Mike Kinski (now at Nomura) made the leap from HR at ScottishPower to CEO at Stagecoach. In this issue we interview the highly impressive CEO, Colin Povey. He was previously Carlsberg-Tetley (UK)s HR director and through his board experience and acute knowledge of his business has moved into the top job. In his view, the future may see more like him. Many HR directors may not aspire to these heights and that is fair enough. But that does not change the fact that organisations will need people at the top who understand how to build corporate success on their employees talent and effort. Charles Handy, speaking at this years HR Forum on the Oriana, stressed the fact that companies have to make regular innovative leaps to achieve sustainable growth. Indeed, Poveys future success may depend on how fast he can move Carlsberg-Tetley (UK) in a very tough market. We also interview Karan Bilimoria, managing director of a very impressive start-up operating in Poveys marketplace. His big idea was to produce beer that went down well with a curry.
How well do your managers understand the technology that your company spends money on? Does it really raise productivity? Whatever your views on these matters you cannot ignore the incessant push of new technology. But the techies have been in charge for too long, blinding the rest of us with jargon and persuading us that todays IT will be obsolete tomorrow. It could be time to take control and the HR department can be a critical player in this new battle.
In this issue we introduce a new column, Uncommon Sense, by Richard Donkin, editor of FTCareerPoint.com and author of Blood, Sweat and Tears. As one of the leading experts in the mysteries of work (past and present) Donkin will bring his own unique perspective. This month he looks to ancient Rome for the first HR guru.
This is the first issue since winning the PPA Editor of the Year Award (business and professional). It is very satisfying to get this recognition not just for me but for all those inside and outside Haymarket who have contributed to the magazine in the past two years. I intend to continue to produce the sharpest and most relevant HR magazine each month. To do so I need your feedback. So, dont hold back. Tell me what you love and hate about the magazine. Let me know what youd like to see in it and what you dont want to see. Email your thoughts today.
Morice Mendoza
Editor
