Yiannos Mavris

Dear Hiring Committee,

My name is Yiannos Mavris, and I am writing to express my strong interest in the Head of HR position. With more than 20 years of progressive Human Resources leadership experience—including extensive work in organizational design, compensation and benefits, change management, talent acquisition, employee relations, and talent development—I am excited about the opportunity to contribute to a forward-thinking financial services company.

During my two decades at NCR, a global technology leader with over 36,000 employees, I held multiple HR leadership roles supporting country, regional, and global business units. My track record includes building and executing HR strategies that align with business objectives, strengthening leadership capability, improving organizational effectiveness, and elevating the employee experience. I have been recognized consistently as a trusted advisor, strategic thinker, and collaborative partner to executive teams.

My experience leading complex workforce planning initiatives, applying HR analytics, and driving transformation whether through restructuring, cost optimization, change management, or talent development directly aligns with the key responsibilities highlighted for this Head of HR position. 

I bring deep knowledge of Cyprus employment legislation and GDPR requirements, a values-driven leadership style, and a passion for building inclusive, high-performing cultures. I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my background, strategic HR expertise, and commitment to people-centric leadership can support your organization’s continued growth and success.

Thank you for your time and consideration. I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you.

Sincerely,

Yiannos Mavris

Iacovou Group of Companies, Larnaca, Cyprus                                                                                                      Jan 2024– present

IACOVOU GROUP is one of the leading building and civil engineering construction groups in Cyprus with a history of over 70 years in the construction sector.  It has successfully completed projects in Cyprus, Greece, UK and the Middle East. The Company has gained specialization through innovative construction methods in airport works, bridge and highway construction and other complex civil engineering jobs. 

Head of Human Resources Department at Iacovou Group

As a key member of the senior management team, I lead the HR department by developing and implementing best-in-class practices and policies. In close partnership with the Group CEO, I translate strategic vision into impactful HR initiatives that foster employee development and drive the company's growth and expansion to the next level.

• Cultivate strong working relationships across the management team, providing proactive support and guidance to resolve personnel issues effectively. Stay updated on the latest developments in human resources, including trends, best practices, changes in local employment laws, and advancements in HR technologies.
• Lead efforts to transform and strengthen the organizational culture, ensuring that company values and practices are consistently demonstrated at all levels.
• Oversee the implementation of the HR strategy, managing key functions such as recruitment, employee relations, workforce administration, reward and recognition programs, and maintaining HR systems. Drive continuous improvement and efficient management of the HR budget.
• Design, refine, and implement HR policies and procedures tailored to the company’s evolving needs, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and compliance with regulations.
• Spearhead negotiations for Collective Bargaining Agreements and employee benefits with local unions. Demonstrate tactical diplomacy and strategic agility, exceeding union expectations, maintaining the company’s strong position, and averting labor disruptions.
• Foster a culture of performance excellence and talent development by leading key people-related processes and initiatives.
• Guide business managers and leaders in adopting a culturally sensitive mindset, with a focus on diversity, inclusion, and equity, particularly within a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Gan Direct Insurance, Limassol, Cyprus                                                                                                                    May 2022 – Jan 2024

Gan Direct is a leading insurance company operating in Cyprus for more than 25 years and is pioneering in the direct delivery of uncomplicated insurance products, which offer speed, convenience and value with no middlemen involved.  Therefore, the commissions and credits saved are passed directly to the customer making the Company one of the most competitive in the insurance industry. 

Human Resources Senior Manager

Member of the management team providing Human Resources professional consultation and leading all facets of the Human Resources department. Supporting the CEO in implementing his vision and strategy through effective HR programs, best practices and actions.

• Conferred with management to develop and implemented improvements to the existing HR policies and procedures according to the Company’s needs and best market practices.
• Worked with an external consultant firm to create and implement a new management appraisal system that drives high performance, engagement and preservation of the human capital.
• Integral role in planning and managing annual leaves, handled the employee relations, payroll and benefits, and much more.
• Managed the execution of the HR Strategy and core areas of the HR department including Recruitment, Employee Relations, Workforce Administration, Reward and Recognition, as well as maintaining and improving HR systems and management of the HR budget.
• Lead the Training Department and frequently coached, mentored and supported senior and high potential colleagues to identify individual strengths and development needs, in an effort to develop and maintain effective relationships and encourage retention.

NCR CORPORATION, Nicosia, Cyprus                                                                                                                                           2002-2021

NCR (NYSE: NCR) is a leading software-and services-led enterprise provider in the financial, retail and hospitality industries. It is headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., has over 36,000 employees globally, and reported $6.92B USD, 2019.

Promoted to increasingly higher levels of responsibility during extensive tenure with corporation. Continuously tapped for strategic assignments and new roles with recognition throughout career for outstanding service including leadership during COVID and a major role in design of HR Central web page.

Director of Human Resources, Europe, Middle East and Africa Region (Cyprus and Greece from Europe)                 2019-2021

Member of the HR Leadership and Regional Management teams tasked with translating business strategy and objectives into appropriate HR actions and initiatives. Support several business units in 19 offices in Europe, the Middle East and Africa Region, 2,500+ employees.  Work within a matrix HR function, managing staff of seven HR managers located in Egypt, Nigeria, Israel and Cyprus, reporting to the VP, Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).  Transitioned HR from silo to regional model, uniting management to work harmoniously as one company.

• Integral role in planning and orchestrating the corporation’s response to COVID, working with local management teams on safety protocols, transition to remote work for those able to work from home, and much more.
• Championed collaboration between country HR professionals and Centers of Excellences in HR Shared Services, Talent Management and Learning, Global Mobility, and Compensation and Benefits to ensure proper implementation and execution of global HR programs and policies.
• Achieved 99% acceptance rate (one of highest) for company-wide pay reductions instituted to maintain sustainability of business during pandemic.
• Direct local staff on handling complex employee relations issues, ensuring decisions align with regional labor laws, and safety and well-being of field staff.
• Avoided potential strike in both Ghana and Egypt through skilled diplomacy and review of salaries to meet market benchmarks.
• Foster a performance and talent development culture through leading all people related processes.
• Coach business managers and leaders on a cultural sensitivity mindset, particularly relating to diversity, inclusion and equality.
• Spearheaded new endeavor to recruit and provide more opportunities for women in the MEA region, growing female staff presence to 15%.

Human Resources Strategic Business Partner, Customer Services Unit, Middle East and Africa Region (MEA)         2014-2019

Promoted to HR Leadership and Customer Services Leadership teams, supporting an 800-employee business unit, the largest in the MEA region.  Adeptly led organization through change, transitioning to a strong customer service culture. Reported to both the HR VP Services, U.S. and the VP, Services Business Unit, UAE.

• Cultivated strong working partnerships across the HR organization and Centers of Excellence (Talent Acquisition, Shared Services, Learning, Total Rewards, Workforce Planning) to drive delivery of key strategic priorities for the business from strategy deployment and support to field engagement and development of succession planning.
• Propelled business unit to become the most profitable in MEA and successfully orchestrating a 5% staff reduction, driving profit margin to 65% and labor down to <10%.
• Fostered employee engagement and enhanced turnover rate to 4-5%, well below the 12% corporate global average, through focus on employee wellness and safety, and salary incentives for high performance.
• Consulted on organizational design and effectiveness, talent management, and employee engagement, strategic partnership and coaching of leadership teams around various HR programs (i.e., performance management).
• Conducted and interpreted country-specific employee engagement surveys, educating and securing buy-in from territory managers for change implementation. 

Human Resources Manager, Middle East and Africa Region                                                                                                  2008-2014

Following restructuring of the HR function, promoted to a Compensation and Benefits Management role with an enhanced portfolio of HR operational responsibilities including compensation and benefits, recruitment, employee relations, employee engagement, and performance management.  Reported to Regional VP, C&B EMEA and HR Director, MEA.

• Spearheaded deployment of a multitude of global HR programs which included performance management, performance counselling programs (PIPs), salary/bonus/benefit plan implementation, headcount planning, employee/ labor relations. Kept abreast of specific country labor laws and requirements to support changes and ensure business compliance.
• Served as integral member of Leadership Team supporting the design and functionality links to launch the “HR Central” web page, a major initiative for employee use and engagement.
• Effectively managed employee relation issues (harassment, discrimination, theft) to mitigate company risk; and worked with ethics and compliance and global security teams to address and resolve issues as they arose.
• Supported managers throughout the hiring and onboarding process; coached on career development and succession planning. 
• Delivered training programs to regional employees on all levels around HR policies and processes and soft skills (e.g., How to Lead a Team, Franklin Covey certified training).
• Managed ongoing reduction-in-force (RIF) projects including major complex restructuring in Zimbabwe, cutting staff ~ 80%, and reducing business operations to minimize exposure and expenses. 
• Partnered with global and functional leaders to define and implement culture and employee engagement, leveraging surveys and related tools.

Compensation and Benefits Manager, Middle East and Africa Region                                                                                2002-2008

Joined NCR in newly created position with a focus on standardizing compensation and benefits for ~2,000 employees in the MEA region.  Successfully achieved best outcomes for employees while minimizing costs to company. Reported to VP, Compensation and Benefits, EMEA, with dotted line relationship to HR Director, MEA.  Scope of role included:

Compensation:

• Integral role on team developing, testing, and implementing new global Annual Performance Salary Review System covering over 35, 000 NCR employees.
• Performed benchmark market surveys and studies, and internal and external compensation data analysis, to ensure competitiveness and proper resource allocation.
• Built global Salary Structure and Grading System, and customized for MEA region.
• Assisted Managers on compensation decisions to ensure consistency/equity across the country and compliance with local wage and hours laws.
• Worked with HR Business Partners and teams globally on execution initiatives in support of business objectives (i.e., PIP, FAS calculations and headcount planning).

Benefits:

• Led development and monitoring of new global Benefits System, ensuring alignment of local benefits and policies with local markets (housing, car, loans, stock allowances).
• Collaborated with external third-party providers in creating and introducing multiple insurance policies (Medical, Life, Workmen’s Compensation) based on local market requirements for MEA countries.  Shifted exposure away from NCR to providers with significant reduction in liabilities, and major cost savings to company.
• Led development and oversight of Pension/Provident Plan to meet compliance with legislative and company procedures/guidelines.

M.B.A.- International Finance – St. John’s University, Jamaica, NY, 1997

GPA: 3.7/4.0; Dean’s List

B.S. - Business Administration – St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY,1995