The University of Guelph has named Nadim Kara as the new AVP and Chief Human Resources Officer. Kara steps into the role on June 1.
“Nadim is a respected and seasoned HR leader who brings to his important role a breadth of skills and knowledge in the design and development of employee talent, recruitment, succession, rewards and recognition, as well as equity, diversity, and inclusion policies and programs,” said Sharmilla Rasheed, vice-president (finance and operations). “I am delighted to welcome him to the U of G team.”
Kara brings more than 20 years of HR leadership and practice in both the public and private sectors. He is a Certified Human Resources Executive (CHRE), a Certified Compensation Professional (CCP), and holds a master of Industrial Relations and Human Resources from the University of Toronto.
Kara’s experiences span industries. Most recently, Kara served as vice president of human resources and employee experience at Canada Post where he designed and championed human resources programs and services that enabled a purpose-driven culture, elevated employee experience, and increased equity, diversity, and inclusion. During his tenure, Canada Post was recognized as Canadian HR Team of the Year (500 employees or more) by HRD Canada.
Prior to Canada Post, his achievements include spearheading top quartile employee engagement over three consecutive years at Teranet, which gained recognition as one of the Greater Toronto Area’s top employers over the period.
“I hold a deep value for higher education and a firm belief in the contributions of higher education for a vibrant future,” said Kara. “Supporting continuing excellence in research, scholarship, collaboration, and learning is fundamental towards improving life both locally and globally.”
He added. “I am honoured to be working in this important role alongside the exceptional scholars, staff, and students of U of G, and taking on this esteemed institution’s commitment to educating exceptional thinkers and engaged citizens. I look forward to collaborating with vice president Rasheed, president Yates and the dynamic and resilient community at U of G at this critical and meaningful moment. This is Our Time.”
Kara succeeds Martha Harley, who had been in the role since 2005 before retiring earlier this month.
The Human Resources department at U of G serves the university’s 5,000 faculty and staff at three campuses (Guelph, Ridgetown, Guelph-Humber), providing staff relations, talent acquisition, and compensation services, as well as learning and development opportunities, environmental health & safety and occupational health, and wellness services to contribute to the success of each U of G employee.