Aza Kavtaradze: 
HR hub: Tell us how it all began
My journey in BAT began in 2010 as a PA to the Leadership Team and Records Manager for Caucasus while also supporting the Facilities team. However, my career took a turn in 2012 when an opportunity as HR Executive presented itself. Since then, in addition to my role as HR Executive, I have taken part in several transitional HR projects as System Expert, exposing me to different aspects of HR. This path has led me to my current role as HR Project Executive in Iran, implementing a global BAT project.
HR hub: What’s the biggest risk you’ve ever taken?
Great love and Great achievements involve Great Risk – (Dalai Lama)
There are many risks we take throughout different stages of life. However, our definitions of risk may vary depending on our perception and previous experiences. Personally, and professionally, the biggest risk I have recently taken is making a move from HR Executive for Caucasus and Moldova to HR Project Executive for Iran.
Moving away from my family in Georgia and living in Iran has been a challenging transition. Having family support is key to achieving professional goals, and thankfully I have this.
We all make short term sacrifices in order to achieve long-term gain. Being in a new role and new culture has been an eye-opening experience and allows me to further enhance and enrich my HR capabilities.
HR hub: What are your current goals?
- Working in the HR function for the past 6-years has allowed me to build a strong foundation for a long-lasting career in HR. I am working on building a future career as HR Business Partner in BAT and drive the business agenda for maximum efficiency and results.
- As I progress in HR so does my passion in this field.
Shorena Gonashvili: 
HR hub: Tell us how it all began
If someone told me 20 years ago I would be Finance body, I would have said no chance! Committed to study languages I have continued to explore the opportunities I have enjoyed more, and here I am in Finance world.
After spending a decade out of my home country, I have decided to return back to Georgia. FMCG being a sector which always interested me, I have decided to join BAT Georgia in 2012, little I knew about the opportunities the company is able to offer. As Commercial finance manager, I had an excellent opportunity to get to the ‘heart’ of the business and learn about products, consumers as well as complex market dynamics of Caucasus countries. People management being my passion, working alongside great leaders in BAT helped me to further develop my managerial skills. Throughout my career I have continued to invest time into development areas supported by great training programs BAT was always happy to offer. Key for success can never be only your commitment, company you work for has a ‘lion share’ . After three years of joining BAT I was given opportunity to join BAT UK and Exports as Financial Controller.
HR hub: What have you had to give up getting where you are today?
There are times you commit a lot of time to deliver your responsibilities. Yes, there has been long hours. Yes, there has been late night work. However, the enjoyment that comes from achieving the goals and boost in the motivation, does not make me feel I have given up on anything.
HR hub: How would you describe yourself in one word?
Goal orientated
HR hub: What does it take to be successful in a foreign country?
Same as it takes in your own country. Work hard, love what you do and enjoy every day. Respecting different cultures and appreciating the differences is key everywhere as in every country we live in multicultural societies.
However, the pace of everyday life is a lot faster and this is something that I had to get used to.
Join us here: https://careers.bat.com/search/?q=&locationsearch=Georgia
