Esra Gaon

HR Director for Microsoft EMEA Sales Enablement & Operations

Istanbul, Istanbul, Türkiye

About

KEY STRENGHTS:  A proven track record in Executive Succession and Strategic Workforce Planning, Change Management Programs, HR Consulting, Headcount Planning, Expatriate Management, Organizational Re-design, Performance & Career Development Programs, and Talent Management Initiatives.  Broad experience with Organizational Effectiveness as well as Area Project Management with a strong focus on Execution in Excellence.  Being able to manage accountabilities in geographically spread locations that involves multitude of cultures; operate within complex reporting relationships in a matrix organization. Leading through periods of rapid change.  Proven ability to build, lead and manage high performing teams.

Experience

  • Microsoft (4 yrs 11 mos)
    • MICROSOFT - SOUTHEAST EUROPE HR DIRECTOR
      Sep 2021 - Present · 4 yrs 11 mos

      Partner with business leaders to drive the people agenda and build the organization needed to deliver business results. Cultivate 'WeAreOne Academy' to accelerate 'learnt-it all' vision, act as the SME in talent management, leadership effectiveness and org effectiveness, focus on quality and effectiveness of talent processes, establish a strong Management Excellence (MEC) rhythm to apply leadership principles and Model, Coach, Care, establish a Geo covered Employee Engagement Plan (Employee –Led) to improve the organizational health and contribute the efforts around living our culture and values, leading with customer focus, and practicing the ONE Microsoft that many of us preach. Created various best practices as part of our D&I mission, launched Female AI Talent Program, Critical Talent Mentoring Program, MyLibrary App and Design your Future Talks. Won Great Place to Work 3 times in a row, ranked as #1.

    • Acting EMEA HR BM
      Jul 2022 - Dec 2022 · 6 mos

      Responsible for managing a smooth transition during leadership change, designing and landing an onboarding plan for Sarah Sherertz Vogt, acting as a pivotal advisor and enabler to EMEA HR Leadership team, managing project management of key v-teams, implementing ROB and Project framework, managing budget and HC, and ensuring strong coordination and partnerships among OneHR stakeholders.

  • Global HR Director – Digital Transformation Organization at Microsoft
    Apr 2017 - Apr 2021 · 4 yrs 1 mo

    Org Design, STP & WFP, GSMO DTP Diversity & Inclusion Council, MVP Award, LT rhythm, Reverse Mentoring Program, and more were implemented to strengthen the team, culture, and performance.

  • Microsoft (13 yrs)
    • Segment HR Lead - CCG/MMDS, M&O, DX & Finance - Middle East & Africa
      Jan 2014 - Nov 2016 · 2 yrs 11 mos

      Established AHQ to Sub value proposition for HR, led CCG & MMDS Integration project, re-designed succession planning process, accelerated identification of great talent, and launched MEA CCG & Finance Top Talent Programs. Re-designed and implemented leadership team effectiveness & talent assessment programs, and partnered with SMO VP to transform business strategies to the people agenda and managed HR programs in a growth environment. Received MSI HR Impact Award in FY16.

    • HR Business Manager – Middle East & Africa Headquarters
      Jul 2011 - Jan 2014 · 2 yrs 7 mos

      Responsible for managing area-wide people initiatives and processes, including HRLT Governance, Leadership transformation, Strategic projects, Executive Visits and ROB planning in partnership with subsidiary HR teams. Contributed to achieving full green people scorecard every year, handled complex projects such as MSI Career Program Implementation Lead, re-designed HR budgeting process for greater efficiency, established a new recognition program for the area HR Team, and kept HRLT on track for big bets. Has been recognized with Excellence in Collaboration – GOLD STAR Award.

    • HR Manager, Turkey & HR Project Manager for Middle East & Africa
      Mar 2008 - Jul 2011 · 3 yrs 5 mos

      The Mid-year Career Discussion Implementation Team lead for Microsoft International was responsible for translating business strategies to people agenda and driving HR programs in an ambiguous and fast changing environment. Assembled, led and coordinated MSI implementation team and disseminated information from Corporate/SMSG Imp Team to MSI. Developed and executed local implementation plan and business driven schedule, coordinated and ensured overall organization and people readiness, and ensured HRBP's and Managers receive the support and information needed to successfully execute the Midyear Career Discussion process.

  • Senior Staffing Consultant at Heidrick & Struggles
    Sep 2002 - Dec 2003 · 1 yr 4 mos

    Responsible for conducting and completing the search process: Planning, developing, organizing and implementing overall research, selection and placement activities. Responsible for high quality and meticulous research activity to identify the “best fit” candidates (worldwide database, systematic fresh search regarding target companies/institutions, screening of applications and benchmarking).

  • HR Staffing Consultant at Nicholson International
    Jun 2000 - Sep 2002 · 2 yrs 4 mos

    Executive and mid-level recruitment experience in various industries, including Fast Moving Consumer Goods, Information Technology and Retail. Responsible for Human Resources functions such as Performance Appraisal and Career Planning.