In the early summer, senior HR appointments were made at Asda and the Federation of Small Businesses.
James Goodman, Asda
James Goodman will join Asda as chief people officer later this year. He comes from Tesco where he worked for 12 years. His last role was as people director in the UK and Republic of Ireland. He was responsible of all matters relating to people, such as recruitment, learning and early career development, health and well-being, and labour relations.
He spent six years at Gap and also worked as the sourcing director of Tesco’s clothing and home division in Shanghai.
Allan Leighton said Goodman, executive chairman of Asda “brings with him a vast amount of experience and will be an integral part of the leadership as we continue rebuilding and delivering on our ambition to be once again the best place to be in the UK.”
Goodman said, “Asda has a great reputation and I am eager to join Allan on the mission to bring Asda back to its rightful place as a champion of hard-working families.
Laura Cruise, Wenzel’s
Laura Cruise, a former HR manager at Wenzel’s Bakery, was recently appointed as the new head of Learning and Development.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the retail chain. It has over 1,200 employees and 109 shops across Britain. Peter Wenzel, the founder and master of baking, still leads it. Cruise will join the team to help grow the business. He is responsible for training, developing and growing new managers, team leaders, and staff in order to provide excellent customer service.
She will be part of the Wenzel’s Academy, a dedicated training area to help new team members improve their skills. This is a further example of the firm’s commitment to progress for its staff. Cruise has been a facilitator, mentor and coach for many years. She also led training and development at Boots and Oakman Inns and Restaurants.
Amanda Scott, Leicester College
Amanda Scott has been appointed as the new director of Human Resources at Leicester College. Scott, who will join the College’s Executive Leadership Team, will be responsible to direct the HR function of the 1,200 employees and play a key role in shaping the strategic plan for the next three years.
Her immediate priority was to oversee the recruitment of the next principal and CEO for the College. The College has recently appointed Shabir Ismail, who will take over the position on 19 August 2025.
Amanda has a background in leadership and business management. She was previously director of human resource for LiFE Multi-Academy Trust. Amanda is a member of Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, holds a Bachelor of Laws degree and a Diploma in Business Management. She is also a Governor at a primary in Leicester City.
She stated: “As an inclusive and diverse employer, Leicester College is dedicated to building a workplace that reflects communities we serve.” I will continue to work with the Black Leadership Group, and focus our efforts on recruiting and developing talent in order to meet the changing needs of our students as well as local and national skill needs.
Alison Hodgson CIPD
Alison Hodgson, a professional in HR and development of people, has been named as the new market director for Ireland by the CIPD.
Hodgson joined the CIPD after working at RSM Ireland as a consulting partner for transformation, HR, and change.
Alison is the market director of the CIPD Ireland. She will be responsible for CIPD Ireland’s growth and development, as well as its contribution to the profession. Her role will include addressing important agendas, such as flexible working, skills and wellbeing, through research, policies and engagement with members. She will be leading the team based out of Dublin, and drawing on the skills and experience of colleagues from across the CIPD.
Hodgson stated: “Ireland’s HR landscape is vibrant and ever-changing. I am excited to help our members and partner navigate the challenges and opportunity we face as a country.” I am looking forward to working with stakeholders in the country and getting started to help shape the future of work to deliver the best outcome for both organisations and individuals.
Kathryn Robinson, Kinaxia Logistics
Kinaxia has a HQ in Cheshire and employs 1,600 people nationwide. It also operates a fleet that transports goods across a wide range of industries. Kathryn Robinson has been appointed as the new HR Director to lead the company’s next phase of expansion. She has over 20 years of experience in developing people and cultures across multiple sites.
Robinson has worked as HR director for Navigator Tissue, HR head at Accrol Papers, and HR head at Bright Blue Foods. She is also a vice-chair and board member of Blackburn and Darwen Youth Zone.
Lisa Nicol Federation of Small Businesses
The Federation of Small Businesses has named Lisa Nicol as the new director of Human Resources and Organisational Development.
Nicol will oversee a workforce of 198 across multiple UK locations. She is responsible for the development of FSB’s new people strategy, including employee experience. She replaces Samantha Bonser who left FSB after 12 years in March.
She was a leader at Concentrix UK, Webhelp UK, Serco and Gobeyond Consulting.
Nicol stated: “HR leaders are responsible for shaping the daily experiences of employees at work. My goal is cultivate a positive, supportive workplace culture to ensure employees feel valued and motivated. A positive employee experience is directly related to the success of a business. FSB, the UK’s membership organization for small business and self-employed people, is where I am excited to apply my experience to improve our employee culture and continue to provide crucial support to our member businesses.
Jermaine Daw, BBC
Jermaine DAW has been appointed as the director of HR at BBC Studios. He will be a member of the BBC Studios Executive Committee, reporting to Uzair Quadeer.
Daw brings to BBC Studios more than 20 year’s international experience from the sports, entertainment, media and FMCG industries. He spent over a decade at the National Basketball Association, where he was responsible for the strategic and operation delivery of organisational and business design, talent management and acquisition, employee experience, benefits and rewards, and change management. He was most recently vice president and chief person officer for EMEA at Wella, an international beauty company. He has worked previously for HBO and EssilorLuxottica.
BBC Studios is an international media company that was born from the BBC. It produces and distributes some of the most popular content in the world, and also creates and nurtures iconic brands.
Uzair Qadeer (chief people officer at BBC) said: “Jermaine is a person with exemplary experience in helping organisations create world-class solutions for people that spur innovation and growth. He will make a great addition to our HR department.
Daw said: “I am passionate about contributing to the building a future-focused and inclusive culture that empowers bold creative thinking, unlocks potential leadership, and inspires people to thrive.”
Susan Miller-Jones and Evelyn Partners
Evelyn Partners, a UK-based wealth management company, has named Susan Miller Jones as its new chief human officer.
Miller-Jones, a HR professional with extensive experience in multiple industries, will join the group at the beginning of July.
She comes from Royal Sun Alliance where she was UK Director of HR. She has held senior HR positions at KPMG UK, Brunswick and the banking sector as head of HR for Barclays Bank Group Centre and global HR director at DTZ.
Paul Geddes said, Evelyn Partners’ chief executive officer, “Susan will be an asset to our business. She is a successful and seasoned HR professional with experience in multiple sectors. Her energy and drive are a real asset.”
Caroline Rowland
Caroline Rowland, the new chief people officer at Zellis, an established provider of HR software and payroll in the UK and Ireland has recently joined from Exscientia. This Nasdaq listed AI-driven pharmatech firm specializes in using AI and embedded technology across drug discovery and research.
John Petter said Rowland’s “deep HR expertise and passion for cultivating a strong organisational culture” will be crucial.
Rowland stated: “The connection between employee experience and purpose is crucial, as well as fostering connections among colleagues, teams, the work, brands, and the company.”
She has held key positions in Exscientia, Arm Ltd, Diageo, and Deloitte.
Kerry Smith, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust appointed Kerry Smith to the position of interim chief person officer.
Smith comes to the trust after serving as interim chief person officer at North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare NHS Trust.
She will replace Ashi William, who is leaving South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust at the end July to become chief people officer for George Elliot Hospital NHS Trust and South Warwickshire NHS Foundation Trust.
Smith said: “I am looking forward to working with all employees to build a positive, inclusive and workplace cultures.”
Roland Baskeyfield University of Salford
Roland Baskeyfield has been appointed as the new Associate Director of Reward, Wellbeing and People Analytics at The University of Salford.
Baskeyfield, who is a member of the HR leadership group, will bring his expertise to the Directorate to enhance the existing best practices and to provide an external perspective.
Baskeyfield is a chartered CIPD Fellow with more than 20 year’s experience in the HR industry. The majority of that time was spent within the rewards sphere.
He has worked in multiple industries, including FMCG, healthcare, FMGA, legal and financial services. After 18 years in other industries, he has returned to the higher education sector.
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