Shane Barnfield, is a seasoned Talent Acquisition leader with a passion for finding exceptional talent. As the Global Head of Talent Acquisition at Keywords Studios, Shane drives the recruitment strategy for an international services provider to the video game industry. With over two years of experience in this role, he’s developed a knack for attracting top talent and ensuring a seamless candidate experience.
Throughout Shane’s career, he’s held key leadership positions in renowned organisations like Spartan Bioscience and Assent Compliance. In these roles, Shane successfully managed full-cycle recruitment for diverse positions, from entry-level to C-Suite. He’s also spearheaded technology assessment, recruitment marketing, employer branding, and recruitment process improvement initiatives.
Prior to that, Shane honed his skills in the energy industry, where he led recruitment efforts for major projects with Qatargas and managed corporate recruitment teams at Kentz and Technip.
Shane takes pride in his ability to deliver results by combining a data-driven approach with a deep understanding of talent acquisition best practices. He’s always on the lookout for innovative strategies to identify and engage top talent across industries.
What’s a professional achievement of yours from 2024 that you are proud of?
Developed a strategy to centralize the TA function into a global Centre of Excellence. Previously, our individual studios were responsible for managing their TA needs at a local level across the globe. With the introduction of the TA CoE we have substantially reduced overall TA costs and improved numerous key metrics (Time to Fill; Quality of Hire; Candidate Experience).
As we move into 2025, the CoE will expand to include our high-volume hiring requirements and will be focused on the development and implementation of a skills-based hiring model and a shift from reactive to proactive recruiting.
How has the RL Community helped you this year?
I joined the RL Community quite late in the year; the biggest benefit in this short time frame was to be able to help me establish connections and a community that I can reach out to here in the Middle East.
What is your prediction for the TA industry for 2025?
The talent acquisition industry in 2025 will be heavily influenced by technology and evolving work dynamics. AI and automation will play a pivotal role, streamlining processes like candidate sourcing, screening, and onboarding while providing deeper insights into skills and cultural fit. This shift aligns with the growing emphasis on skill-based hiring, where practical expertise and competencies outweigh traditional qualifications like degrees. As remote and hybrid work models continue to expand, companies will prioritize global talent pools, seeking the best candidates regardless of location. To attract and retain top talent, organisations will also focus on delivering exceptional candidate experiences, offering personalised and seamless recruitment journeys that reflect their commitment to innovation and adaptability.