Skip to main content

Mark Lewis CMHRNZ

What led you to a career in HR/ the position that you are in currently?

My journey into HR was driven by a passion for supporting people realising their potential and a desire to make a meaningful impact on organisational culture and performance. Over the years, I have been fortunate to work in various roles that allowed me to develop a deep understanding of the strategic importance of HR. My current position at Connetics is a culmination of this journey, where I can leverage my experience to drive the company’s strategic and operational leadership towards our 2030 growth strategy focused on delivering energy solutions with and through our people for a cleaner and brighter future with our communities.

What do you love about working in HR?

The opportunity to nurture and develop talent, creating an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full potential, particularly when it is beyond what they imagined for themselves. Working in HR allows me to be at the heart of organisational change, driving initiatives that enhance employee engagement, diversity, growth, and performance. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the positive impact of these efforts on both the people and the business.

Are there any specific highlights of your career that you wish to share?

There are several highlights that stand out:

  • Increased female staff by 31.4% and reduced vacancies by 67%.
  • Grew the workforce by 36 staff members and decreased the average employee age.
  • Reduced staff turnover from 24% to 15% and decreased the gender pay gap by 4%.
  • Enhanced engagement and role clarity: Elevated employee engagement from 56% to 63%, improved the Employee Net Promoter Score from 80% to 86%, and role clarity from 67% to 78%.
  • Increased diversity and development: Improved DEI scores to 75% in 2024 from 46% in 2021, with growth and development scores rising to 65% from 48%.
  • Awards and Recognitions: Received the HRNZ Leadership Award, HRDNZ HR Team of the Year this year, and the Chief of Army Commendation for my contribution to leadership development, particularly as a civilian in an organisation of outstanding leaders.

What are your thoughts on Chartered Membership? How do you feel about being a Chartered Member? 

Chartered Membership is a significant professional milestone that recognises the expertise and contributions of HR professionals. Becoming a Chartered Member is a privilege and has been a rewarding experience based on my commitment to the field of HR. It validates the hard work and dedication I have put into my career and provides a platform to further influence and drive positive change within the industry.

What motivated you to work towards becoming a Chartered Member?

My motivation to become a Chartered Member stemmed from a desire to continuously improve and stay at the forefront of HR best practices. It was important for me to benchmark my skills and knowledge against industry standards and to validate my professional knowledge, experience, and professional achievements. This membership also provides access to a network of like-minded professionals and resources that support ongoing development.

What are your next steps in terms of your career now that you are a Chartered Member?

As a Chartered Member, my next steps involve continuing to drive strategic initiatives at Connetics, particularly in the areas of talent management and workforce planning. I aim to leverage data-driven insights to align workforce capabilities with the dynamic demands of the electricity distribution sector. Additionally, I plan to mentor and develop the next generation of leaders and HR professionals, ensuring that our organisation remains resilient and adaptable in the face of future challenges.