Prema Arunajalam

Professional Overview

Prema Arunajalam is an accomplished change management and talent development leader with extensive experience driving organizational transformation and fostering a data-driven, ethical culture. As the Head of Data Culture, Talent & Ethics at Absa Group's Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) division, she is responsible for aligning the bank's data strategy with its talent management and ethical governance initiatives.

Experience Summary

Current Role

As the Head of Data Culture, Talent & Ethics CIB at Absa Group, Prema is responsible for shaping the bank's data-driven culture, developing data-savvy talent, and embedding ethical practices across the CIB business. She leads a team of change management and talent development professionals to ensure the successful implementation of the bank's data strategy and the cultivation of a data-literate workforce.

Career Progression

Prior to her current role, Prema held several senior change management and talent acquisition positions at leading financial institutions in South Africa, including Massmart, Standard Bank Group, and Nedbank. She has a proven track record of driving large-scale transformation programs, managing organizational change, and implementing talent management initiatives that align with business objectives.

At Standard Bank Group, Prema served as the Head of Change Management for the Logical Access Management Programme, the Head of Digital Change Management & Customer Adoption, and the Head of Change Management for the Personal & Business Banking division. In these roles, she successfully led the implementation of strategic initiatives, fostered cross-functional collaboration, and developed change management frameworks to support the bank's digital transformation efforts.

Prema's experience also includes a stint as an independent consultant, where she provided strategic advisory services in the areas of project and change management to clients across various industries.

Academic Background

Prema holds a Bachelor's degree from the University of Pretoria, South Africa, where she specialized in Human Resources Management and Industrial Psychology.

Areas of Expertise

• Organizational change management

• Data-driven culture development

• Talent management and leadership development

• Ethical governance and compliance

• Strategic project and program management

• Cross-functional collaboration and stakeholder engagement

Professional Impact

Throughout her career, Prema has demonstrated a strong commitment to driving organizational transformation and fostering a data-driven, ethical culture. She has led several high-impact initiatives, including the implementation of a data literacy program at Standard Bank Group that upskilled over 2,000 employees, and the development of a talent pipeline strategy at Nedbank that resulted in a 25% increase in internal promotions.

Conclusion

Prema Arunajalam is a seasoned change management and talent development professional who has made significant contributions to the financial services industry in South Africa. In her current role as the Head of Data Culture, Talent & Ethics CIB at Absa Group, she continues to drive the bank's strategic agenda by aligning its data strategy, talent management, and ethical governance practices.