Denise Cutajar
Global Head of HR
B'Bugia
Summary
Human Resources leader with substantial experience in talent management, employee relations, and organizational development. Adept at fostering team collaboration and driving results, known for adaptability in dynamic environments. Skilled in strategic planning, conflict resolution, and performance management with strong emphasis on aligning HR practices with business objectives. Respected for reliability and effective communication.
Overview
18
18
years of professional experience
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Global Head of HR
EMB Mission Bound (Group of Companies)
01.2025 - Current
- Lead the global HR function across multiple entities, aligning HR strategy with business expansion, M&A activity, and workforce scalability.
- Partner with C-suite executives on high-level strategic initiatives, including group restructuring, talent integration, and cross-border compliance.
- Implemented a performance-based bonus framework that significantly improved motivation and retention.
- Introduced and rolled out a new group-wide HRIS (BambooHR), streamlining operations and improving data-driven decision-making.
- Spearheaded process alignment across culturally diverse teams and newly acquired companies, driving operational consistency and engagement.
- Built and led a geographically distributed HR team with four direct reports, fostering collaboration and ownership.
- Designed and executed a compensation benchmarking initiative to ensure pay equity, transparency, and competitiveness across regions.
- Provided HR due diligence and post-deal integration support in group acquisitions.
- Developed internal mobility and succession planning frameworks to support long-term talent sustainability.
- Established strong relationships with key stakeholders to ensure alignment of HR goals with business objectives.
- Designed effective retention strategies by analyzing exit interviews and other relevant data sources.
- Implemented effective performance management systems for ongoing employee development and growth.
Head of HR
Lady Luck Games
07.2024 - 12.2025
- Built the HR department from scratch, introducing scalable infrastructure: HR policies, employment contracts, onboarding flows, benefits, and compliance frameworks.
- Designed the first performance management process and employee feedback loop across the company.
- Supported pre-acquisition transition planning, helping ensure a smooth post-deal integration into the group HR structure.
- Managed and supported a global workforce composed of both employees and independent contractors.
- Delivered bespoke training on leadership, feedback, and career development.
- Served as an HR advisor to the CEO and CFO, contributing to budget planning, workforce forecasting, and cost optimization.
Head of HR
Roobet
03.2022 - 06.2024
- Led end-to-end HR function for a remote-first international business with employees and contractors across multiple time zones.
- Introduced and embedded the company’s first formal HR policies, HRIS system, performance management, and benefits scheme.
- Partnered with senior leadership to drive cultural transformation and align people strategy with business growth.
- Managed a lean HR team and scaled HR operations to support a rapidly evolving organizational structure.
- Developed engagement initiatives that boosted retention and trust during high-change periods.
- Led workforce transitions including performance management exits and business unit restructuring.
- Ensured compliance with various global employment laws and contractor arrangements.
HR Manager
Merkur Interactive Services
04.2020 - 03.2022
- Created Malta’s HR department from the ground up, covering HR policies, onboarding, training programs, benefits, and compliance documentation.
- Acted as operational right-hand to the COO, resolving daily people issues and contributing to business continuity.
- Delivered in-house leadership and feedback training to support talent development.
- Improved internal communications and launched feedback mechanisms to capture employee sentiment.
HR Business Partner
Kindred Group
01.2016 - 03.2020
- Served as strategic HRBP for high-impact departments including Finance, Marketing, Compliance, Risk, and Product.
- Supported satellite offices in Belgium and the Netherlands with HR delivery, audits, and organizational reviews.
- Advised leadership on restructures, hiring strategy, and people challenges while maintaining compliance and culture.
- Co-led policy harmonization projects across EU entities.
Talent Acquisition Partner
Unibet (Kindred Group)
01.2013 - 01.2016
- Appointed as the first in-house Talent Partner in Malta, establishing the recruitment function from scratch.
- Developed interview frameworks, employer branding initiatives, and hiring manager training.
- Successfully scaled hiring during periods of high growth across departments and locations.
Senior Tech Recruitment Consultant
Pentasia
01.2010 - 01.2013
- Specialized in sourcing and placing top-tier technical and product talent for iGaming clients globally.
Administration Manager / HR Support
EF International Language Schools
01.2008 - 01.2010
- Delivered administrative and HR support to academic and operations teams for international student programs.
Education
Diploma in Hospitality Management - Business Management
Institute of Tourism Studies
Pembroke, Malta 04.2001 -
Skills
HR policies development
Employee relations
Recruitment strategies
Employee wellness programs
Onboarding programs
Performance appraisals
Global HR experience
Talent management
Benefits administration
Succession planning
Retention strategies
Career pathing
Employee engagement
HR technology implementation
Leadership coaching
Talent acquisition
Decision-making
Certification
Employment Law (MEA)
Timeline
Global Head of HR
EMB Mission Bound (Group of Companies)
01.2025 - Current
Head of HR
Lady Luck Games
07.2024 - 12.2025
Employment Law (MEA)
04-2022
Head of HR
Roobet
03.2022 - 06.2024
HR Manager
Merkur Interactive Services
04.2020 - 03.2022
HR & People Management
01-2016
HR Business Partner
Kindred Group
01.2016 - 03.2020
Talent Acquisition Partner
Unibet (Kindred Group)
01.2013 - 01.2016
Senior Tech Recruitment Consultant
Pentasia
01.2010 - 01.2013
Administration Manager / HR Support
EF International Language Schools
01.2008 - 01.2010
Diploma in Hospitality Management - Business Management
Institute of Tourism Studies
04.2001 -
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