May proved another major month for HR leadership changes across the UK, offering prime opportunities for HR solution providers to connect with new senior decision-makers. Honch tracked significant activity, including 745 promotions and over 2,000 new HR appointments, opening fresh conversations around strategy, vendor partnerships, and budget allocations.

New HR Leaders Setting Fresh Strategies

Several influential HR leaders stepped into key roles this May, ready to reshape their teams and HR strategies:

• Surrey County Cricket Club: Lisa Beresford-Hines, Director of People and Culture
• BDO: John Hall, Director of People Operations
• London Stock Exchange Group: Jasdeep Kareer, Director, People Insights Strategy
• CLA Global: Daniel Murphy, Global People and Culture Director
• Arriva: Kerry Astle, Director – Talent Acquisition
• Mills & Reeve: Owen Butler, Chief People Officer
• Wates Group: James Saunders, Chief People Officer
• Connells Group: Chloe Quinn, Chief People Officer
• Associated British Ports: Rachael Parr, Group Human Resources Director
• Olympus UK & Ireland: Iain MacDonald, Human Resources Director UI

These appointments present timely opportunities to engage leaders as they reassess their strategic priorities and HR requirements.

Promotions Shaping Future HR Agendas

Promotions significantly impact HR decision-making, often expanding budgets and opening doors to new solutions. Highlighted promotions from May include:

• American Express Global Business Travel: Hardeep Bhachu, Global Director, Inclusion and Culture
• Ares Management Corporation: David Latham, Vice President, Compensation
• Regal Cineworld Group: Leon Foster-Hill, Director of International HR Operations
• Progeny: Cath McVey, Chief People Officer
• Bell Integration: Belinda Macaulay, Human Resources Director

Fresh Funding, Fresh Budgets

May saw 103 companies securing new funding rounds, triggering increased investment in their HR strategies and capabilities. These companies now represent strategic partnership opportunities for HR tech providers and service partners looking to support rapid growth.

CEOs Shaping New HR Directions

CEO appointments this month could significantly impact HR priorities and strategic direction:

• Caterpillar: Joe Creed steps in, driving digital and sustainability-focused initiatives.
• Herbalife: Stephan Gratziani’s appointment highlights opportunities in wellness and digital partnerships.
• Europcar Mobility Group: Sebastian Birkel aims to transform the business through sustainable fleet management and digital innovations.
• Triodos Bank: Mark Clayton emphasises ethical and sustainable financial solutions.
• Sitecore: Eric Stine plans to expand the digital platform using AI-driven innovations.

Companies Growing Their HR Capabilities

This month, over 800 UK businesses significantly expanded their headcount, underscoring ongoing demand for scalable HR solutions, talent acquisition strategies, and employee engagement programmes.

Key HR Trends from May

Active discussions among UK businesses highlighted several notable HR trends, reflecting critical areas where new solutions could resonate:

• Employee Mental Health: 736 companies actively prioritised wellbeing programmes.
• Learning & Development (L&D): 372 companies actively discussing L&D initiatives.
• Inclusive Workplaces: 1,095 businesses focused on improving diversity, equality, and inclusion.
• Flexible Working Arrangements: 329 companies actively championed flexible working strategies.
• Graduate Schemes: 1,239 companies focused on expanding their graduate and apprentice intake.

Standout Lists for May

Honch identified several highly actionable lists this month to precisely target your outreach:

• Inclusive Employers
• Companies Supporting Employee Mental Health
• Companies Promoting Flexible Working
• Companies Talking Sustainability
• Companies Discussing Charitable Giving
• Recently Funded Companies

Honch continuously tracks critical HR trends and personnel changes, enabling precise, timely engagement with HR leaders exactly when they need new solutions most.

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