Up-and-coming HR leaders are navigating increasingly complex and rapidly changing workplaces
HRD Australia is proud to announce its 2025 Rising Stars, recognising 31 of the top HR professionals who are leading the way in redefining the role of HR.
Working across industries from infrastructure to legal and healthcare (for people and pets), these leaders on the rise are demonstrating commercial acumen, data-driven decision-making, and communication skills that move HR from reactive to proactive and turn strategy into action.
They were recognised at the inaugural HRFutureFest Australia in Melbourne on October 29.
Read the full list of Rising Stars 2025.
Accelerated path to leadership
“The role of an early-career HR professional has shifted significantly. A few years ago, many would be starting out in administrative and compliance-focused roles and working their way up,” says David Owens, Managing Director of Randstad HR Partners.
“Now, the runway has become much shorter and expectations have risen. They’re no longer starting out as process enforcers while they learn their craft, but are now expected to be advisors to leaders very early on.”
Read the full Rising Stars report.
How Rising Stars were selected
In May 2025, HRD Australia invited HR professionals to nominate exceptional aspiring leaders for the Rising Stars list.
Nominees needed to have 10 years or less experience in HR, as well as experience in executing progressive HR initiatives, and be committed to a career in human resources with a clear passion for the industry.
Nominees were asked about their current role, key achievements, career goals, and the contributions they had made to shaping the industry.
Recommendations from managers and senior industry professionals were also taken into account.
Congratulations to the Rising Stars 2025.
