Maria Grazia Fancello

Chief People Officer | Global HR Strategy & Transformation | Complex, Multinational & Industrial Environments | Trading | Hospitality & Luxury Sectors | Talent & Culture Architect | Digital HR | Change Leader

Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland

About

Results-driven Global Chief People Officer with 20+ years of experience architecting and leading enterprise-wide People strategies across complex, multinational environments including Industrial, Trading, Hospitality, Luxury, operating with agile, scalable, and transformation-led operating models. Proven track record in building high-performing leadership teams, including the selection and appointment of multiple Regional and Global C-level executives, ensuring strong succession, governance, and strategic alignment. Proven ability to translate people strategy, culture, and leadership standards into measurable impact on customer experience, operational performance, and sustainable business growth.

Experience

  • Chief Human Resources Officer at MSC Cruises
    Mar 2024 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

    Drive People strategy, governance, policies, processes, and systems to directly support guest experience excellence, service consistency, and sustainable growth.

  • Cargill (7 yrs 5 mos)
    • HR Sr Director Western Europe and Employee Relations Lead EMEA
      Mar 2023 - Feb 2024 · 1 yr

      Executive HR leader for a large-scale industrial and operational footprint. Accountable for People strategy, HR governance, labor relations, and organizational transformation across manufacturing, operations, trading, R&D, commercial, and corporate functions.

    • HR Sr Director Western Europe and Core HR Operations EMEA - Head of HR Geneva HQ
      Jun 2020 - Feb 2023 · 2 yrs 9 mos

      Designed and implemented the EMEA Core HR Operating Model across 36 countries (≈21,500 employees), ; Led HR systems implementations (Time Management and Payroll); Oversaw HR governance, data privacy, vendor management, SLAs, KPIs, and analytics dashboards

    • HR Director Western Europe
      Oct 2016 - May 2020 · 3 yrs 8 mos

      Implement HR Transformation in the assigned scope. Lead HR function, accountable for People strategy, HR governance, labor relations, and organizational transformation across manufacturing, operations, trading, R&D, commercial, and corporate functions

  • Entrepreneurial hospitality venture (B&B), owner-operated at Real Estate
    Apr 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 6 mos

  • Eaton Corporation (3 yrs 10 mos)
    • HR Director EMEA - Head of Total Rewards
      Feb 2013 - Mar 2015 · 2 yrs 2 mos

      Regional accountability for Total Rewards strategy, governance, compliance, and deployment across 46 countries, six business units, and a population of over 25,000 employees. Led a regional team of Total Rewards professionals, partnering closely with business and HR leadership to align reward frameworks with performance, competitiveness, and cost discipline.

    • Business HR Lead, Corporate Europe Middle East and Africa. Head of HR EMEA HQ in Switzerland
      Jun 2011 - Jan 2013 · 1 yr 8 mos

      Accountable for organizational effectiveness, talent strategy, leadership development, change management, employee relations, and organization design. Acted as Head of HR for the EMEA Headquarters in Switzerland and supported mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures as required.

  • Alcoa (9 yrs 10 mos)
    • HR Manager Corporate Services & Talent Management & Staffing Manager Europe
      Jun 2010 - May 2011 · 1 yr

    • Talent Management and Staffing Manager, Europe
      Jan 2008 - May 2011 · 3 yrs 5 mos

    • European HR Transformation Manager
      Jan 2005 - Dec 2007 · 3 yrs