Vanita Kakkar

Vanita Kakkar has extensive work experience in the field of human resources, with a focus on talent management, organizational development, and strategic planning. Vanita has held various leadership positions in different companies.

Starting in 1995, Kakkar worked at Consumers Packaging, where they held progressively responsible roles in HR, eventually becoming an HR Manager. During their time there, they provided HR and industrial relations support to executives, managers, and employees. Vanita also took a one-year sabbatical to work in a labor relations role in Vancouver.

In 2000, Kakkar joined Rogers Communications Inc. as a Human Resources Manager. Vanita supported the executives, managers, and employees of expanding client groups, and their responsibilities expanded as the organization grew. Vanita led a cultural change initiative within the Technical Support Call Centre, focusing on process improvements, standardization of practices, and building a culture of teamwork and integrity.

In 2004, Kakkar briefly worked at Allianz Life as a Human Resources Director. Although their tenure was short due to relocation, they implemented significant changes and led large-scale initiatives. Vanita worked with senior managers to restructure the largest division and redesign the local HR team.

From 2004 to 2008, Kakkar established and operated their own HR consulting practice called People Management Solutions. Vanita worked on long and short-term contracts, including projects with the Queensland Department of Health and the Department of Education.

In 2006, Kakkar joined Ergon Energy as a Senior HR Management. Vanita played a key role in the development and implementation of HR strategy for a newly merged organization. Vanita also managed HR services related to a merger, de-merger, and acquisition. Ultimately, Ergon Energy was acquired by AGL for $1.

Kakkar then worked at the Department of Transport & Main Roads in Queensland, Australia, from 2008 to 2010 as a Regional Manager, Capability & Business Systems. Vanita led a cultural change initiative and introduced new tools and processes to foster engagement and collaboration.

In 2010, Kakkar joined Shoppers Drug Mart as a Corporate Human Resources Manager. Vanita provided HR support to the organization until 2015.

From 2015 to 2017, Kakkar worked at Loblaw Companies Limited as a Director, Leadership & Executive Development. Vanita was responsible for research, design, and execution of processes, policies, and programs related to organizational development and talent management. Vanita also worked with leaders to enhance cross-functional knowledge and develop high-potential talent.

Finally, in 2018, Kakkar joined Corby Spirit and Wine Limited, first as a Human Resources Director and then as a Senior Director Human Resources Business Partnering. Their role involved developing competitive strategies, deploying HR systems and tools, and leading the execution of key concepts and solutions.

Overall, Vanita Kakkar has a wealth of experience in HR leadership roles, focusing on talent management, organizational development, and strategic planning.

Vanita Kakkar obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, Finance, and Business Studies from York University, where they studied from 1986 to 1989. Vanita also holds the following certifications: Culture Transformation from Senn Delaney, a Heidrick & Struggles company, obtained in July 2015; Associate Certified Coach from the International Coach Federation, obtained in 2010; Ignite Leadership Coaching from The Forton Group Ltd, obtained in 2010; Certified Human Resources Professional from the AUSTRALIAN HUMAN RESOURCES INSTITUTE LIMITED, obtained in October 2004. Additionally, they are recognized as a Certified Human Resources Leader by the HRPA - Human Resources Professionals Association, although the specific details of when and where they obtained this certification are not provided.