👤 Expert in Action | Nathalie Nelis, Certified HR Executive

At FIT in NETWORK®, we’re proud to work with exceptional interim managers who bring both expertise and dedication to every mission. Nathalie Nelis, a certified FIT in NETWORK® expert, has successfully completed several missions with us each time delivering impact in complex environments.

We recently sat down with her to reflect on one of her latest missions, where she served as Interim Head of HR during a high-stakes post-acquisition integration across Europe and the Middle East.

❓ What were your main responsibilities during the mission?

✔ Led the HR function across multi‑site operations in Europe and the Middle East during a post‑acquisition integration, with full responsibility for day‑to‑day operations and crisis management.

✔ Conducted an audit of the HR function, created compliant HR databases, and designed/implemented core processes and policies (recruitment, training, compensation & benefits).

✔ Directed employee transfers under Article L122‑12, managed social relations, and ensured compliance with local labor laws.

✔ Provided strategic HR guidance to senior management, supported international mobility, and accompanied the incoming Group HR Director to ensure a smooth handover.

❓ Did your scope evolve over time? If so, how?

“My scope evolved significantly over the course of the mission, in three phases:

Phase 1: I initially managed the entire HR function on a daily basis, conducting a full audit of the existing situation while handling operational tasks and specific cases, reporting directly to the French CEO.

Phase 2: After three months, the role shifted to a matrix reporting line under the British group. I transferred findings from the HR audit, continued daily management, and explained French employment practices and labor law to the new stakeholders.

Phase 3: Midway through the mission, my focus moved towards supporting and coaching the newly appointed Group HR Director, ensuring a smooth handover while continuing to handle sensitive and high‑impact HR matters.”

❓ What were the most significant obstacles you encountered?

“During the transition, governance and decision‑making were still taking shape, creating initial uncertainty. Access to some HR information also required time and careful alignment between the former French management and the new UK leadership.

By proactively building trust, clarifying processes, and maintaining steady HR operations, I helped create the transparency and stability needed to move the integration forward.”

🔗 You can learn more about Nathalie and connect with her here: Nathalie Nelis – LinkedIn

📌 We are proud to count Nathalie among our trusted network of experts. Her professionalism, cross-cultural understanding, and ability to lead during transition periods make her a valuable asset to any organization.

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