If GE is one of the world’s most sophisticated investors of financial capital, then Bernard Garrigues qualifies as one of the preeminent managers of human capital. As head of Global Human Resources for GE Real Estate, Bernard oversees human resources strategy in 31 countries in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia for this $75 billion (portfolio value) company.

During the past six years, Bernard has presided over a human resources function that has doubled in size to some 85 professionals, while GE Real Estate’s overall headcount has grown from about 1,000 to approximately 6,000. With a primary goal to attract and retain business-building executive talent, Bernard has helped develop a senior leadership team marked by its long tenure at GE and in the real estate industry.

As one who sees human resources as a strategic business partner, Bernard is engaged in building a company whose senior executives have strong financial or real estate acumen, coupled with the extraordinary business leadership skills for which GE is well known. Though having local professionals running each market is the ideal, Bernard also believes that transfer of expertise throughout the company is critical to its long-term success. Often expatriates oversee the start-up of ventures in new markets, and local market executives spend time at GE Real Estate headquarters to gain experience in the firm’s business philosophy and global operations.

A 16-year GE veteran, Bernard worked as human resources vice president for GE Medical Systems in Paris and Milwaukee, then for GE Capital IT Solutions in Cincinnati before assuming his present position in 2001. In each of his GE roles, Bernard has sought to make the HR function perform as an agent of change to energize the business culture and help fuel growth.

After earning degrees in Industrial Relations and Business Law from the Law School of Montpellier in France, Bernard worked for an international research and development company in Paris as Labor Counsel. He also held human resources leadership positions at Primisteres Group and C.P.O. (Elf Aquitaine).