· People

Karen Bates, HRD, Drax

Karen Bates joined Drax in May 2017 with a responsibility for the people agenda across retail

Her focus and passion is on driving the company culture and world-class people policies designed to deliver a world-class customer experience to customers while also becoming an employer of choice and implementing wellness strategies.

Prior to joining Drax, Bates has worked with major high street retailers and has a track record of achieving success through people and driving customer experience. She was the director of people at Doddle Parcels, a new start-up business specialising in the click and collect sector. Bates has also headed up HR in the health food, fashion and leisure sectors.