About our FOUNDERS
Evolve People Network was founded by some of the most experienced and respected members of the People Development Community
Emma Seymour
Vice President of Worker Welfare (Expo 2020 Dubai)
Emma joined Expo 2020 Dubai in 2018 and brings with her more than 20 years of experience in human resources. As the Vice President of Worker Welfare, Emma provides strategic leadership for the Worker Welfare Team to protect and preserve the health, safety, welfare, security and dignity of those working to build and deliver the Expo 2020 site.
Her wealth of experience spans the hospitality, facilities management and construction industries, and previous roles include leadership positions at several construction firms in the Middle East – including stints as the Human Resources Director of Al Naboodah Construction Group and Al Futtaim Carillion in the UAE and Egypt, respectively.
Emma is deeply passionate about employee welfare, engagement and sustainability – and she has originated a number of initiatives to improve the wellbeing of employees in large organisations, including fast track leadership development programmes, learning and development initiatives and employee recognition schemes.
She is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Professional Development and holds a master’s degree in Human Resources Management from Middlesex University.
Hanna Nordell
Chief People Officer (talabat)
Culture, to Hanna, is key to an organisation’s success.
As Chief People Officer for talabat, Hanna advocates that a great company culture, one which fosters a passion for working collaboratively, inclusively and placing experience at the heart of everything that is done, is central to making sure that every person’s journey is memorable and fulfilling.
She has led the development of the talabat People function from humble beginnings to a strategic business partner to the business and voice for the people – most recently with talabat being awarded the Great Place To Work certification.
Previously, Hanna has extensive experience leading dynamic HR teams in MENA and EMEA with expertise in general HR management, talent development and talent acquisition.
Luke Tapp
Partner (Pinsent Masons)
Luke is a Partner for Pinsent Masons and has been based in the region for over 10 years. Luke is the Operations Partner for the Middle East Region and head of the Pinsent Masons Middle East Employment Practice.
Luke is ranked as a leading employment lawyer by the independent global directories Legal 500 and Chambers respectively. Chambers describes Luke as having “an extensive knowledge of employment law in the UAE” and Legal 500 refer to Luke as ‘an exceptional lawyer – his in-depth knowledge of the UAE employment laws coupled with his practical, pragmatic approach to issues makes his advice second to none.‘ The Pinsent Masons Employment Practice is ranked by Legal 500 and Chambers as one of the leading employment practices in the UAE. Legal 500 recognizes Pinsent Masons as “a stand out employment practice” blending “impressive technical knowledge with pragmatism and commercialism”. The team were awarded Employment Team of the Year 2021 at the Chambers Middle East Awards.
Luke and the team regularly advise clients on all aspects of people matters, such assisting creating and implementing people policies, the transfer of employees across operations, reviewing contracts of employment and handbooks, and advising on the placement of employees and consultants in Middle East and African jurisdictions. Luke also assists clients with restructures, senior executive terminations and exit strategies. Luke has managed a wide variety of free zone and onshore GCC labour litigation matters, covering all types of employment law claims. Luke also regularly presents to clients and People and Culture professionals on a variety of employment law topics.
Marie-Louise Ek
Senior Director HR Africa, Middle East, South AsiaSenior Director HR Africa, Middle East, South Asia (PepsiCo)
Marie-Louise Ek has 20+ years of experience in HR, from several Fortune 500s across industries, spanning all continents.
After graduation in 2000, she spent 10 years with Swedish technology group Sandvik, early pioneers of HR transformation, which took her around the world and offered a broad variety of accountabilities.
Post this she lead Africa, Middle East & Asia for APM Terminals, cultural transformation at Bridgestone, emerging markets in Coty and currently Marie-Louise is Sr Director HR for Pepsico based in Dubai.
Marie-Louise has a real passion for agility, tech and wellbeing. She is an avid fan of optimization and simplification, both in personal and in working life.
Marie-Louise has a bachelors degree in human resources management from Lund University, Sweden
Emma Davies
Group Director – People and Culture (Masafi)
It is fascinating to see what the traditional HR roles transform into. The profession has evolved from a simple job into a mission – to make life better for people. For me the network is an opportunity to connect about the path different organisations take and how we can learn from each other’s challenges and opportunities. It’s a forum to connect, discuss and learn – an opportunity that enable us to adapt and influence an ever changing environment.
Julia Pasztor
Legal PA – Employment & Property (Pinsent Masons)
Julia has been working in the region over the last 12 years in the Hospitality, Technology and Legal Sector. She is part of the Employment Law team at Pinsent Masons and is assisting the People Profession at the firm while pursuing her CIPD Level 5. She is involved in a series of office wide projects such as the personality profiling of each employee and its benefits to inter office relations, heading the Mindful Business Charter Committee – an initiative that brings different organisations together to transform into a mindful place of work putting their employee in the center – and leading the internship program in Dubai for Pinsent Masons.