As the countdown to the 2026 CHRO Awards begins, Liberty Corporate Benefits, proud sponsor of the Talent Management Award, is saluting the HR leaders who invest in people not only to meet today’s challenges, but also to support careers that stretch all the way to retirement.
Famida Singh, head: product and value proposition at Liberty Corporate Benefits, explains why sponsoring the award is a natural fit for the organisation, as it aligns with their commitment to helping employers support their employees throughout their careers, while enabling retirement fund members to achieve financial freedom and security.
Q: What inspired your organisation to sponsor the Talent Management Award at the 2026 CHRO Awards?
At Liberty Corporate Benefits, we believe that people are the most valuable asset in any organisation. As a trusted partner in administering retirement and employee benefits for thousands of South African employers, we see first-hand how effective talent management drives business performance, innovation and long-term sustainability.
Sponsoring the Talent Management Award allows us to recognise and celebrate organisations and leaders who are intentionally investing in their people and creating workplaces where talent can thrive.
Q: What makes this award category especially meaningful, and how does this sponsorship align with your organisation’s purpose?
Talent management sits at the heart of organisational success. The leaders and organisations recognised in this category are shaping the future workforce by attracting, developing and retaining the skills needed to build resilient businesses.
This sponsorship aligns closely with Liberty Corporate Benefits' purpose of helping members of retirement funds achieve financial freedom and security. We support employers in creating meaningful employee value propositions through retirement fund administration, employee benefits and financial wellness solutions. By recognising excellence in talent management, we are supporting a future where employees feel valued, prepared and empowered throughout their careers and into retirement.
Q: How does your organisation embody or promote the principles celebrated by this award?
Liberty Corporate Benefits promotes the principles of talent management through both our own people practices and the solutions we provide to employers. We understand that attracting and retaining talent requires more than competitive remuneration; it requires holistic support for employee wellbeing, financial security and future readiness.
Through our retirement fund administration expertise, financial education programmes and employee benefits solutions, we help organisations strengthen engagement, improve employee outcomes and create more sustainable workforces. Internally, we are equally committed to developing talent, fostering inclusion and building leadership capability across our business.
Q: What’s one quality you think every CHRO should embody to live up to the spirit of this award?
Foresight.
The most effective CHROs are those who can anticipate future workforce needs while responding to today's challenges. Talent management is not just about filling roles; it is about building organisational capability for the future. CHROs who lead with foresight create environments where people can continuously learn, adapt and contribute meaningfully to business success.
Q: Why should organisations continue to make talent management a priority, even when faced with competing business pressures?
In times of uncertainty, talent management becomes even more important. Organisations can invest in technology, processes and infrastructure, but it is people who ultimately drive performance and growth. Companies that continue to prioritise talent development, succession planning and employee wellbeing are better positioned to adapt to change, retain critical skills and maintain a competitive advantage.
Talent management should not be viewed as a cost, but as a strategic investment in organisational resilience and long-term success.
Q: If there is one message you would like this year’s Talent Management Award to communicate to HR leaders, what would it be?
The future of work belongs to organisations that put people at the centre of their strategy.
Great talent management is about creating opportunities for people to grow, contribute and achieve their potential. When organisations invest in their employees' development, wellbeing and financial futures, they create stronger businesses and a more prosperous society. HR leaders have a unique opportunity to shape that future.
Liberty Corporate Benefits is proud to support initiatives that recognise excellence in people leadership. As one of South Africa's leading retirement fund administrators and employee benefits partners, we remain committed to helping employers build financially resilient workforces and empowering employees to achieve long-term financial security.
We congratulate all the finalists and nominees in this category and celebrate the work they are doing to advance talent excellence across South Africa. Their leadership is helping to shape stronger organisations, stronger communities and a stronger future of work.
