Karina Gyotoku
Plano,TX
Summary
Strategic HR Executive with a global mindset and a proven track record across multinational organizations. Brings deep expertise in HR Business Partnership, Organizational Development, and regional leadership – including serving as Head of HR for Latin America. Adept at aligning global HR frameworks with diverse local landscapes, fostering seamless integration and cultural sensitivity. Recognized for excellent communication skills, agility in dynamic environments, and talent for building strong relationships at all levels. Passionate about contributing to forward-thinking in innovation-driven organizations.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
Work History
Human Resources / Director, HR Business Partner
WeWork
08.2021 - Current
- I am currently leading a team of HR Business Partners across multiple Latin American markets while directly supporting Global Technology and Product teams. Over the past years, I have also supported other senior leaders across different functions such as Finance, Operations, Community, and Member Experience.
- Key Achievements: 1) Spearheaded organizational redesigns in Finance and Tech, partnering with CFO and CTO to align cross-border teams during major transitions; 2) Elevated talent strategies by equipping Community leaders with performance tools and succession planning frameworks tailored to frontline operations; 3) Played a pivotal HR role in WeWork’s acquisition of a regional coworking firm, managing cultural integration and change initiatives; 4) Supported end-to-end HR aspects of the Latin America joint venture and its reintegration into Global WeWork.
Human Resources / Director, Head of People Latin America
WeWork
01.2020 - 07.2021
- Oversaw a cross-functional HR team spanning Talent Acquisition, C&B, People Operations, Employee Relations, L&D, and Business Partnering – serving 1,000+ employees across 7 countries in Latin America.
- Key Achievements: 1) Strategic Talent Management: Co-developed global frameworks for performance reviews and talent development to align with local business needs; 2) Executive-Level Reporting: Presented monthly LATAM HR performance updates directly to the global CEO; 3) Complex Reorganizations: Led multi-country restructures by orchestrating collaboration between HR, Legal, IT, Payroll, and business leadership; 4) Joint Venture Leadership: Acted as the primary HR lead for regional JV operations, ensuring alignment across stakeholders; 5) Policy Governance: Led policy review and approval for all HR procedures across Latin America; 6) Crisis & Compliance Management: Navigated diverse COVID-19 regulations across countries and led safe return-to-work plans.
Human Resources / Senior People Partner Manager
WeWork
06.2019 - 12.2019
- Supported a workforce of ~500 employees across Brazil, partnering closely with senior leadership to drive people strategies aligned with business growth.
- Key Achievements: 1) Provided executive coaching to business leaders, fostering stronger leadership capabilities and organizational performance; 2) Led the implementation and follow-up of the Employee Engagement Survey to enhance workplace culture and retention; 3) Collaborated with Compensation teams to coordinate and deliver merit increases and promotion cycles; 4) Advised on organizational structure and staffing plans to optimize talent alignment with evolving business goals; 5) Partnered with Employee Relations to ensure effective application of progressive discipline policies; 6) Facilitated Talent Management and Performance Review processes, supporting leadership in talent development and succession planning.
Human Resources / Organizational Development Coordinator
Votorantim Energia
02.2018 - 05.2019
- Led the end-to-end transformation of employee development initiatives across corporate and field environments, including over 25 power plant locations.
- Key Achievements: 1) Designed and launched a comprehensive Training & Development portfolio, integrating technical and behavioral programs for all organizational levels; 2) Spearheaded the redesign of Recruiting and Performance Review processes to improve talent acquisition efficiency and evaluation consistency; 3) Revamped the Employee Engagement survey to deliver more actionable insights and enhance workforce sentiment tracking; 4) Transformed the Organizational Development function to address diverse workforce realities, aligning programs with strategic business goals across highly specialized and operational teams.
Human Resources / Business Partner
Beckman Coulter
03.2017 - 02.2018
- Delivered comprehensive HR support across multiple operating companies – including Beckman Coulter, Leica Microsystems, Leica Biosystems, Sciex, and Cepheid – spanning all functional areas from talent to operations.
- Key Achievements: 1) Acted as the regional HR lead, collaborating closely with global HRBPs to ensure seamless alignment of regional initiatives with global strategies; 2) Supported diverse organizational needs across complex, matrixed environments, tailoring solutions to each company’s unique culture and business objectives; 3) Championed consistency and compliance in implementing global HR programs, processes, and policies throughout the region.
Human Resources / Talent Management Latin America
Whirlpool Corporation – House Appliances
06.2015 - 03.2017
- Oversaw the full suite of Talent Management programs across six Latin American countries, Miami, and Puerto Rico – supporting career growth, leadership development, and employee engagement for a diverse, regional workforce.
- Key Achievements: 1) Career & Succession Planning: Led performance and potential evaluations to identify high-potential talent and guide succession strategies; 2) Employee Engagement & 360 Feedback: Directed regional deployment of engagement surveys and 360 assessments to inform organizational development initiatives; 3) Training & Development: Designed and facilitated comprehensive training plans, delivering functional and leadership development across all organizational levels; 4) Onboarding Excellence: Implemented structured onboarding programs to ensure seamless integration for new hires; 5) Language Scholarship Program: Launched and managed regional language development initiatives to enhance workforce capability and mobility.
Human Resources / Business Partner Latin America
Whirlpool Corporation – House Appliances
05.2014 - 05.2015
- Served as strategic HR partner for Finance, IT, Supply Chain, Quality & Service, HR, and Legal across Venezuela, Ecuador, Guatemala, Colombia, the Caribbean, and Miami – driving people-focused solutions aligned with business strategy.
- Key Achievements: 1) Aligned HR initiatives and products with departmental goals to enhance organizational effectiveness across diverse geographies; 2) Supported end-to-end Talent Acquisition processes to ensure timely, high-quality hiring; 3) Mapped Corporate Education needs to guide targeted development strategies; 4) Led Performance & Potential Evaluation committees to identify and grow high-impact talent; 5) Built actionable Engagement Survey plans that improved employee experience and retention; 6) Partnered closely with senior leaders to strengthen people management capabilities and foster a culture of accountability.
Human Resources / Intern
Four Seasons Hotel
09.2013 - 12.2013
- Provided comprehensive support to HR leadership in key talent and engagement initiatives within a unionized setting.
- Key Achievements: 1) Supported recruitment and onboarding processes to ensure smooth integration of new hires; 2) Assisted in planning and executing the Employee Engagement Survey to strengthen workplace culture; 3) Contributed to performance evaluation coordination and employee recognition programs that boosted morale and accountability.
Retail Store Management / Trainee
C&A – Fashion
01.2012 - 04.2013
- Gained hands-on experience across all key retail functions – Visual Merchandising, Customer Service, Cashiering, Inventory Management, and Sales Control—with a strong focus on leadership and operational efficiency.
- Key Achievements: 1) Completed a cross-functional rotation, developing expertise in product flow, stock optimization, and customer engagement strategies; 2) Trained in the Purchasing Department, acquiring knowledge of the full procurement cycle from vendor selection to in-store delivery; 3) Participated in leadership development workshops, enhancing skills in teamwork, motivation, effective communication, and inspirational management.
Human Resources / Intern
Whirlpool SA – House Appliances
12.2010 - 11.2011
- Supported strategic HR initiatives for the Marketing function by aligning talent solutions with business objectives and operational needs.
- Key Achievements: 1) Collaborated on recruitment and selection processes to identify top talent tailored to marketing roles; 2) Mapped Corporate Education needs, establishing competency frameworks and proficiency benchmarks to guide development; 3) Supported performance and potential assessments to inform career growth and succession planning; 4) Provided hands-on support for benefits and payroll administration, ensuring seamless employee experience; 5) Participated in organizational engagement projects to enhance culture and team connectivity.
Gym and Weightlifting / Instructor
Companhia Athletica – Fitness Center
11.2007 - 07.2008
- Led diverse fitness programs across multiple modalities – including Spinning, Power Jump, Body Balance, Stretching, TRX, and Weightlifting – tailored to varying client needs and fitness levels.
Education
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment
MBTI Certification - Step I And II
03-2018
Certificate - Project Management, Global Business Management
UC Berkeley Extension
Berkeley, CA04.2014
Bachelor - Business Administration
Pontifical University of Sao Paulo – PUC SP
12.2011
Business Administration
State University of New York
Oswego, NY05-2010
Licentiate, Bachelor - Physical Education
State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
12.2007
Languages
Native Portuguese, fluent English and Spanish, intermediate Japanese
Timeline
Human Resources / Director, HR Business Partner
WeWork
08.2021 - Current
Human Resources / Director, Head of People Latin America
WeWork
01.2020 - 07.2021
Human Resources / Senior People Partner Manager
WeWork
06.2019 - 12.2019
Human Resources / Organizational Development Coordinator
Votorantim Energia
02.2018 - 05.2019
Human Resources / Business Partner
Beckman Coulter
03.2017 - 02.2018
Human Resources / Talent Management Latin America
Whirlpool Corporation – House Appliances
06.2015 - 03.2017
Human Resources / Business Partner Latin America
Whirlpool Corporation – House Appliances
05.2014 - 05.2015
Human Resources / Intern
Four Seasons Hotel
09.2013 - 12.2013
Retail Store Management / Trainee
C&A – Fashion
01.2012 - 04.2013
Human Resources / Intern
Whirlpool SA – House Appliances
12.2010 - 11.2011
Gym and Weightlifting / Instructor
Companhia Athletica – Fitness Center
11.2007 - 07.2008
Licentiate, Bachelor - Physical Education
State University of Campinas – UNICAMP
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator Assessment
MBTI Certification - Step I And II
Certificate - Project Management, Global Business Management
UC Berkeley Extension
Bachelor - Business Administration
Pontifical University of Sao Paulo – PUC SP
Business Administration
State University of New York
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