leadership positions at British American Tobacco and Sic Cacaos. Philomène holds a Master's degree in Human Resources Management and Business Communication from UCAC. Her expertise spans HR strategy, talent management, and employee engagement, contributing to business success across multiple industries.

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KRA KOUAME

Director of Human Resources SDCI( Halcyon Agri Côte d'Ivoire)

Kra Kouamé is an experienced HR professional with over 17 years in human resources management. He currently serves as the Director of Human Resources at SDCI (Halcyon Agri Côte d'Ivoire), a position he has held since 2019. Before that, he worked at ITCA in various HR roles, including HR Manager and Assistant, where he was responsible for overseeing HR administration, recruitment, training, and employee relations. Additionally, Kra has a background in HR administration from his time at Tranchivoire. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Pigier. His expertise spans HR strategy, administration, employee relations, and talent management.

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Caroline Lath

Director of Human Resources Standard Chartered Bank

Caroline Lath is a seasoned HR professional with over 25 years of experience in the banking sector. She currently serves as the Director of Human Resources at Standard Chartered Bank, a role she has held since 2015. Prior to this, Caroline worked for 17 years at Citibank Côte d'Ivoire, where she held various HR roles, including Director of Human Resources and HR Assistant. Her career spans HR management, talent acquisition, and employee relations. Caroline is also trained in banking techniques, having attended the Centre de formation professionnelle Bancaire de Paris, and holds a certificate in Bilingual Executive Assistance from the Institut National Polytechnique Félix HOUPHOUËT-BOIGNY.

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Yaya COULIBALY

Director of Human Resources AFG Bank Côte d'Ivoire

Yaya Coulibaly is a highly experienced Human Resources leader with over a decade of expertise in HR management and project execution within the banking sector. Currently, he serves as the Director of Human Capital at AFG Bank Ivory Coast, a position he has held since June 2023. Prior to this, he worked at Bank of Africa Côte d'Ivoire for nearly seven years as the Director of Human Resources, overseeing HR project management, recruitment, performance appraisals, and budget management. Yaya has also held senior HR roles at CORIS Holding S.A. and Guaranty Trust Bank Ivory Coast, where he led HR operations, including policy implementation, compensation, and talent acquisition. He holds a Certificate in Executive Management of Human Resources from HEC Paris and completed the Management Development Program at MDE Business School in 2020.

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Martial KOUAKOU

Head of Human Resources Department at BGFIBank Côte d'Ivoire

Martial Kouakou is the Head of Human Resources at BGFIBank Côte d'Ivoire, with over 12 years of experience in HR. He previously worked as an HR Manager at BGFIBank and has held roles in HR consulting and teaching. Martial has expertise in payroll management, employee administration, training, and HR project management. He holds a DESS in Labor Economics and Human Resources from the University of Cocody and a certification in Banking from the Banking Profession Training Center.

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Dr Ahmed A. TRAORE

Executive Director Human Resources Vlisco Group in Côte d'Ivoire (UNIWAX and CFCI)

Dr. Ahmed A. Traoré is an experienced HR leader, currently serving as Executive Director of Human Resources at Vlisco Group in Côte d'Ivoire (UNIWAX and CFCI). He leads HR strategy, including global grading structures, HRIS implementation, and succession planning. Previously, he was Group HR Director at GROUPE AVOS and Talent & HR Director at ANSUT, where he managed HR strategy, employee development, and social dialogue. Dr. Traoré holds certifications in Digital Transformation from MIT and Artificial Intelligence from UNESCO-ICHEI.

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Mamadou OUATTARA

Director of Human Resources, HRBP BHCI Bank

Mamadou Ouattara is a seasoned HR and risk management professional with over 15 years of experience in the banking sector. He is currently the Director of Human Resources at Banque BHCI in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where he has served since January 2022, overseeing HR policies and strategic initiatives. Previously, he was BHCI's Director of Permanent Control, managing audit and enterprise risk management.

Mamadou has held various leadership roles, including Head of Risk Management at Orange Bank and Sub-regional Permanent Controller at Société Générale. His extensive tenure at BICICI (BNP Paribas Group) included roles as Permanent Control Manager, Centralized Control Officer, and Operations Manager. He holds a Master’s degree in Audit and Management Control and an ITB certification in Banking from CFPB.

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Ange-Noel KPENE

Group Human Resources Manager CINETPAY

Ange-Noel Kpene is an accomplished HR professional with extensive experience in managing and aligning human resources strategies with business objectives. Currently, he serves as the Group Human Resources Manager at CINETPAY in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, where he has been instrumental since December 2021 in designing HR policies, recruiting talent, managing payroll, and developing retention programs to foster a healthy work environment.

Prior to CINETPAY, Ange-Noel was an HR Business Partner at Webhelp, supporting managers in implementing effective HR strategies and performance management tools. He also held roles at Smile Open Source Solutions as an HR Development Officer, where he managed recruitment and training processes. Ange-Noel holds a Master’s degree in Human Resources Management from EDHEC Group and a Higher Technician Certificate in Human Resources and Communication from Groupe ESAM.

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Hermine KOUAME

Recruiter & HR Generalist Julaya

Hermine Kouamé is an HR professional specializing in talent acquisition, HR management, and employee development. Currently an HR Generalist at Julaya, she oversees recruitment, training, and onboarding. Her previous roles include Talent Acquisition Specialist at Julaya, HR & Recruitment Manager at AMOAMAN & ASSOCIES, and IT Recruiter, with experience in policy development, payroll, and compliance. Hermine holds a Master’s in Management and Organizational Psychology from Université Félix Houphouët-Boigny.

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Sika Amedoji

Group Human Resources Manager Bizao Payment hub in Africa

Sika Amedodji is an accomplished HR professional with expertise in recruitment, talent management, and cultural change within diverse organizations across Côte d'Ivoire. Currently the Group HR Manager at Bizao, she leads cultural transformation initiatives and HR strategies. Previously, she served as Recruitment and Career Management Manager at BICICI and a recruiter at Wave Mobile Money, where she specialized in hiring top talent and aligning new hires with company culture. Sika has also held HR roles at Groupement Orange Services and Fed Africa, where she focused on recruitment, payroll, and employee integration. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management from PIGIER Performance and an Associate’s degree in Law from Université Paris Nanterre.

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Fabrice B.

Head of HR of Côte D'Ivoire Burkina Faso and Guinea. DHL Group

Fabrice B. is an experienced HR leader currently serving as Head of HR for DHL Express in Côte d'Ivoire, Burkina Faso, and Guinea, where he drives HR strategy across multiple countries. With prior roles as Head of HR at CIMPOR Côte d'Ivoire and Senior HR Business Partner for Employee Relations and Rewards at Groupe COFINA, he has a strong background in employee relations, payroll, training, recruitment, and performance management. Fabrice has also held HR roles at Danone as Regional HR Coordinator for Sub-Saharan Africa and as a Regional HR Analyst at the Africa Rice Center. He holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management from CESAG and a certificate in Payroll and Social Charges Management from RMO - Formation Professionnelle.

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André Manahen KOFFI

Human Resources & General Services Director TotalEnergies

André Manahen KOFFI is an accomplished HR leader currently serving as the Human Resources & General Services Director at TotalEnergies in Côte d'Ivoire, where he oversees HR strategy and operations. With extensive experience in HR, he previously held roles at Nestlé, including Human Resources Business Partner and Acting HR Manager for Nestlé Sénégal and several satellite countries. His background includes HR service management at Nestlé's R&D center in Côte d'Ivoire, and early-career HR roles at CFAO Retail and Bolloré Africa Logistics. André holds a Master’s in Human Resources Management from CESAG, where he graduated as Major of Promotion, and a Master’s in Tax and Business Law from PIGIER Côte d'Ivoire.

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Annick ABOUA

Human Resources Director GROUPE SITA S.A

Annick ABOUA is a skilled HR professional currently serving as the Human Resources Manager at GROUPE SITA S.A in Côte d'Ivoire, a leading cashew processing company with over 700 employees. In this role, she oversees recruitment, contract drafting, payroll, gender inclusion initiatives, and personnel management. Previously, Annick held a position in HR Administration at GCC Services, where she supported projects like hospital and school construction for public and private sector clients, managing HR operations including onboarding, employee database management, and payroll processing. She has also gained experience as an HR Agent and HSE Assistant at Geric, and in administrative roles with Dandou & Co and Médical Service Inter. Annick is currently pursuing a Master’s in Fiscalité et Droit des Affaires at ISFCG and has studied Chinese language at Xi’an Jiaotong University.

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Nahawa Sanogo

Organizational Development Manager​ Genser Energy

Nathalie Schanck is an experienced HR leader with a diverse career spanning several senior roles across multiple industries. She is currently the Directrice du Développement des Ressources Humaines at Angel Cosmetics in Kinshasa, DRC. Previously, Nathalie served as Directrice du Développement et des Compétences at ConnexAfrica and Owner & Managing Director of Sunshine HR Consult. She has also held leadership positions, including Human Resources Director at B&C Collection and Group HR Director at ARC Europe. Nathalie has expertise in talent management, employee benefits design, performance reviews, and HR strategy implementation. She holds a degree from Université catholique de Louvain.

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THEODORE GBAI

Director of Human Resources Abidjan Terminal (AGL Group)

Theodore Gbai is an accomplished Human Resources professional with over a decade of experience in HR leadership. Since February 2020, he has served as the Director of Human Resources at Abidjan Terminal, where he oversees HR strategy and operations to support the organization’s goals and foster a productive work environment.

Prior to his current role, Theodore spent nearly seven years as an HR Director at RIDGERIDGE, where he honed his expertise in talent management, employee relations, and strategic HR planning.

With a strong background in both HR strategy and operational efficiency, Theodore is recognized for his ability to align HR initiatives with business objectives, contributing to organizational success and employee engagement.

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