Page 39 - KZN Top Business Woman 2025 - eBook

Karen Hammond

Group Head of People at the Meridian Group Her philosophy is simple yet powerful: “If you treat TURNING CHALLENGES INTO TRIUMPHS
your people well, they will take care of your business.” Karen’s life has not been without its challenges. In 2019,
It is this people-first approach that has earned her
aren Hammond says that family is the admiration across industries and shaped her leadership she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, a moment that
K heartbeat of everything she does. “I’m philosophy. tested every ounce of her resilience.
married to a wonderful husband, Trevor,
“Hearing the word cancer changes everything,” she
and we have two incredible children,” she reflects, her Interestingly, human resources was not her original
says softly. “But I realised that if I allowed fear to control
voice warm and full of affection. “They are my anchor, plan. “I dreamed of becoming a nurse,” she says with a
me, I couldn’t continue uplifting others the way I
my joy, and my constant inspiration.” laugh, “but I quickly realised I could not handle the sight wanted to.”
of blood. My love for people guided me into human
Today, Karen serves as Group Head of People at the resources instead, and I have never looked back.” With courage, faith, and optimism, she faced the battle
Meridian Group, a company she describes with pride and head-on and won. “I focused on healing and on positivity,”
conviction. “Meridian is more than a business,” she explains. A HEART FOR COMMUNITY she says. “Today, I am a survivor. I am living proof that
“We exist to make brands thrive, to nurture our people, challenges can become triumphs, you can overcome
and to give back to our communities. We provide services Karen’s vision extends far beyond boardrooms and them, and I did.”
like merchandising, sales, data analytics, and in-store business meetings. She dreams of one day opening a
centre for the homeless, a haven offering warm meals, safe
execution to help Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) beds, and skills development opportunities. A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT
brands thrive and increase sales. When a customer walks
Recognition has followed her throughout her career,
into a store and finds exactly what they need, that’s not “I want to give people the tools to create opportunities for
including the ‘Natural Born Winner’ Award at Nedbank for
just business, that is the human touch behind every shelf themselves,” she says with quiet determination. “Cooking, transforming people strategy and boosting morale, yet
and every smile. That is what makes our work meaningful.” sewing, basic computer skills, these are simple things that humility defines her approach.
can change a life. I believe I will achieve this one day.”
Her role, she says, is more than a career, it is a calling. “This “Accolades are wonderful, but for me, the real reward is
aligns so deeply with who I am and what I value,” Karen Her spirit of empowerment is already reflected in
seeing people grow,” she says. “When someone finds
reflects. “At Meridian, we are not just building a company; Meridian Group’s community partnerships, including their confidence, lands their dream job, or discovers their
we are cultivating a culture where people feel seen, initiatives with the Restory Foundation and eDeaf purpose, that’s what truly fulfills me.”
supported, and empowered to thrive.” Empower and Employ. “Through these programmes, we
provide learnerships and practical experience to young To young women building their careers, Karen offers
She lights up when speaking of her team. “Our
people, many of whom have now become permanent timeless advice: “Do not let anyone else define who you
merchandisers are extraordinary,” she says with pride. members of the Meridian family. It is something I am are. You define yourself. Let your beauty shine from within.
“When you next visit a store, look for Meridian. They are deeply proud of.” Be fearless. Be unstoppable.”
the absolute best in the business.”
FAITH, FAMILY, AND MENTORSHIP LOOKING AHEAD
A JOURNEY WOVEN WITH GROWTH AND
GRATITUDE Faith and family remain Karen’s anchors. “My inspiration As she looks toward the future, Karen’s dreams are
comes from God, from my husband, children and extended rooted in simplicity and purpose. “I want to continue
Karen’s career spans over 25 years in human resources, family and friends. They remind me daily to give my best making a difference, but also to spend time with my
with 15 of those in senior leadership. “I was headhunted in everything I do.” family, travel, and enjoy the simple things,” she says.
for this position, it felt like a blessing,” she recalls. “The sea restores me. Long walks on the beach and time
She also pays tribute to the mentors who shaped her
Her professional path has been rich and diverse, beginning journey, particularly Vangeli Chiliza, former human with loved ones, that is what nourishes my soul. Those
at Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), University resources director at the Durban ICC. “He believed are life’s true treasures.”
of KwaZulu-Natal, PwC, Nedbank, moving to Dimension in me when I was still very new to human resources,” With a soft smile, she reflects on her journey, one shaped
Data, then Sun International, and now into Meridian, each she reflects. “His guidance and belief in my potential by purpose, faith, and a genuine love for people. “My life
step reinforcing her belief that people are at the heart of changed the trajectory of my career. I carry that has been guided by those three things,” she says. “And
every great organisation. gratitude with me always.” that, to me, is everything.”

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