4 Reasons Why Exceptional HR Leaders Should Put Their Leadership Forward

Recognising a CEO who has placed people at the centre of critical business decisions and made workforce strategy a driver of organisational performance. This category looks beyond employee-focused initiatives to the board-level choices that required significant investment, trade-offs or change. Entries should demonstrate the people decisions personally championed by the CEO, the business challenge behind them, and the measurable return or impact they delivered.

Recognising a woman in senior HR or people leadership who has delivered significant business and organisational impact while creating opportunities for others to grow. The category celebrates leaders who have transformed people strategy, influenced business outcomes and built stronger leadership pipelines through active sponsorship and mentorship. Entries should demonstrate both the individual's measurable impact and the leaders, teams or capabilities she has helped advance.

Recognising a learning and development leader who has built impactful programmes that strengthen workforce capabilities and contribute to measurable business outcomes. This category celebrates innovative approaches to upskilling, reskilling, leadership development and continuous learning that address real organisational needs. Entries should demonstrate the learning challenge addressed, the initiative personally driven by the leader, and measurable improvements in employee capability and business performance.

Recognising an HR or people leader who has shaped people strategy into meaningful business transformation. This category celebrates leaders who have made bold strategic decisions, introduced innovative approaches and delivered measurable impact across talent, culture, workforce or organisational performance. Entries should demonstrate a significant strategic bet personally led by the individual, the challenge it addressed, and the tangible value it created for the organisation.

From transforming people strategy and influencing business decisions to building stronger leadership pipelines and future-ready capabilities, exceptional HR leadership creates impact that goes beyond the function. ET HR Excellence Awards 2027 celebrate these leaders across 4 Leadership Honours categories.