In today’s dynamic business world, a company’s true strength lies in its people. At the forefront of this vital mission is Rentoza’s Chief People Officer, Judy Holding, whose leadership is shaping Rentoza’s culture, growth, and success.
With a career spanning various industries – from technology start-ups to retail and FMCG sectors – Judy brings a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and hands-on execution. She’s led teams through transformative growth, such as launching Cotton On in South Africa and driving people strategies for several multinational companies. Since then, she’s been drawn to Rentoza’s unique approach – and she’s making even more impact with her leadership.
Making an Impact
“What drew me to Rentoza was its innovative approach to technology and its dynamic growth trajectory,” says Judy.
“I thrive in environments where I can make a tangible impact – shaping cultures, building talent pipelines, and fostering environments where people excel. I saw an opportunity to align my experience with Rentoza's mission to build a scalable and people-centered organization, which resonated strongly with my leadership ethos.”
And she’s done just that. By prioritising culture and values in everyday decisions, Judy ensures Rentoza’s growth stays rooted in its people-first philosophy.
“The People function is the backbone of sustainable growth in any high-growth company. It ensures that as the company grows, it doesn’t lose its culture, vision, or employee engagement. HR’s role is to ensure the alignment of talent with strategic goals while fostering an environment of innovation and agility,” she says.
Building a Thriving Culture
Rapid growth presents unique challenges, particularly in maintaining company culture. Judy addresses this by promoting distributed leadership and creating opportunities for every team member to contribute to shaping Rentoza’s culture.
Judy is passionate about creating a workplace where employees feel valued. To achieve this, she focuses on listening to employees’ needs and creating a transparent, inclusive environment.
“At Rentoza, I’ve implemented initiatives like regular pulse surveys to measure engagement and identify areas for improvement. We’ve also introduced wellness programs that address physical, emotional, and financial well-being, recognising that a holistic approach drives engagement,” she says.
“Another key focus has been embedding clear communication channels, such as town halls and one-on-one check-ins, to build trust and transparency. Celebrating achievements and encouraging peer acknowledgment through open communication and team interactions has played a significant role in maintaining morale and ensuring employees feel valued.”
The Importance of Diversity
Diversity is at the heart of Rentoza’s mission, and Judy is committed to making inclusivity an integral part of the company’s culture. From creating an employment equity committee to adopting inclusive hiring practices, Judy ensures Rentoza attracts diverse talent while also promoting an environment where everyone feels valued.
She adds: “Beyond hiring, inclusivity is woven into our culture through initiatives like anonymous feedback channels and celebrating cultural diversity with events and education. By integrating inclusivity into our policies, we ensure it becomes a sustainable part of our DNA rather than a one-time effort.”
And, of course, talent development is another important aspect of the job that Judy holds near and dear. From tailored development plans and continuous feedback loops, to comprehensive learning programs for technical upskilling, fostering growth is an important metric for Judy and her team.
“We believe in holding people to high performance standards while actively supporting their development – a balance that is critical for building great companies and nurturing adaptable, curious talent,” she says.
“By cultivating a culture of curiosity, continuous learning, and clear career pathways, we ensure employees feel valued and supported in achieving their aspirations while aligning their growth with the company’s evolving needs and long-term vision.”
Judy Holding isn’t just shaping HR strategy; she’s building a company where people are at the centre of everything. Through inclusive practices, ongoing development, and a focus on well-being, Judy is helping Rentoza not only scale but thrive.