Opila Moodley transitions seamlessly into the world of prestige beauty.
Just a few months into her new role as HR director South Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa for the Estée Lauder Companies, Opila Moodley has successfully transitioned into the world of prestige beauty.
With a 20-year career in financial services and pharmaceuticals behind her, Opila Moodley took a step into a new beauty industry where she relishes the opportunity for growth.
“I've been fortunate to have had exposure across different organisations, however I’ve predominantly experienced, and enjoyed, financial services. That's what excited me about my move to healthcare and now the change to luxury consumer goods, with The Estée Lauder Companies (ELC). The role has given me insights not only into a new industry but also the intricacies of supply chain and distribution as well as digital and online media. Prestige beauty is compelling, and ELC is a fun, dynamic and progressive environment.”
Opila has a strong foundation in developing strategy, organisational design and change management which helped her navigate some of the key projects early on in her new role. She said that although she had to hit the ground running, she appreciated the onboarding experience provided by ELC as she got to learn about the business quickly and effectively. Working closely with all levels of the business from day one, allowed her to gain a deeper understanding of the organization's values, leadership, and the significance of maintaining the brand's prestigious identity.
“The power of the brand is part of what keeps our people engaged. Through a diverse mix of employees, I feel the passion behind ELC’s commitment of bringing the best to everyone we touch.”
Opila adds, “I have the privilege of working with an exceptional HR team and together we are reimagining our employee value proposition. We are fortunate to have the canvas to create a fit for purpose, locally relevant strategy which will enable our business to flourish and optimise performance in an environment where our people can thrive.”
Opila’s focus will be to “redefine how we work, connect and create value and build critical skills across a diverse workforce while transforming the employee experience.”
The Companies’ progressive approach to inclusion, diversity and equity (ID&E) as well as its drive for service to community and society, evidenced in their well-regarded Breast cancer campaign and Good Works program was a key drawcard for Opila’s attraction to the Company and her joining ELC. She is keen on leading the ID&E agenda for the region and will also focus efforts on the young talent agenda, advancing the growth of women and placing effort and emphasis on employee health and wellbeing.
“We need to embrace holistic health and wellbeing of our employees as the new HR currency. In order to leverage talent in our hybrid work model, we need to understand employee behaviour inside and out of the workplace and ensure we have tools in place to build a mentally, emotionally and physically fit workforce. This will enable organisational fitness and performance” she said.
