David holds an MA in Human Sciences from Oxford University and has an extensive, senior level generalist HR experience covering more than 30 countries, with especial focus on the Middle East (Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, UAE and KSA) and Asia (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Korea). David’s experience is mostly in Financial Services, particularly Banking, and he possesses in-depth knowledge of Mergers& Acquisitions (Due Diligence, Integration Planning and Integration Execution).
1. How do you like living and working in Bahrain?
Very much – though I have been in and around the Middle East for many years (ten years in Riyadh, seven in Dubai), this is my first time actually living and working in Bahrain. The Bahrain is are extremely friendly, and Bahrain a very cosmopolitan and welcoming place. Lifestyle is also very enjoyable, and well balanced between work and leisure.
2. What is your average day at work like?
Start quite early – normally by around 6.45, but usually out of the office not later than 3 – mixture of meetings, conferences, one-to-ones.
3. What is your biggest professional challenge?
Passing on the benefit of my experience to all my colleagues in a way that they can make a difference to the organisation.
4. What is the most important thing you look for in new hires?
Enthusiasm and commitment, backed by the necessary knowledge and skills.
5. What is the biggest challenge you face in hiring talent?
Identifying those with the right personal skills to succeed
6. What is your favorite part of your role?
Without a doubt, coaching and mentoring others.
7. What has been the highlight of your career in HR?
Successfully managing a hugely complex cross-border (30 geographies) acquisition, and achieving that through creating and managing a young, multinational team – watching all of the team grow during the process.
8. What do you read to keep abreast of industry developments?
Mainly UK HR publications, including IPD magazine, plus many business journals to ensure I know about my own organisation’s business.
9. What is your advice to someone looking to enter the field of HR?
Two things – speak to experienced practitioners, and make sure you understand what HR is really about, before you jump in and, if you do, GET YOURSELF A PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATION.
10. How do you see the Middle East evolve as a place to practice HR?
I have been in HR in the Middle East for many years, Best practice has increasingly migrated into the region, both as individuals like me have shared their experience, and as more multinationals have established themselves here and migrated their practices. There is still some way to go, and challenges both in state and semi-state organisations, and in the many family-run businesses that still play a significant part in ME business.
11. If you could wave your magic stick and make a significant development in one specific area of HR practices worldwide, where would that fall?
Driving up employee engagement everywhere – I hate to think how many people are reluctant to get out of bed in the morning to go to work – I would love to see everyone ready to leap out of bed instead!!
12. Anything else you'd like to share with the community of Bayt.com Employers?
Increasingly, good HR people can make a real difference to the organisations they work with – I wholeheartedly encourage you to be one of those HR people.
