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Fabien Siguier, SHRM-SCP, has 25 years of global HR leadership experience in industries such as dairy, automotive, high-tech software and the French military. 

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN HR?  

I started my career as an IT specialist for finance—quite far from HR. After one year, an HR director proposed a deal: a “companionship” in HR. I integrated his team as a project management office—and he taught me HR. He opened the door to me when I was 24, and we are still in contact today. 

WHAT IS YOUR LEADERSHIP PHILOSOPHY? 

For 20 years now, I have always fought to transform human resources management to human richness development. It is my mission to move from a pure workforce planning and resource management mindset to a more customized and caring people policy. It is a very demanding leadership approach as it takes time to get to know people, not to stop at first impressions and get rid of my bias in understanding others. But it is so rewarding. The organization is able to open new business opportunities, accelerate innovation and increase efficiency through true diversity. 

WHAT ARE YOU PASSIONATE ABOUT?

I have always appreciated serving a cause. During my career, I have always looked at the purpose and the impact of the company on the planet, from feeding the planet to decarbonizing the automotive industry to protecting citizens. For 10 years I’ve been a military civil reservist officer in the French army in parallel with my HR career in the private sector. By doing so, I have served my country by protecting its citizens, while enriching my vision and understanding of the world context.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY IN YOUR SPARE TIME?

I’m a practitioner of Kobudo and Karate with a Karate Shotokan black belt. I love martial arts because they are all about emotional intelligence in practice. You start by learning techniques, but that will get you nowhere until you take time to learn about yourself. My two daughters decided to join me in martial arts, and this is a very special time we share. My son invited me to join his own sport and passion: swimming. Sports are not just about physical health but also a fundamental for mental health and a way to cement our family bonds. 

Photo by Paige Gribb Photography