Alexander Forbes CHRO Christian Schaub talks to us about the company's Ambition 2022 strategy, among other things.
With only a few days left before the inaugural HR Indaba, the anticipation from partners is palpable. In this article, we speak to Alexander Forbes CHRO Christian Schaub about why he is looking forward to the event.
What makes Alexander Forbes different from other financial services companies?
“Alexander Forbes is a diversified financial services organisation providing a broad range of retirement, consulting (including healthcare), asset management, insurance and wealth management solutions to both corporate and individual clients to create, grow and protect their wealth and assets, helping them secure a lifetime of financial well-being and security.”
Tell us about the company's Ambition 2022 strategy and why it is so critical to future success.
“Alexander Forbes is implementing its five-year Ambition 2022 turnaround and growth strategy, based on the group’s vision of achieving financial well-being through an integrated proposition across retirement, wealth management, investments, health and protection advice and solutions. The group will also grow its existing businesses in Africa outside South Africa as well as seek new opportunities where they make business and strategic sense.”
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Why have you signed up for the HR Indaba and what should attendees look forward to seeing from you at the event?
“Alexander Forbes helps clients secure a lifetime of financial well-being and security. We understand that financially well people are healthier, happier and more engaged with their families, employers and society at large. We do this by providing leading retirement, consulting (including healthcare), asset management, insurance and wealth management solutions.”
What would you say is the biggest challenge facing the HR profession?
“Some of the challenges facing the HR profession in South Africa involve ensuring that employees reach their full potential through continuous learning and skills development and also help them to achieve financial well-being for a lifetime. This is particularly relevant in an era where employees are being asked to not only upskill themselves but also prepare for a world where some skills will no longer be relevant as a result of automation and other advances in technology and business processes.
“In addition, developing the appropriate and relevant skills is an ongoing challenge, particularly in the financial services sector, where there is a shortage of skills in certain disciplines such as accounting and auditing. As a result of the skills shortage, staff retention becomes imperative to ensure that companies develop talent, have clear career growth plans in addition to providing ongoing mentoring. Through the HR function, companies also have to play their part to provide career opportunities for unemployed graduates through internships which could lead to permanent job placements.”
