Zulkifli Zainal Abidin, 63, a Malaysian, was appointed Chief Human Resources Officer of Sime Darby Plantation Berhad (SD Plantation) on 21 November 2017 following the de-merger of Sime Darby Group and the listing of SD Plantation. He has more than 25 years of experience spanning across the full spectrum of human resources disciplines.
Zulkifli’s journey within the organisation began following the merger of Golden Hope Plantations Berhad, Kumpulan Guthrie Berhad and Sime Darby Berhad in November 2007. Following this significant corporate event, he assumed the role of Head of Human Resources for the Plantation & Agri-business Division. Over the years, he progressed to hold senior leadership positions within the group, including Group Head, Group Human Resources, and subsequently, Executive Vice President - Group Human Resources of Sime Darby Berhad. Notably, his contributions during both the 2007 merger and 2017 demerger underscore his strategic vision, leadership and commitment to organisational success. Over the last two decades, he steered several strategic transformation programmes across the Sime Darby Group and SD Plantation, covering areas such as culture, rewards and performance, environmental, social and governance (ESG), strategic talent and succession management and operational excellence.
Zulkifli holds a Master's degree in International Affairs and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Ohio University, USA. Complementing his academic achievements, he has also completed Senior Management Development Programmes at renowned institutions such as Harvard Business School and the Peter F. Drucker School of Management, Claremont California, USA.