Gaylen van Heerden

Gaylen van Heerden has extensive work experience in human resources and leadership roles. From 2023 onwards, Gaylen will be working as a Mental Fitness Coach at Positive Intelligence. Previously, from 2020 to 2023, Gaylen worked at The Warehouse Group, first as Head of People and then as HR Area Lead, responsible for HR Business Partnering, Core Remuneration, and HR Strategy.

Before that, from 2014 to 2020, Gaylen worked at Fonterra in various HR roles. These included Senior HR Business Partner, where Gaylen was responsible for delivering the people strategy to around 960 employees. Gaylen also worked as an HR Business Partner, supporting around 1,100 employees, and as a Senior Human Resources Advisor.

Prior to Fonterra, Gaylen held the position of General Manager at Crucialtrade 51 (Pty) Ltd Group of Companies. This role involved implementing HR processes and procedures for the manufacturing and supply company.

Before that, Gaylen served as Snr Human Resources Manager at Hesto Harnesses, overseeing the HR, ER, Technical Training, and Loss Control functions. Gaylen was also responsible for developing the people component of the business strategy and integrating a joint venture partnership.

At the start of Gaylen's career, they worked as a Human Resources Manager at Atlas Plastics South Africa, responsible for all aspects of HR management and health and safety.

Overall, Gaylen van Heerden has gained extensive experience in HR leadership and strategy roles, with a focus on delivering people strategies and supporting business objectives.

Gaylen van Heerden obtained a HDip Labour Law (Cum Laude) from the Graduate Institute of Management and Technology in 2001. Prior to that, they completed matriculation in Humanities/Humanistic Studies at Capricorn High School from 1990 to 1992. They also attended Milner High School from 1988 to 1990, completing Standard 7. In addition to their formal education, Gaylen van Heerden obtained several certifications, including Introduction to Autism from Autism New Zealand, Certified Herrmann Brain Dominance Practitioner from Herrmann, Certified 360 Interpretation and feedback coach from Added Insight, and a Master of Business Administration from Success Institute (Pty) Ltd.