In a media landscape defined by fierce competition and rapid transformation, Central European Media Enterprises (CME) did something bold: it made people strategy a business priority.
A few years ago, the HR team at CME operated with limited visibility, minimal influence, with no consistent processes across its regional markets. Employee engagement wasn’t measured, employer branding was uncharted territory, and HR did not have a seat at the table when the organisation discussed its business agenda.
That was the landscape Soňa Schwarzová stepped into as she took on the role of Chief People and Sustainability Officer, but fast forward to today, and the company is being recognised for its excellent people practices as a Certified Top Employer. That milestone reflects how the organisation.
From marginal to mission-critical
Fast forward to today, and CME stands tall as the first media company in Central and Eastern Europe to be Certified as a Top Employer. But as Soňa is quick to emphasise, the Certification itself wasn’t the final goal. It was the catalyst for continuous change and improvement.
“The process of going through the audit is more important than the Certification. That’s more the cherry on top.”
— Soňa Schwarzová
The Top Employers Certification Programme acted as a powerful framework for CME as it gave the team data-led insights that allowed them to prioritise creating alignment, unlocking collaboration across markets, and transforming the HR function from reactive to strategic.
What changed for CME?
The case study reveals a roadmap for HR transformation:
- Structured audits became CME’s annual People strategy blueprint
- Cross-country collaboration flourished, empowering smaller HR teams
- HR gained credibility, influence, and internal legitimacy
- Employer branding accelerated, enhancing CME’s appeal across talent markets
- HR now informs business strategy, not just supports it
As Soňa notes, “Every country CEO included the Top Employers [insights] in their top-to-top presentations. That’s a major shift. We’re on the agenda.”
The key takeaway
This isn’t just a success story. It’s a strategic playbook for HR leaders navigating complex environments, limited resources, and growing expectations.
Whether you’re rethinking your HR operating model, seeking to elevate your employer brand, or striving for business alignment, CME’s journey offers concrete, replicable insights.
Download the full case study here to see how CME redefined HR’s role and how your organisation can.
Discover how our globally recognised Certification Programme, along with our data-led insights and advisory expertise, enables you to advance your talent attraction, development, engagement and retention strategies.