Maija Michell
About Maija Michell
Maija Michell is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Descartes Systems Group, where she has worked since 2020. With over 20 years of experience in HR, she has held leadership roles at various technology organizations and is known for her contributions to employee engagement and organizational change.
Current Role at Descartes Systems Group
Maija Michell serves as the Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Descartes Systems Group, a position she has held since 2020. In this role, she has focused on enhancing employee engagement and retention, while also driving organizational change and transformation. Michell has been instrumental in implementing strategic HR initiatives that align with the company's business objectives. Her leadership has contributed to a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the HR department.
Previous Experience in Human Resources
Prior to her current position, Maija Michell held several significant roles in human resources. She worked at Snap On Tools from 1998 to 2000 as an HR professional. Following that, she served as Vice President of Human Resources at Psion from 2000 to 2012. After Psion was acquired by Motorola Solutions in 2012, she continued as Senior Director of Human Resources until 2014. Later, she was Head of Global Human Resources at Unitron Hearing from 2014 to 2017, before returning to Descartes Systems Group.
Educational Background and Qualifications
Maija Michell holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Communication Studies from Brock University, which she obtained from 1993 to 1997. Additionally, she earned a Diploma in HR Management from Humber College, completing her studies from 1997 to 1998. She also holds the Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designation, reflecting her expertise and commitment to the field of human resources.
Leadership Programs and Initiatives
At Descartes Systems Group, Maija Michell has contributed to the development of leadership programs aimed at strengthening the management team. Her efforts have focused on fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation within the HR department. Through her strategic initiatives, she has aligned HR practices with the overall business objectives of the organization, enhancing its operational effectiveness.
Experience in Technology Organizations
Maija Michell has over 20 years of experience leading international HR departments, particularly within technology organizations. Her career includes significant roles at companies such as Psion PLC, Motorola Solutions, and Unitron Hearing. This extensive experience has equipped her with a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities in the tech industry, allowing her to effectively drive HR strategies that support organizational goals.