Question: Tell us about yourself, how did you reach there
My name is Saman Effendi, and I’ve spent over 18 years helping organizations achieve their goals, improve effectiveness, and build capability in the field of Total Rewards. My expertise lies in conducting and analysing Rewards Surveys, as well as designing and implementing Salary and Benefit structures that attract, retain, and engage top talent. This includes areas such as base pay, incentives, performance management, and Executive Compensation.
Career Journey:
My career started at Aga Khan University Hospital as a Management Trainee, where I began building my expertise in HR and rewards. From there, I moved on to work with Ferguson Associates (PWC Pakistan) and HRSG, where I played a pivotal role in establishing their Rewards Practice. I am also a Subject Matter Expert for Rewards at KPMG Pakistan. Over time, I’ve acquired an esteemed Advisory role in compensation and benefits strategies.
Current Role and Accomplishments:
Currently, I serve as Managing Director at HRSG Consulting and am the founder of TREW INSIGHTS®, Pakistan’s First-ever online Rewards Survey Portal using advanced Data Analytics & BI models which provide essential insights on market trends for a broad range of organizations. These surveys have become valuable resources for the corporate sector, helping businesses stay competitive.
Educational Background:
I hold an MBA and BBA from the Institute of Business Management in Karachi, and I am a Certified Director through the Director Training Program at PICG/IFG. Additionally, I’ve completed a certification in Compensation Studies from the ILR School at Cornell University in New York.
Conclusion:
My journey has been driven by a passion for helping organizations thrive by building effective reward systems, and I look forward to continuing to make an impact in this field.
Question: How do you see Technology is changing our Lives
Technology is profoundly transforming our lives in countless ways, reshaping how we work, communicate, learn, and even think. Here are some key areas where technology is making a significant impact:
- Instant communication: Technology has made global communication instantaneous through platforms like messaging apps, video conferencing, and social media. We can stay connected with people across the world in real-time.
- Breaking down barriers: It’s easier than ever to collaborate across time zones, cultures, and borders, allowing for global partnerships and innovation.
- Remote work: Advances in digital tools have made remote work the norm, allowing flexibility in how and where people work. This has redefined work-life balance and opened up opportunities for global talent.
- Automation and AI: Artificial intelligence and automation are changing industries by streamlining repetitive tasks, improving decision-making, and enabling businesses to scale more efficiently. While this boosts productivity, it also raises questions about job displacement and the future of work.
One example of how technology has changed our lives is how it revolutionized the way we conduct Salary Surveys. Previously, it took eight to twelve weeks to deliver a project. Now, with Trew Insights®, it’s being delivered in real-time through end-to-end automation. It’s cost-effective and saves time, while providing tailored insights and offers so much customization flexibility. For instance, our survey tools allow users to filter and customize data based on specific parameters such as industry, region, job function, company size, or seniority level. The tool also offers interactive visualizations (charts, graphs, and heat maps), which make it easier for HR teams and decision-makers to interpret the data and identify trends.
Additionally, Trew Insights® is 100% secure and ensures confidentiality. The reports are aggregated (shown in market percentiles) and anonymized, allowing companies to contribute salary information without compromising their data privacy. This ensures that companies are able to maintain their internal pay equities while also ensuring market competitiveness.
With cloud-based platforms, users can access data from anywhere at any time.
Question: How has CxO Forum benefited you, and what changes have you seen after joining?
Joining the CxO Forum has significantly expanded my professional network. By connecting with industry leaders across various sectors, I’ve been able to exchange insights and ideas with peers facing similar challenges. This cross-industry collaboration has opened up opportunities for business and partnerships and broadened my perspective on leadership strategies.
One of the most significant changes after joining the CxO Forum is the expansion of my vision for the future. Being exposed to cutting-edge technologies, global business practices, and disruptive trends has encouraged me to rethink our long-term strategy and invest more in innovation. I’ve been able to anticipate industry shifts better and align my organization to future opportunities.
CxO Forum provides exclusive access to industry trends. These insights have been invaluable in staying ahead of market trends, improving operational efficiency, and refining our business strategy, especially in areas like digital transformation, automation, and product offerings.
Overall, the CxO Forum has been a transformative experience, enhancing both my professional and personal growth. The team at CxO, including the founders, are very accessible and supportive.
Keep up the good work, Team CxO!



