James Hardie APAC is proud to announce that our region has been awarded the prestigious Australian HR Institute (AHRI) Award for Best Leadership Development Strategy in 2025, recognising our transformative, internally built approach to leadership and culture.
This award celebrates organisations that prioritise leadership development initiatives, benefiting both employees and the business. Our winning strategy was designed and delivered entirely in house, reflecting our commitment to building a better future for all James Hardie employees across APAC.
In 2022, James Hardie APAC set out to redefine leadership across the business. Rather than outsourcing, we built our program from the ground up, leveraging the expertise and lived experience of our own people. The result is a suite of development programs tailored to every leadership level, from frontline supervisors to senior executives.
This award-winning initiative was developed and led by Jen Warnock, Director - People and Performance James Hardie APAC, who oversaw the strategic design and implementation, and Shannen Banfield, Learning & Development Leader James Hardie APAC, who built and delivered the program content and learning experiences. Created specifically for APAC employees, their commitment to inclusion and authentic leadership is woven into every aspect of the program, empowering individuals from all backgrounds to contribute, collaborate, and grow as leaders.
Reflecting on the achievement, Jen Warnock said, “Winning the AHRI Award is a proud moment for James Hardie. Our leadership development strategy was built from scratch, by our people, for our people. It reflects the dedication and expertise of our teams, and the belief that empowering leaders at every level drives real change.
“By investing in leaders at all levels, we have empowered our people, fostered a culture of continuous improvement, and ensured we remain agile, connected, and competitive in a rapidly evolving market. This recognition highlights the culture we have created, where leaders are equipped to inspire, support, and deliver outstanding results.”
The impact of the program is clear in the results achieved across APAC:
Program Reach
98% of eligible leaders have completed the LEAD@Hardie program
100% have completed the Smart, Driven and Real Leaders program
100% of the Senior Leadership Team are engaged in ongoing development
Program Evaluation
The LEAD@Hardie program received an average satisfaction score of 89.6% and 92.4% of participants said they could apply what they learned directly to their work
The Smart, Driven and Real Leaders program received an average satisfaction score of 86.9% and 93.3% of participants reported they could apply the content in their roles
Retention
Attrition rates have steadily declined:
12.2% in FY23
10.2% in FY24
8.7% in FY25
Manager Effectiveness
In FY25, James Hardie APAC achieved an 88% Manager Effectiveness score in the annual Hardie Heartbeat employee survey, significantly above manufacturing industry norms
John Arneil, President, James Hardie APAC, shared, “We are proud to receive this recognition for a program that is driving real change in our business. By shaping our leaders to make a genuine impact, we are not only strengthening James Hardie but also setting a new standard for leadership in our industry.”
Shannen Banfield, Learning & Development Leader, James Hardie APAC, added, “Our internally built leadership programs have set a new benchmark for development in our industry. Seeing nearly every eligible leader complete these programs and the difference it’s making in engagement and retention is incredibly rewarding. It’s proof that when you invest in your people, everyone wins.”
Learn more about our People & Culture and how we are Building a Better Future For All™ here.
