People's champion

IN MANY companies, human resources (HR) does not have a seat at the proverbial table where major decisions are made. In fact, it is often a department dismissed as the "hirers and firers" of the organisation, a cost centre that is out of touch with business needs. After 26 years in his profession, Stefan Ries, chief HR officer and executive board member of technology firm SAP, has heard it all.

He says: "Our community needs to stop debating whether we have a seat at the table, because our topics are so relevant. Stand at the table - you don't need a seat."

Matters such as training, talent management, leadership development, while seen as the "softer" side of the business, are instrumental for the company to move forward, Mr Ries points out.