Leading with HR Excellence: The Vision of Eveliene Witjes


Eveliene Witjes, a seasoned HR professional with over 16 years of experience in the field. With a knack for strategizing in people management, Eveliene has played pivotal roles in shaping the HR departments of numerous start-ups and medium-sized companies across the globe. Her journey began at Glue Up (formerly EventBank), a SaaS company based in Singapore, where she dedicated three years to expanding the company’s workforce across various continents, covering more than 60 countries. From revamping hiring processes to ensuring top-notch employee satisfaction, Eveliene’s expertise covers the entire spectrum of HR functions. We at EliteX, are proud to introduce Eveliene Witjes as one of the 10 Extraordinary HR Leaders to Watch in 2024.

What sets Eveliene apart is her comprehensive approach to HR. Whether it’s designing contracts, devising benefits schemes, or facilitating global talent acquisition, she has done it all. Specializing in areas like relocation and immigration advising, employee retention, and succession planning, Eveliene is a one-stop resource for all HR needs. Beyond her professional achievements, Eveliene has a diverse background, having been a professional ballet dancer and studied journalism and Human Resource Management. Fluent in French, English, and Dutch, she holds certificates in bankruptcy and employment law from the Netherlands and Singapore.

“As HR professionals, our role extends beyond traditional functions; we are strategic partners driving business growth through our understanding of people.” – Eveliene Witjes

Her passion for HR stems from her creative roots and a natural inclination towards working with people. Having experienced the dynamics of different industries, from consulting to renewable energy, Eveliene finds fulfillment in fostering a positive work environment where employees can thrive personally and professionally. Inspired by the mission-driven ethos of Next Gen Foods, Eveliene is enthusiastic about their vision to revolutionize the food industry with TiNDLE, a plant-based consumer brand. With her wealth of experience and dedication to empowering teams, Eveliene is poised to make a significant impact in her role at Next Gen Foods.

Eveliene Witjes stands out as an HR leader with a unique blend of entrepreneurial spirit and over two decades of professional expertise, with 16 years dedicated to core Human Resource Management roles. Her track record includes building HR departments from scratch and managing operations for start-ups, medium-sized, and larger companies worldwide. With a mastery of core HR functions such as Recruitment, Learning & Development, Performance Management, and more, Eveliene has been instrumental in guiding organizations through transformational journeys. What truly sets her apart is her extensive international experience, having managed teams and operations across Europe, USA, LATAM, Middle East & Africa, Asia-Pacific, SEA, and China.

“In the ever-evolving landscape of HR, fostering a positive workplace culture is not just a goal, but a necessity for organizational success.” – Eveliene Witjes

A recent accomplishment Eveliene takes pride in is her role in preparing TiNDLE for global operations within a tight timeframe of two months. From setting up employment life cycles to ensuring legal compliance, she spearheaded the process with efficiency and excellence. Fostering a positive workplace culture is paramount to Eveliene. She believes in creating an open environment where employees can thrive, learn, and collaborate across functions, whether in hybrid or remote settings. Clear communication and transparency are the cornerstones of her approach, setting the stage for employee engagement and recognition.

In Eveliene’s view, HR plays a pivotal role in driving organizational success by aligning people strategies with business objectives. As a critical business leader, HR ensures that decisions prioritize the well-being and development of employees, recognizing that an organization’s success hinges on its people.

Looking ahead, Eveliene sees the future of work marked by continuous innovation in HR systems and technologies. While AI may play a supporting role, she emphasizes the enduring importance of human interface and authenticity in HR functions. She eagerly anticipates the evolution of systems that streamline HR processes, allowing professionals to focus on strategic initiatives.

To aspiring HR professionals, Eveliene offers sage advice: embrace challenges outside your comfort zone, view mistakes as opportunities for growth, and cultivate curiosity in learning. By exploring diverse HR roles and drawing insights from other departments, one can uncover their strengths and carve a fulfilling career path in HR.

“HR isn’t just about policies and procedures; it’s about empowering people to thrive within the organization.” – Eveliene Witjes