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Karen Riapos
Director, Global Talent Acquisition at BrandSafway
Professional Background
Karen Riapos, SPHR, is a seasoned leader in the field of Talent Acquisition, with extensive experience spanning multiple industries, including the global industrial, commercial, and infrastructure markets. She is currently serving as the Director of Global Talent Acquisition at BrandSafway, a company celebrated for delivering innovative access and scaffolding systems, industrial services, and more to over 30,000 customers worldwide. This organization was established through the merging of Brand Energy & Infrastructure Services and Safway Group in 2017, exemplifying the dynamic growth and evolution of industry services. Karen’s leadership and strategic vision within Talent Acquisition are pivotal to BrandSafway's commitment to providing specialized solutions to its clients.
Before her role at BrandSafway, Karen held several key positions that contributed to her robust professional portfolio. She was the Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition Initiatives at Keurig Dr Pepper Inc., where she honed her skills in developing adaptive talent acquisition strategies to meet the demands of a rapidly changing market. Her previous experience also includes serving as the Senior Manager of Talent Acquisition at HD Supply and as the Vice President of Talent Acquisition at SunTrust Bank. Each of these roles has equipped her with rich insights into the diverse needs of companies across different sectors, enhancing her expertise in recruitment, talent management, and organizational development.
Karen Riapos is not only a professional expert within her field but also a motivation and inspiration to those around her. Her strong background in recruitment strategy, combined with her experience across a variety of significant organizations, makes her a critical asset to her teams, driving talent acquisition processes that align tightly with organizational goals.
Education and Achievements
Karen earned her degree in Communications from the University of Rhode Island, where she laid the foundational skills for effective communication and relationship-building, essential qualities in the field of Human Resources and Talent Acquisition. This educational background enabled her to develop a keen understanding of organizational needs and the importance of conveying an employer’s brand effectively to potential candidates.
Throughout her career, Karen has expanded her qualifications, obtaining the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification, which highlights her advanced expertise and professional commitment to best practices in human resource management. This designation is a testament to her ability to strategically manage an organization’s talent needs and to lead initiatives that promote a thriving workplace culture.
Achievements
Karen's impressive career trajectory is decorated with numerous achievements that underscore her dedication to her craft. During her time at BrandSafway, she has significantly enhanced the talent acquisition strategies abroad, implementing innovative approaches that have drastically improved the hiring process and candidate experience. Her commitment to excellence is reflected in the positive outcomes of her initiatives, empowering BrandSafway to meet the ever-evolving needs of its clientele.
Her previous accomplishments at Keurig Dr Pepper Inc. and HD Supply included the development of customized hiring initiatives that not only streamlined recruiting processes but also fostered a more inclusive and diverse workforce. Additionally, her tenure as Vice President of Talent Acquisition at SunTrust Bank was marked by strategic hiring practices that helped the bank attract and retain top talent in a highly competitive market.
In each of her roles, Karen has demonstrated a consistent ability to connect people with opportunities, thus playing a vital role in shaping collaborative teams that drive successful business outcomes. Her strategic vision and informed decision-making have made significant impacts on the organizations she has influenced throughout her career.
