Dr Marna van der Merwe

Lead Subject Matter Expert Get in touch:

About Marna:

Dr Marna van der Merwe heads AIHR’s Leading HR thought leadership and insights work, drawing on her enthusiasm for connecting people practices with organizational strategy. With over 15 years of experience in HR and consulting, she brings expert knowledge and guidance on the future of work, HR impact, strategic talent management, career management, employee experience, and HR skills.

Throughout her career, Marna has been well-known for her research in talent management and careers and how it will evolve in the future of work. She is also a published author on these topics, and has recently co-authored a book titled Work for Humans: Building Sustainable Employee Experience Strategies.

Additionally, Marna is a registered Organizational Psychologist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. A recognized expert and engaging speaker, she regularly shares her insights with both academic and professional audiences at conferences worldwide.

Marna has a passion for helping organizations design people practices that drive strategic success. Start a conversation with her to learn more or to speak at your upcoming event.

Expertise:

  • Career Management
  • Employee Experience
  • HR Impact
  • HR Practices
  • HR Skills
  • Organizational Psychology
  • Strategic Talent Management

Education:

  • PhD, Organizational Psychology, University of Johannesburg
  • MCom, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, University of South Africa
  • B.Soc.Sc Hons, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, University of the Free State
  • B.Soc.Sc, Human and Societal Dynamics

Latest by the author

Top HR leadership skills to develop. HR Strategy & Leadership

12 HR Leadership Skills For Success

 10 mins read by Dr Marna van der Merwe
Four AI adoption personas in HR: Adoption Champion, Active Explorer, Reluctant User, Skeptical Avoider. AI in HR

Which AI Adoption Persona Are You in HR? [Take the Quiz!]

 8 mins read by Dr Marna van der Merwe
Three levels of AI skills for HR shown as an inverted pyramid with base, technical, and advanced skills, reflecting HR population size. HR Dialogues

AI Integration in HR: Educate, Equip, Expose and Elevate

 9 mins read by Dr Dieter Veldsman
An overview of HR trends for 2025, including "From AI adoption to AI adaption" and "Employee engagement 2.0". General HR

11 HR Trends for 2025: Embracing Disruption

 10 mins read by Erik van Vulpen
HRBP skills of the future with a free guide and framework to develop strategic HR business partners. HR Dialogues

HR Business Partner Skills of the Future: How Organizations Should Develop Their HRBPs

 9 mins read by Dr Dieter Veldsman
The key Human Resources pillars and foundations form the effective people strategy. HR Admin & Policies

Key Human Resources (HR) Pillars: Your 101 Guide

 9 mins read by Andrea Towe
SEE ALL ARTICLES

Meet AIHR's experts

Erik van Vulpen Founder and Dean Erik van Vulpen, AIHR’s Founder and Dean, has trained HR professionals and teams worldwide. He also authors AIHR’s annual HR Trends Report and personally teaches several of AIHR’s certificate programs. Learn more
Dr Dieter Veldsman Chief HR Scientist Dieter is AIHR’s Chief HR Scientist, as well as a Professor at the University of Johannesburg. He has co-authored various books, and hosts the videocast The HR Dialogues. Learn more
Neelie Verlinden HR Speaker, Writer, and Podcast Host Neelie is a regular contributing writer to AIHR’s Blog, and an instructor on several certificate programs. To date, she’s written hundreds of articles on HR topics like, DEIB, OD, C&B, and talent management. Learn more
Annelise Pretorius Psychometrics Assessments Expert Annelise is AIHR’s Psychometrics Assessments Expert, with a background in psychometry and people data. She is also a registered Independent Psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. Learn more
Suhail Ramkilawan Subject Matter Expert and Senior Solutions Advisor Suhail is AIHR’s Senior Solutions Advisor, as well as a registered Psychometrist with the Health Professions Council of South Africa. He specializes in talent assessment, solution development, and strategic partnerships. Learn more

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