Emelia Abotsi, newly appointed CHRO at Fuchs Electronics, leads transformation, inclusion and innovation, leveraging extensive HR expertise and visionary leadership.
Emelia Abotsi has been appointed as the CHRO at Fuchs Electronics, a South African-based company specialising in electronic fuses. Emelia was previously the people lead (executive) for a number of divisions at Absa Group and prior to that she was the general manager for HR at Cormick & Company.
She has also held a number of senior HR positions at Edcon, Tenova Pyromet and Deloitte SA.
Emelia says she was drawn to the role at Fuchs Electronics because of the growth potential of the business and the visionary leadership of its CEO. “The company is poised for transformation, not just in its products but also in how it invests in its people and communities. That vision resonated with me deeply,” she shares.
Since stepping into the role, Emelia has prioritised aligning the talent agenda with the organisation’s strategic goals. “My focus is on driving a culture of inclusion, enhancing employee wellbeing, and embedding sustainability into everything we do.”
For her, HR is about staying ahead of the curve. She is particularly excited about the integration of AI into HR processes, the acquisition of diverse talent, and a renewed emphasis on wellness. “AI can revolutionise how we identify and nurture talent,” she explains. “But it’s equally important to create an environment where employees feel valued, included and supported.”
Her plans to boost engagement are rooted in transparency and shared purpose. “When employees see themselves as part of the bigger picture – when they understand the impact of their work – they are more engaged and committed,” she says.
A journey across continents
Born in Ghana, Emelia moved to South Africa in 1991 at the age of 13 with her parents and siblings. Settling first in Mankweng, in Limpopo, her family later moved to Polokwane. After finishing school, she pursued a degree in organisational psychology and industrial sociology at the University of Cape Town.
“I’ve always been curious about people – what drives them, how they grow, and how they can find purpose in what they do. HR was a natural fit for me,” she says.
Her journey into HR began in 2000 with a graduate internship programme at Edcon. “I stumbled into HR, but once I started, I knew this was where I was meant to be. I’ve never looked back, and I certainly don’t regret it.”
Over the years, Emelia’s career has been marked by a dedication to skills development and people transformation. She credits her success to aligning HR strategies with business goals, a skill that has become her hallmark. “HR is about more than policies or processes. It’s about being a trusted adviser and a strategic partner to the business,” she explains.
Emelia recounts her time at Tenova in 2007, where she led the B-BBEE agenda as a highlight, “The CEO trusted me to define and implement our strategy. In just three years, we moved from non-compliance to a Level 4 B-BBEE rating. That experience taught me the value of perseverance and the impact HR can have on an organisation’s success.”
However, her career hasn’t been without challenges. Navigating the complexities of leadership development, hybrid working and employee engagement in a globalised workforce has tested her resilience. “Post-Covid, the way we lead has fundamentally changed. Leaders must be present, mindfu, and adaptable. ”
Lessons for aspiring HR professionals
For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Emelia offers sage advice, “Be deliberate and intentional about your career. Don’t just focus on HR – immerse yourself in the business you support. Understand its products, its challenges and its goals. Challenge yourself to learn, unlearn and relearn constantly. And above all, remember that you are a strategic partner, not a policy pusher.”
Despite her demanding role, Emelia believes in living life to the fullest. Her downtime is spent exploring new places and immersing herself in nature, from retreat centres to nature parks and serene bodies of water. She is currently reading Manuscripts Found in Accra by Paulo Coelho, a book that resonates with her reflective nature.
Her life mantra encapsulates her approach to both work and life: “Be deliberate, thoughtful, and mindful, but above all, trust in God and live your life in abundance.” She says she would like to be remembered as a person who left every place better than how she found it. “I hope the organisations I’ve worked with and the people I’ve mentored can look back and see growth – in themselves, in their careers, and in the impact they’ve made.”
