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Kate Ypinazar
Acting Director of Human Resources at Slater and Gordon Lawyers
Kate Ypinazar is a legally qualified senior HR leader who brings a wealth of expertise in human resources, specifically in roles that encompass both generalist practices and technical HR functions. With a focus on employee relations and workplace investigations, Kate has built a career defined by a commitment to developing people strategies that support organizational goals. Her experience also includes leading significant HR transformations, providing executive coaching, and executing strategic workforce and talent planning initiatives. All of these skills are augmented by a solid understanding of workplace regulatory frameworks, which allows her to navigate complex HR landscapes effectively.
Throughout her impressive career, Kate has taken on several pivotal roles that showcase her adaptability and leadership. As the Acting Director of Human Resources at Slater and Gordon Lawyers, she has overseen HR initiatives that align closely with the firm's strategic objectives. Her prior experience as Head of HR Business Partnering at the same organization allowed her to strengthen her foundation in operational HR strategies, ensuring that personnel management contributes directly to organizational success. Kate has also served as a Workplace Investigator and Consultant at Q Workplace Solutions Pty Ltd, where she honed her skills in resolving employee-related conflicts and facilitating workplace harmony.
Kate's academic achievements further enhance her professional profile. She graduated with both a Bachelor of Laws (LLB)(Honours) and a Bachelor of Arts in Law from Monash University, equipping her with a robust legal background that complements her HR roles. This legal knowledge plays a crucial role in her work, especially when dealing with workplace investigations and employee relations matters.
She gained invaluable experience working at RMIT University, where she held the position of Principal Advisor to the Chief Operating Officer. In this role, Kate provided high-quality strategic and operational advice, closely collaborating with C-Suite executives on critical matters such as governance, risk assessment, and strategic planning for controlled entities. This unique blend of experience working at an educational institution and in prominent law firms gives her a well-rounded perspective on HR's role within different organizational contexts.
In addition to these substantial roles, Kate has made considerable contributions as a People & Development Manager at Minter Ellison, which allowed her to focus on cultivating a talent-rich environment to foster employee growth and retention. Further, during her tenure at Goldman Sachs, she held the position of Employee Relations Manager/ VP, where she successfully led initiatives that improved workplace relations and employee engagement.
Kate’s career also includes significant contributions to the Australian Red Cross Blood Service as a Senior HR Consultant, further exemplifying her commitment to enhancing human capital management in various sectors. Her role as a Foreign Legal Associate at Anderson Mori and as a Solicitor specializing in Employment Law at Herbert Smith Freehills highlight her strong foundation in legal compliance, which is vital in today's HR practices.
With an enviable track record, Kate Ypinazar is not just a highly experienced HR professional; she is also a passionate advocate for workplace justice and employee well-being. Her career reflects a deep commitment to enhancing organizational effectiveness through strategic human resource management and individual employee development.
