For nearly 18 years, Tanya Heng has been an instrumental force driving the human resources agenda at IBM, leaving an indelible mark on the organisation’s talent landscape. As the Vice President of Human Resources for the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, Tanya has redefined the way IBM’s APAC leadership and HR policies drive the organisation’s success.
Tanya’s role encompasses a broad spectrum of responsibilities, each aimed at fortifying HR policies and practices across the diverse APAC geography. With oversight of over 100,000 employees spread across 10 countries, her focus on leadership development, talent management, and employee engagement is critical to driving IBM’s growth and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence throughout the region.
Drawing from over two decades of experience in various senior and international HR positions within IBM, Tanya brings a wealth of expertise to her current role. Her journey within the company has been marked by a series of strategic contributions, beginning with her tenure as Director of HR for the ASEAN market. In this capacity, Tanya led the development and implementation of HR policies and practices that directly impacted over 12,000 employees across six countries. Her ability to align HR strategies with business objectives became evident during this time, setting the stage for her subsequent roles within the organisation.
Transitioning to the role of Director of Business and Technical Leadership at IBM’s Global Sales and Distribution Group, Tanya’s strategic acumen came to the forefront. Based at IBM’s headquarters in Armonk, she played a pivotal role in identifying and developing emerging leadership talent and determining candidature for senior leaders across the company. Additionally, Tanya spearheaded the design and implementation of signature development solutions tailored to critical leadership roles worldwide, including country general managers and branch managers. Her contributions to leadership succession planning and development underscored her ability to drive organisational excellence on a global scale.
A cornerstone of Tanya’s approach to HR leadership is her unwavering commitment to creating an inclusive and supportive work environment. This commitment is exemplified by her emphasis on diversity and inclusion initiatives, particularly for women. Throughout her career, Tanya has been a vocal advocate for equal opportunities and advancement, ensuring that IBM’s workforce reflects a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and talents.
Central to Tanya’s success is her disciplined yet adaptive approach to talent management. By fostering a culture of continuous learning and growth, she ensures that IBM’s workforce remains agile and resilient in the face of evolving challenges. Her focus on providing the necessary support and resources for employees to thrive has cemented her reputation as a visionary HR leader.
Tanya’s impact on IBM’s talent development and HR strategies speaks volumes about her contributions to the organisation’s success in the APAC region. Her legacy as a transformative leader is characterised by her unwavering dedication, strategic acumen, and profound commitment to nurturing talent and driving organisational excellence. Her journey from Director of HR for the ASEAN market to Vice President of Human Resources for IBM’s APAC geography is a testament to her exemplary leadership and profound impact on the organisation’s success. As she continues to chart new territories and redefine the boundaries of HR excellence, Tanya stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring HR professionals and corporate leaders alike.