2009-11-27 - Gary Steel took up his position as head of Human Resource and EC member in early 2003 after a 23-year career at Shell, where he had held a series of senior positions in personnel relations. Within the EC, Gary Steel is charged with providing thought leadership on key HR issues. He introduced the ABB People Strategy in 2004 and stresses the importance of Values, Leadership & Performance i.e. the Foundation of the People Strategy. In his function as Head of HR, Gary primarily interfaces with the EC, the Board, Regional Managers, their HR Managers and Country Managers.
In his visit to Vietnam on 9th November 2009, we had an interview for his views on the recent changes in HR and its impact to ABB business.
1. What is your perspective on the HR function in ABB?
Overall we have made significant progress in the last few years and above all I feel we have a strong global alignment with good local implementation. I am particularly pleased with the work done on talent identification & development. We still have some room for improvement in the area of HR operational excellence particularly as it relates to expatriation.
2. How does the economic downturn affect ABB organization since beginning of this year? And what would you see as the coming results?
Obviously I cannot comment on our future results! Suffice to say we are dealing well with the Global economic challenges. We are seeing the benefit of our balanced portfolio and geographical spread whereby some of our markets are weak whilst others are strong. It is too early to predict when the worst will be over and the prudent approach that we have adopted across the Group, especially the strong cost focus & performance, continues to benefit us.
3. How do you envisage ABB’s operations in Vietnam in the coming years?
This is my first time ever in Vietnam and I am impressed with the progress you have made so far. The new factory is an excellent facility and we now simply need the market to produce the orders to fill it! I am sure this will happen. I am particularly pleased with your focus on Occupational Health & Safety and Compliance. As you know these two imperatives remain as absolutely essential to our operating model regardless of external circumstances. Our investment in Vietnam is long term by nature and I see every reason to believe this will pay off.
4. Moving to the HR in 2010, what would be the priorities for the year?
At the Group level meeting all of our annual deadlines - appraisals, salary reviews, Scorecard, learning events etc. will continue as usual. In addition I expect us to make further improvements in our HR operational excellence as well as launching our Global Employee Value proposition in Q1. In Vietnam top priorities are maintaining the focus on OH&S and compliance, supporting the businesses in getting the new factory up & running and implementing the SAP system in support of OsA. I have every confidence that Ha, with Gary’s & Han Yu’s guidance, will ensure that ABB Vietnam is fully aligned with the Group and a strong contributor to our HR activities in the SAS region.
5. Would you share something about yourself away from work?
Sure! Away from work I have 3 passions, my family – wife Debbie, 3 children Niki, Rozie & Callum, 1 grandaughter Olivia, football – Glasgow Rangers & Scotland