HR

The HR Shake Up - January 2025

January’s HR Shifts Set the Tone for the Year Ahead

As January comes to a close, it’s clear why this month is so critical for marketers targeting HR decision-makers. With the highest number of leadership changes, budget resets, and hiring surges, the groundwork for the year ahead has been laid. At Honch, we track every HR hire in real time—helping marketers engage the right people at the right moment.

New HR Leaders: The Key Decision-Makers for 2024

This month alone, 2,367 new HR buyers have stepped into leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and priorities. These are the people who will be shaping HR strategy, selecting new suppliers, and driving change throughout the year. Notable appointments include:

  • Arpita Bhatt, Director HR EMEA – Inotiv
  • Dante Mistieri, Director, Head of People – Moniepoint
  • Kelly Metcalf, HR Director – Kyndryl
  • Gill Palfrey-Hill, VP Organisation Development – Ricoh

For B2B marketers, understanding who these decision-makers are—and what they care about—is key to building relationships before competitors do.

Promotions Reshaping HR Teams

In addition to new hires, 1,683 HR professionals have been promoted this month. Internal promotions often come with fresh mandates, making now a great time to connect. Key moves include:

  • Yee Xuan L., People & Culture Director – Roche
  • Jill Drayton, HR Director UK&I – Equans
  • Lowri Williams, Chief People Officer – Cardiff Metropolitan University

New Budgets Mean New Opportunities

January isn’t just about leadership changes—it’s also when budgets reset. HR teams are reviewing their plans, making this a prime moment for marketers to introduce their solutions.

Additionally, 119 companies received fresh funding, meaning they have capital to invest in HR and workforce growth. Some of the biggest rounds include:

  • 9Fin – £40 million
  • Lawhive – £32 million
  • Oxford Flow – £20 million

These businesses will be looking for tools and services to help them scale.

Hiring Growth Signals Increased HR Investment

Across industries, 472 companies are actively increasing headcount, including:

  • Forseven
  • AON
  • EG On The Move
  • Voly Group
  • Temu

Companies that are hiring need HR solutions—whether it’s recruitment tools, training programs, or employee engagement platforms.

HR’s Biggest Priorities Right Now

Beyond hiring, social signals show where HR decision-makers are focusing their efforts:

  • 408 companies prioritising flexible working (e.g., Wise, Thales, FitFlop)
  • 570 companies investing in L&D initiatives (e.g., Holland & Barrett, dunnhumbly, AllSaints)
  • 1,968 companies driving diversity strategies (e.g., L'Oréal, Haleon, AVEVA)

By aligning messaging with these trends, marketers can resonate with HR buyers throughout the year.

This Happens Every Month—And Honch Tracks It All

January sets the tone, but HR decision-making never stops. Every month, new hires, promotions, and company changes create fresh opportunities for engagement.

At Honch, we track every move in real time—so marketers always have the insights they need to reach the right people, at the right time.

Want to stay ahead of the competition? Let’s talk.

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