PROFILE SYLVIA BURBERY
Getting experience outside of the HR function early in your career is helpful – SYLVIA BURBERY
particularly pleased about the legacy that I left behind when I moved on to my current role in Australia, as the NZ team went on to win overall Best Place to Work in the 2010 JRA Best Place to Work Awards – a fantastic result! HC: Describe yourself in a few key words? SB: I’m definitely driven and achievement-oriented, but mostly I think I’m just a pretty normal human being – a Mum with adult kids who loves to travel and enjoys a bit of scrap-booking, going to the gym and being involved in my local church. I’ve been told I never forget anything – not only by my kids! – and I’m deeply committed to seeing people reach their full potential. HC: Do you have any role models professionally or personally? SB: I like to learn from all sorts of different people at all stages in their careers and from all different backgrounds. I’m constantly looking for new things that I can learn from others. I am a big fan of Ernest Shackleton and love his style of leadership but I honestly believe that there’s something to be learned from every person I meet.
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USA & Canada Petcare Supply Team and the US Engineering Team on a range of graduate recruitment, organisational enablement and team building programs Organisational development & talent
hcamag.com
management director, Mars USA (based in Hackettstown NJ): Worked on management strategy development, team development, performance management and
aligned model to the current segment model
2005–2009
central recruitment function initiatives; facilitated and led the transition of the Mars business from a country-
General manager, Mars New Zealand: Oversaw the NZ crosssegment sales and marketing team; led a cultural change and business turnaround
that not only saw business results significantly improve, but won the Best Medium Sized Business in the JRA Best Place to Work Awards in 2008; proud of building a sustainable business and culture
2009–now
General manager, Mars Petcare Australia: Leads Mars’ largest segment in Australia, spanning four manufacturing sites, two sales offices and 14 market-leading brands, including Whiskas and Pedigree HCAMAG.COM 13