Nazneen Razi has joined inter-national property services company Jones Lang LaSalle as chief HR officer. Razi has more than 20 years experience in senior HR roles, and is responsible for aligning the company’s HR ser-vices and practices with its global strategic objectives, as well as recruiting and retaining top talent.
Where did you work before?
I was executive vice-president HR for three years at Comdisco – a Fortune 500 global technology services company. My responsi-bilities included leading all HR functions within Asia Pacific, Europe and the US.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
The competitive forces in the real estate business are demanding and our people are our greatest asset. With strong HR leadership, we can build a strong and successful organisation.
Which aspects are you most looking forward to?
I look forward to getting a clear understanding of the company’s culture and business, and building a network of contacts throughout the organisation.
How do you think the role of HR will change over the next five years?
In most organisations, HR will be involved in all key business decisions. More heads of HR will serve on corporate boards and play strategic roles within the businesses.
What’s the best thing about HR?
Watching people grow as they utilise their talents and realise their potential.
And the worst?
The barriers that need to be overcome, in the workplace and in the overall business environment, are the most challenging aspects of HR.
How do you fill yourspare time?
I love to read – business books, fiction, and non-fiction. I teach executive MBA students, which is a great way to continually refresh my skills and keep me up to date.
What is the essential tool in your job?
The most essential tool is my drive to learn about the business and get embedded in the culture of the organisation.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Success in HR requires a blend of technical skills – compensation, benefits, employment law, etc – with the interpersonal skills that facilitate building sound networks in an organisation.
Do you network?
I serve on the board of directors of the Human Resources Management Association of Chicago (HRMAC); on the advisory committee of Menttium 100, a mentoring body for high-potential women; and as a member of the Society of Human Resources Management.
What would be your ideal job?
I have the job I want. My passion is global HR and I am thrilled to be able to be a part of Jones Lang LaSalle in this capacity.
Razi’s cv
2004 Chief HR officer, Jones Lang LaSalle
2000 Executive vice-president HR, Comdisco Inc
1984 Senior HR officer, CNA Risk Management, and assistant vice-president of HR, CNA Information Technology & Finance
