Operational and strategic management of the HR function. Key projects include business integration, organisational development and succession planning.
Previous jobs (both HR and non-HR)
I was head of HR at Pfizer for two years from 1999, and director of personnel at Napier University for three years before that. At Kingfisher I was regional personnel manager for four years. I started at Scottish & Newcastle as a graduate trainee.
Why did you choose Dairy Crest?
Its the number one HR job in a FTSE 250 company, reporting to the chief executive. Dairy Crest doubled in turnover and in headcount in 2000 and that spelt challenge to me.
What attracted you to a career in HR?
It built on my interest in the difference that people have always made my degree was a first in history and on my masters degree in industrial relations as a professional qualification.
What key skills do you need to be successful in your job?
A broad business understanding coupled with the ability to look, listen and lead.
What do you enjoy most about your job?
The job is a generalists dream, with real scope to make a business impact across the whole HR spectrum.
What do you enjoy least about your job?
All the administration.
What has been your greatest achievement in work?
The part that I have played in successful business integrations, from Scottish & Newcastle and Matthew Brown, to Pfizer and Warner-Lambert and now Dairy Crest and Unigate.
What is the most important contribution HR can make to a business?
In short, it is to champion the difference people can make.
If you werent working for Dairy Crest which company would you like to work for?
Tesco. Its a company where the difference people make is championed effectively, and the bottom line shows it.
Which business person, outside Dairy Crest, do you most admire?
Sir Terry Leahy, who leads the team at Tesco.
What measures do you use to see how good a job you are doing?
Results and feedback a balanced scorecard has been very effective in previous roles.
