Elle Raade is a business-oriented HR professional currently in the university sector with a background working with growth companies in law practice and in private equity. Currently she is working as a Compensation and Benefits Manager at Metropolia University of Applied Sciences. Metropolia employs 2,200 employees in three core functions: teaching; research, development and innovation (RDI); and business activities. Metropolia is the largest university of applied sciences in Finland and has more than 17,000 students in the fields of technology, social and health, business, and culture sectors. She has the responsibility over Metropolia’s compensation & benefits, and performance management policies and implementation. In addition, her responsibilities include Metropolia’s employee relations, and workplace policies and implementation.

I have a background in Human Resource Management from Copenhagen Business School and started my career as a graduate in Nordea, rotating across different People areas. I eventually found my way into the Reward field, where I’ve built experience within remuneration policies, benefits strategies, and implementation across countries. Currently, I work as a Senior Benefits Specialist, focusing on how we can use employee benefits to support our ambition of becoming the preferred employer in the financial industry. What drives me in my work is the challenge of modernising and aligning benefits with today’s workforce expectations—especially in a large, complex organisation where many offerings were created years ago and now carry legacy. I’m curious about how to repurpose these benefits in a meaningful way, while balancing the needs of 30,000 employees and the realities of a traditional bank. I’m particularly interested in how employee behaviour and expectations are shaped by broader market trends—and how, in turn, benefits can help shape company culture, engagement, and well-being.

For over a decade now, I've been dedicated to helping organizations attract, develop, reward, and retain top talent across various industries, including Consumer Experience, Life Science, and Tech/Entertainment. My expertise lies in both Talent Management and Total Rewards. In Talent Management, I focus on performance management, succession planning, and setting objectives and key results (OKRs). In Total Rewards, I specialize in Compensation & Benefits, ensuring competitive and fair remuneration packages. Additionally, I leverage HR Analytics, using surveys and dashboards to inform strategic decisions in both areas.

Strategic HR Leader with over 10 years of experience building teams and optimising HR processes across diverse organisations (startups, corporations, and NGOs). Proven ability to lead teams, develop strategies, and drive employee retention. Skilled in designing and implementing global HR systems aligned with local regulations and market best practices. Strong collaboration skills, acting as a bridge between functions to manage budgets, payroll, job evaluations, and benefits programs.

As Global Head of Rewards, HR Systems, and Analytics at Bachem, I lead all aspects of total rewards and HR analytics globally. Prior to Bachem, I spent 19 years at Novartis in various rewards and HR roles, across all segments of the business R&D and with responsibility for different geographies. I'm passionate about aligning rewards strategies with business goals and developing pragmatic, innovative, data-driven solutions, utilizing latest technologies and tools. Skilled in leading virtual teams and managing complex M&A integrations.