HR

The HR Shake-Up - June 2025

June HR Update: Key Leaders and Strategic Shifts

The weather wasn't the only thing sizzling in June - Honch tracked over 2,600 new HR appointments and 1,400 promotions, which is brilliant news for providers across the sector. Here's a summary of some of the key buyers expected to be reviewing HR priorities, vendor partnerships, and budget decisions across the summer months.

2,600 New HR Leaders Driving Change

Influential HR appointments in June include:

  • Starling Bank: Catarina Abrantes-Steinberg, Group Chief People Officer
  • McDonald's: Alice Traish, Director - Global Inclusion
  • The AA: Donna Dew, People Director, COO & Corporate Functions
  • Barclays: Gemma Clarke, Vice President of Human Resources
  • Morgan Stanley: Cameron Ogilvie, Vice President - Global Executive Talent
  • Sportradar: Phil Knowles, Vice President, People Partnering
  • Sony Interactive Entertainment: Philip Stevens, EMEA Payroll Director
  • Pacific Life: Josh Mortlock, Director of Workforce Planning
  • Darwin Escapes: Kelly Clapperton, Director of People and Culture
  • Arcadis: Rosamund Browne, Global Employee Relations Director

These HR leaders are now in key positions to influence decisions around HR strategy, technology investments, and vendor partnerships.

1,400 Promotions Reshaping HR Strategies

Promotions often signify new strategic agendas and expanded budgets. June highlights include:

  • JD Sports: Emma Chevreau, People Culture & Purpose Director
  • Wise: Alex Copeman, Global Employee Relations, People Risk and Compliance Director
  • Avios Group: Helen Miller, Chief People & Communications Officer
  • Trustpilot: James Horton, Vice President of People Experience
  • Le Creuset: Amelia Cook, Human Resources Director
  • NIC Services Group: Laura Sterling, Chief People Officer
  • Kellanova: Tracy Monono, Human Resources Director
  • Finastra: Jamie Mezzasalma, Senior HR Director

Each promotion provides a timely opportunity for HR solution providers to introduce new tools and strategic support.

CEO Appointments Influencing HR Directions

CEO changes in June will also shape HR strategies significantly:

  • Stellantis: Antonio Filosa, prioritising regional consumer innovation and operational excellence.
  • Indeed: Hisayuki Idekoba, driving AI integration and global expansion, highlighting opportunities in HR tech.
  • Bitwise: Raman Sapra, leveraging AI and cloud solutions, creating demand for HR data analytics and transformation services.
  • Procter & Gamble Specialty Beauty: John Brownlee, focusing on sustainability and digital strategies, influencing talent management practices.
  • Hays UK&I: Thomas Way, expanding STEM recruitment and related talent development initiatives.
  • Wisk Aero: Sebastien Vigneron, emphasising sustainable mobility, influencing new workplace standards.
  • Citroën: Xavier Chardon, accelerating transformation and digital innovation, shaping future HR approaches.

Fresh Funding = Expanding HR Budgets

June’s notable funding announcements signal substantial budget expansions and increased workforces:

  • CellCentric: £90 million (Series C)
  • Granola: £32.25 million (Series B)
  • 2D Photonics: £18.75 million (Series A)
  • Space Forge: £16.95 million (Series A)
  • Origin: £15.75 million (Series A)
  • Breathe Battery Technologies: £15.75 million (Series B)
  • StackOne: £15 million (Series A)

These companies are particularly receptive to HR solutions as they build scalable infrastructure and people processes.

Key HR Trends from June

Major HR-related discussions highlighting strategic engagement points:

  • Employee Mental Health: 3,147 companies prioritised wellbeing and mental health initiatives.
  • Inclusive Workplaces: 1,112 companies actively discussed diversity, equality, and inclusion.
  • Flexible Working: 420 companies promoted flexible working arrangements.
  • Graduate Schemes: 1,453 companies invested in expanding graduate and apprentice programs.
  • Sustainability Initiatives: Over 5,000 companies actively engaged in sustainability programmes.

Strategic Lists for June

Honch identified essential signals to tailor your outreach effectively:

  • Companies Increasing Headcount
  • Recently Funded Companies
  • Companies Making Acquisitions
  • International Expansion
  • Employee Surveys
  • New Office Spaces
  • Childcare Benefits
  • Cycle-To-Work and EV Schemes
  • Gym and Private Healthcare Schemes
  • Diversity & Inclusion Champions
  • Gender Pay Equality
  • Family Values Initiatives
  • Charitable Giving

Honch continuously tracks key HR changes and signals, ensuring you engage HR leaders precisely when they’re most open to new solutions.

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