Leadership is often described through frameworks, models, or ambitious transformation plans. Yet in practice, the leaders who leave a lasting mark are usually those who build belief before strategy. Belief in people, in responsibility, and in the idea that culture shapes results long before numbers do.
This belief has guided Jan Pambid throughout his career. As HR Director of Avon Philippines and Asia Pacific, he has spent more than 20 years working at the intersection of business performance and human potential. His leadership philosophy challenges the traditional boundaries of HR, positioning it not as a back-office function, but as a core driver of organisational direction and growth. This people-first yet commercially grounded approach led to his recognition as Best HR Leader at the 2025 HR Stars Awards Philippines.
For Jan, leadership starts with trust. When people are treated as accountable adults and given the space to grow, performance follows naturally.
Making HR a business imperative
Jan’s view of HR is clear. People decisions are business decisions. Culture is not something that supports strategy from the sidelines, but something that actively shapes it. At Avon, this belief translated into HR playing a central role in decisions around market expansion, new sales channels, and future capability needs.
He leads HR as a strategic partner, working closely with commercial teams to ensure that organisational goals and people priorities move in the same direction. This approach strengthened Avon’s foundations while creating an environment where employees feel ownership over their work and confidence in their leaders.
His ability to bridge people leadership and commercial responsibility became especially evident during his assignment in Malaysia. While continuing to lead HR, Jan also stepped into the role of Country General Manager. Within a year, the business improved profitability, expanded its digital presence, and recorded the highest engagement scores in Asia Pacific. It was a powerful reminder that strong HR leadership can drive tangible business outcomes.
Preparing the organisation for what comes next
Jan’s impact also lies in how he helps Avon stay future-ready in a rapidly changing workforce landscape. He champions talent strategies that emphasise adaptability, relevance, and long-term capability building, ensuring the organisation remains attractive to emerging talent while continuing to engage and develop its existing teams. By anticipating shifts in how people work, connect, and find purpose, Jan enables Avon to evolve proactively rather than reactively.
Culture as a daily practice
Beyond programmes and performance metrics, Jan’s leadership is most visible in Avon’s everyday culture. He simplified structures to remove unnecessary complexity, addressed gender pay equity, and introduced trust-based working arrangements that allowed employees greater autonomy and balance.
These changes helped shape a workplace where inclusion, accountability, and results coexist. Avon’s recognition as one of the Philippines’ Best Employers 2025 by Statista and the Philippine Daily Inquirer reflects the consistency of this approach and its impact on employee experience.
What sets Jan apart is not a single initiative or role, but the way he leads through connection. He focuses on creating conditions where people can do their best work and see meaning in what they contribute. His journey shows that effective HR leadership is not about being visible at the top, but about building cultures where others are able to succeed.
Through this lens, Jan Pambid continues to demonstrate what it truly means to lead with trust, clarity, and purpose.
