Startek®, a global leader in digital-first customer experience (CX) solutions, has achieved a prestigious double win at the 2025 South Africa Leadership Awards. The company’s South Africa operations were recognized with the Best Employer Brand Award, while Phil Tshikotshi, Head of HR for Startek South Africa, was named the Topmost HR Leader in South Africa. These accolades were presented by the Employer Branding Institute, a respected global network of senior HR professionals across 36 countries.
The awards highlight Startek’s ongoing commitment to excellence in people practices and workplace culture. According to the Employer Branding Institute, recipients are selected based on a detailed nomination process, followed by a rigorous evaluation by a panel of industry experts. Startek distinguished itself through its comprehensive approach to talent acquisition, employee engagement, inclusion, learning, and leadership development.
A Culture Built on Inclusion and Empowerment
Speaking on the achievement, SM Gupta, Global Chief People Officer at Startek, emphasized the importance of leadership and inclusive culture.
“At Startek, we build ecosystems where talent is nurtured, voices are heard, and leadership emerges at every level,” said Gupta. “This recognition is a celebration of our South Africa team's unwavering dedication to creating an inclusive, growth-focused, and safe workplace. Phil Tshikotshi's recognition as the top HR leader in the country reinforces our belief that great leadership is the cornerstone of a great culture.”
Startek’s Global Vision, Local Impact
These honors reflect Startek’s broader mission to foster high-performing, people-centric workplaces across the globe. With operations in 12 countries and a workforce of 38,000 associates, Startek has built a reputation for delivering agile, technology-enabled CX solutions that prioritize innovation, empathy, and operational excellence.
With over 35 years of industry expertise, Startek serves a wide array of global industries, helping brands forge stronger customer connections through personalized service and digital transformation.
Startek® is a digital-first customer experience solutions provider with a global presence. Its services include omnichannel customer support, intelligent automation, data analytics, and more—empowering businesses to evolve with ever-changing consumer expectations.
The Employer Branding Institute is a virtual global organization comprising HR leaders committed to advancing best practices in talent management, development, and innovation. Through its awards, the institute recognizes organizations and individuals who make meaningful contributions to shaping strong employer brands and inspiring workplace cultures worldwide.