Zakaa Farhat

Questioner
DISC Type : c

Global SVP, Talent, Learning, Organization and Capability Development at GSK

London, England, United Kingdom

Overview

Zakaa Farhat is the Global SVP of Talent and Learning at GSK, where he leads an enterprise-wide transformation focused on AI adoption and building a skills-based organization. His 25-year career in HR leadership includes senior roles at Johnson & Johnson and General Electric across global markets.

An advocate for continuous development, Zakaa is a life-long learner who enjoys being challenged and solving complex problems. He is an extroverted leader who values human connection and is passionate about mentoring others to help them achieve their professional goals and aim higher in their careers.

He recently completed an intensive 8-month Board Director certification program with the Financial Times, a journey he found both demanding and highly rewarding.

Personality Overview

Not Easily Convinced

Cautious & Analytical

Price-Sensitive

It is quite likely of them to ask for pricing or other concessions.  While they don't hesitate to ask questions, they are generally risk-averse and tend to be late adopters. They generally do not appreciate an overfriendly approach and prefer to stay to-the-point.

Topics They Care About

AI in HR
Currently leading a global AI transformation program at GSK to re-imagine talent practices, processes, and systems for the future.
Skills-Based Organizations
He is actively transforming GSK into a skills-based organization, moving away from traditional job structures to focus on employee capabilities and agility.
Global Leadership
His career spans senior leadership roles across North America, LATAM, APAC, and EMEA for multinational giants like GSK and Johnson & Johnson.

Media Appearances

Digital transformation demands a new approach to change …. Featured in Apple Podcasts (HR Leaders)

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Global Power Leader 2024 – Featuring Zakaa Farhat, Global SVP, Talent, Learning, Organization and Capability Development at GSK. Featured in White Page International

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Work History

6-2023
Global SVP, Talent, Learning, Organization and Capability Development at GSK
11-2022 - 6-2023
Regional Vice President HR for Europe and MEA at Johnson & Johnson
3-2021 - 1-2023
Global VP of Human Resources, Supply Chain and Enterprise Services at Johnson & Johnson
1-2020 - 5-2021
VP of HR, Northern Europe (UK, Ireland & Nordics) & Head of EMEA HR strategy at Johnson & Johnson
11-2010 - 8-2013
Regional HR Director- Middle East at GE Healthcare at GE

Education

2007 - 2008
Post Gratuate Degree from Cornell University
2005 - 2008
Master of Business Administration - MBA from American University of Science and Technology

More Information

Social Presence :

Prographics :

Exp : 16 Location : London, England, United Kingdom Job Level : Leadership Designation : Global SVP, Talent, Learning, Organization and Capability Development at GSK
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Insights For Selling To Zakaa

During A Call Or A Meeting

DO's

  • Share as much information as possible regarding your product
  • Keep some extra margin in hand as they will likely negotiate the pricing
  • If you have a lower priced product compared to the competition, call out the same

DONT's

  • Avoid phrases like ‘do not worry about’, ‘no one compares to’ etc.
  • Don’t overhype the product/pitch, keep it measured
  • Don’t try to be too friendly or informal with them

When Cold Calling

When Writing An Email

While Negotiating & Closing

    The secret to closing fast with Zakaa is

  • Ensuring that the product delivers ROI, cost-effective pricing and process compliance are very important for them.
  • Will you ever get a clear answer from Zakaa

  • It doesn’t come naturally to them but they can say no if they are not convinced.

Insights For Deal Planning

    How fast (or slow) will Zakaa move?

  • If they have the information that they need, they can move fast at making their decisions.
  • Can Zakaa take some risk or not?

  • They can take some risk if they are confident that they have analyzed the circumstances well.


You And Zakaa

Personality Compatibility


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