The HR world hasn’t slowed down this August. Across the UK, we’ve seen a wave of senior appointments, promotions, and leadership changes that are set to reshape company strategies and people operations. Here’s a snapshot of the key moves and trends that providers should note as we head into the final quarter of 2025.

Over 2,600 New HR & People Leaders Shaping the Future

August has seen another busy month for senior HR hires, with 2,681 new leaders stepping into critical roles. These individuals are reviewing incumbent suppliers, evaluating processes, and setting new agendas. Some of the standout appointments include:

• The Premier League: Rachael Taylor-Jenkins, Chief People Officer
• Together: Cheryl Brough, Chief People Officer
• Enable: Tricia Donnelly, Chief People Officer
• SMBC Group: Ben Honer, Vice President, HR Operational Risk
• Salesforce: Jayne Casey, Vice President, Employee Success
• ‍Vypr: Claire Moriarty, Chief People Officer
• RSPB: Denise McMurray, Chief People Officer
• MoneyGram: Victoria Colozzi, Director of People

1,151 Promotions Reshaping People Strategies

Promotions are another key driver of HR change. Newly elevated leaders have bigger remits, fresh agendas, and expanded budgets, making them highly relevant prospects for providers. Some of this month’s notable promotions include:

• Alex Mountford, Group People Director, THG
• Emma Evans, Chief People Officer, Sense
• Jane Crane, Global People Operations Director, Lloyd's Register Group Services
• Julie Burton, Chief People Officer, University Of Suffolk
• Kav Sangha, Vice President of Human Resources, Equifax
• Leona Byrne, Director of People Operations, SmartBear
• Louise Kirtley, Director of Development, Learning and Skills, Nationwide
• Oliver Bate, Chief People Officer, Horwich Farrelly
• Victoria Bradford, VP, People, Funding Circle

444 New CEOs Driving Strategic Shifts

Leadership changes at the top frequently trigger reviews of HR strategy, technology, and supplier partnerships. Key appointments in August include:

• Patrick Kelleher, CEO, GXO Logistics
• Jochanan Senf, CEO, Ben & Jerry’s
• Maggie Gauger, President & CEO, Athleta
• Craig Scanlon, President & CEO, Club Car
• Rainer Haag, CEO Europe, DHL Supply Chain
• Jo Bertam, CEO, O2 Daisy
• Gavin Smith, CEO, Pizza Pilgrims

Funding and Growth: Expanding HR Budgets

110 UK companies received funding in July, signalling growth plans, expanded teams, and increased investment in HR infrastructure. Providers of HR systems, wellbeing platforms, and recruitment services should be paying close attention to these rising stars.

HR Trends and Opportunities from August

Using social listening and company research, Honch identifies the areas where HR teams are actively engaging in conversations that signal opportunities for providers:

• Inclusive Workplaces: 3,636 companies are championing diversity, disability, and equality initiatives.
• Employee Wellbeing & Mental Health: 848 companies are discussing mental health, while 380 focus on overall employee wellbeing.
• Flexible Working & Benefits: 293 companies are promoting flexible working; 2,514 offer private healthcare, 2,295 provide gym schemes, 463 offer childcare, 583 provide EV schemes, and 2,930 offer cycle-to-work schemes.
• Talent Acquisition & Development: 135 companies are hiring graduates, 128 hiring apprentices, and 1,137 promoting graduate schemes. L&D discussions were noted in 1,646 companies.
• Sustainability & ESG: 5,936 companies actively discussed sustainability, a growing focus for employer branding.
• Organisational Change: 307 companies are discussing new office spaces, and 79 have made acquisitions, signalling opportunities for HR support in change management and integration.
• Other Key Topics: Gender pay equality (101 companies), cancer support initiatives (1,291), and international growth (354 companies).

38,500+ Signals for GTM in August

Honch tracked 38,500+ company or contact signals in August alone, helping clients proactively engage HR decision-makers at the moment they’re reviewing suppliers, scaling teams, or exploring new initiatives. From targeting newly appointed HR Directors to companies discussing mental health, wellbeing, and flexible working, we make sure no revenue opportunity is missed.