HR Excellence Spotlight: Ethiopia'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 Ethiopia's Best

Mihireteab Wellega

Human Resources Director- Habesha Breweries

Mihireteab Wellega is the Human Resources Director at Habesha Breweries in Ethiopia. With a strong background in HR roles at Unilever, Syngenta, and Florensis Ethiopia, he oversees recruitment, employee relations, and training, supporting Habesha Breweries' mission to foster a positive workplace and deliver quality products. 

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Biruk Adugna

HR Director- East Africa Bottling S.C. (Coca-Cola Beverages Africa)

Biruk Adugna is the HR Director at East Africa Bottling S.C. (Coca-Cola Beverages Africa) in Ethiopia. He leads recruitment, employee relations, and compliance efforts, contributing to a positive workplace. Under his leadership, the Addis Ababa factory achieved a 'GREEN' human rights rating, reflecting strong ethical and employee welfare standards. 

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Yibelu Workineh

HR Director- KK PLC

Yibelu Workineh is the HR Director at KK PLC in Ethiopia, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. With prior HR leadership roles at Groupe Castel, Wilmar International, and Syngenta, she brings extensive experience in fostering positive and efficient workplaces. 

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Amanuel Emishaw ET

HR and Administration Manager - East African Lion Brands Manufacturing S.C., part of East African Holding.

Amanuel Emishaw is the HR and Administration Manager at East African Lion Brands Manufacturing S.C., part of East African Holding. He oversees recruitment, employee relations, and compliance, supporting the company’s mission to maintain a productive and positive work environment. 

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Rahel Tasew

Talent Acquisition & Development Manager-SAMANU

Rahel Tasew is the Talent Acquisition & Development Manager at SAMANU, an Ethiopian company with significant interests in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. In this role, she oversees recruitment and employee development, contributing to the company's growth and success 

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Mehert Yonas

HR Director - Heineken Ethiopia,

Mehert Yonas serves as the Human Resources Director at Heineken Ethiopia, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, training, and compliance. She has highlighted challenges in sourcing top talent due to skill mismatches among university graduates, emphasizing the need for enhanced career development services and self-reflection among job seekers.   

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Bezawit T.

Senior Manager of Talent- Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX)

Bezawit T. is the Senior Manager of Talent at the Ethiopian Securities Exchange (ESX), where she oversees talent acquisition, development, and retention. Her role supports ESX's mission to drive economic growth by attracting skilled professionals essential for its operations. 

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Mandefro Adisalem

HR Business Partner-Unilever

Mandefro Adisalem is an HR Business Partner at Unilever, a leading multinational consumer goods company. In this role, he collaborates with business units to align human resources strategies with organisational objectives, focusing on talent management, employee relations, and performance development. His efforts contribute to fostering a productive and positive work environment within the company 

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Zebene Kaba

Chief Human Capital Management Officer-Awash Bank

Zebene Kaba is the Chief Human Capital Management Officer at Awash Bank in Ethiopia. He leads HR functions such as recruitment, employee relations, and training, supporting Awash Bank's mission to drive socio-economic growth and maintain its leadership in Ethiopia’s private banking sector. 

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Hermela Dubale

HR Manager-Ablaze Labs

Hermela Dubale is the HR Manager at Ablaze Labs, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. Her role supports Ablaze Labs’ mission to provide quality technology and engineering services in a positive work environment. 

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Hayat Yimer

Acting Talent Director- Ethiopian Investment Holdings

Hayat Yimer is the Acting Talent Director at Ethiopian Investment Holdings, where she oversees talent acquisition and development. Her work supports EIH’s mission to enhance public asset performance and attract investments for Ethiopia’s economic transformation. 

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Sergut (Sergi) Abate

Senior Executive of Human Resources- Excellerent Solutions

Sergut (Sergi) Abate is the Senior Executive of Human Resources at Excellerent Solutions, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. Her leadership supports Excellerent's mission to deliver value through top talent and innovative technology solutions globally. 

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Amlake Degarege

HR and Administration Manager- Boortmalt

Amlake Degarege serves as the HR and Administration Manager at Boortmalt, where he oversees recruitment, employee relations, training, and compliance with employment regulations. His role is essential in fostering a positive and productive work environment, supporting Boortmalt’s mission as a leading global supplier of high-quality barley malts to brewers, distillers, and the food industry. 

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Saba Bedlu

Senior Human Resources Officer- Kubik, Inc.

Saba Bedlu is the Senior Human Resources Officer at Kubik, Inc., overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. Her role supports Kubik’s mission to transform plastic waste into sustainable building materials, contributing to a positive workplace and environmental impact.

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Sirak Amare

Acting Chief Human Capital Officer-Berhan Bank

Sirak Amare is the Acting Chief Human Capital Officer at Berhan Bank, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports Berhan Bank's mission to deliver exceptional banking services and foster a positive workplace. 

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Zewdu Hakimu

Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer- Nib International Bank

Zewdu Hakimu is the Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer at Nib International Bank, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports NIB’s mission to deliver innovative banking solutions and foster a positive workplace.

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Takele Dibekulu

Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer-Zemen Bank

Takele Dibekulu is the Deputy Chief Human Capital Officer at Zemen Bank, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports Zemen Bank’s mission of delivering innovative and high-quality banking services. 

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Yigezu Mekonnen

HR & General Admin Manager-SAWAYA Food Manufacturing PLC

Yigezu Mekonnen is the HR & General Admin Manager at SAWAYA Food Manufacturing PLC, producer of Indomie in Ethiopia. He oversees recruitment, employee relations, and training, supporting the company’s mission to deliver quality food products and maintain a positive work environment. 

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Alemayehu Moges

Human Resources Director-Hybrid Designs PLC

Alemayehu Moges is the Human Resources Director at Hybrid Designs PLC, where he oversees recruitment, employee relations, and training. His role supports the company's mission to deliver innovative media solutions and maintain a positive work environment. 

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Teshome H.

Director of Human Resource Managemen- Tsehay Bank

Teshome Habteselassie is the Director of Human Resource Management at Tsehay Bank, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports Tsehay Bank’s mission to deliver quality banking services and a positive workplace. 

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Mengistu Arkie

HR and Development Director- East African Lion Brands Manufacturing S.C.

Mengistu Arkie is the HR and Development Director at East African Lion Brands Manufacturing S.C., overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports the company's mission to deliver quality products and maintain a positive workplace. 

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Amanuel M.

Corporate HR Development Director- Ovid Group

Amanuel M. is the Corporate HR Development Director at Ovid Group, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports Ovid Group’s mission to deliver innovative and impactful projects across various sectors. 

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Naol Magarso

Human Resources Manager -RSPL Group

Naol Magarso is the Human Resources Manager at RSPL Group, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His role supports RSPL’s mission to deliver quality FMCG products and maintain a positive workplace. 

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Wondwosen Gonitie

Acting Head of HR-Skylight Hotel

Wondwosen Gonitie is the Acting Head of HR at Ethiopian Skylight Hotel, overseeing recruitment, employee relations, and training. His leadership supports the hotel’s mission to deliver exceptional hospitality services.

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Esubalew Kassa

Regional Human Resources Manager-Ethio Telecom

Esubalew Kassa serves as the Regional Human Resources Manager at Ethio Telecom, overseeing HR operations in his region. His responsibilities include recruitment, employee relations, and training, supporting Ethio Telecom’s mission to deliver quality telecommunications services across Ethiopia. 

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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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