Karen Hammond: A Journey of Purpose, People, and Empowerment

Family at the Heart

Karen Hammond describes her family as the heartbeat of everything she does. “I’m married to a wonderful husband, Trevor, and we have two incredible children,” she shares, her tone warm and affectionate. For Karen, her family serves as her anchor, source of joy, and constant inspiration.

Leading with Purpose at Meridian Group

Currently, Karen holds the position of Group Head of People at the Meridian Group, a role she undertakes with immense pride. “Meridian is more than a business,” she asserts. The company’s mission is to help brands thrive, nurture its people, and give back to communities. Services such as merchandising, sales, data analytics, and in-store execution enable Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brands to increase their sales and reach more customers. For Karen, what makes the work truly meaningful is the human touch behind each shelf and every smile, ensuring that when customers find what they need, it is more than just business—it is people making a difference.

Her career at Meridian is more than a job—it is a calling that aligns deeply with her personal values. Karen emphasises the importance of cultivating a culture where individuals feel seen, supported, and empowered to succeed. She takes particular pride in her team, especially the merchandisers, whom she describes as the best in the business.

A Career Woven with Growth and Gratitude

With over 25 years of experience in human resources, including 15 years in senior leadership, Karen’s career has been marked by continual growth and gratitude. She recalls being headhunted for her current role at Meridian as a blessing. Her professional journey has spanned several notable organisations, including the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC), University of KwaZulu-Natal, PwC, Nedbank, Dimension Data, Sun International, and now Meridian. Each role reinforced her belief that people are central to any successful organisation. Her guiding philosophy is straightforward: “If you treat your people well, they will take care of your business.”

This people-first approach has earned her industry-wide respect and shaped her leadership style. Interestingly, her initial career aspiration was to become a nurse, but she soon realised her true passion lay in supporting people—leading her to a fulfilling career in human resources.

A Heart for Community

Karen’s vision extends beyond the corporate environment. She hopes to one day open a centre for the homeless—a safe haven offering warm meals, beds, and skills training. “I want to give people the tools to create opportunities for themselves,” she says with conviction, believing that practical skills like cooking, sewing, and basic computer literacy can transform lives. Her commitment to empowerment is already reflected in Meridian Group’s community partnerships with organisations such as the Restory Foundation and eDeaf Empower and Employ. Through these initiatives, Meridian offers learnerships and practical experience to young people, many of whom have become permanent employees.

Faith, Family, and the Power of Mentorship

Faith and family continue to be Karen’s steadfast anchors. She draws inspiration from God, her husband, children, extended family, and friends, all of whom encourage her to give her best each day. Karen also acknowledges the mentors who shaped her path, especially Vangeli Chiliza, former HR director at the Durban ICC, whose belief in her potential changed the trajectory of her career.

Overcoming Challenges

Karen’s journey has not been without obstacles. In 2019, she faced a major challenge when diagnosed with thyroid cancer. The diagnosis tested her resilience, but she chose not to be defined by fear. With courage, faith, and optimism, she focused on healing and ultimately emerged victorious. Today, Karen is a survivor, living proof that challenges can be overcome and transformed into triumphs.

A Legacy of Empowerment

Throughout her career, Karen has received recognition, including the ‘Natural Born Winner’ Award at Nedbank for her impact on people strategy and morale. Yet, humility remains central to her character. She values the personal growth of those she supports above any accolade, finding fulfillment in seeing individuals gain confidence, achieve their goals, and discover their purpose.

To young women embarking on their careers, Karen offers advice rooted in self-belief and authenticity: “Do not let anyone else define who you are. You define yourself. Let your beauty shine from within. Be fearless. Be unstoppable.”

Looking Ahead

As Karen looks to the future, her aspirations remain grounded in making a difference while cherishing time with family, travelling, and appreciating life’s simple pleasures. She finds restoration in the sea, long walks on the beach, and moments spent with loved ones—treasures she holds dear.

Reflecting on her journey, Karen’s life is guided by purpose, faith, and a genuine love for people—principles she considers to be everything.