The months of June and July have witnessed a significant wave of senior human resources appointments across major UK sectors, including construction, infrastructure, financial services, legal, and specialized support platforms. These strategic hires underscore a growing recognition among leading organizations of the pivotal role HR leadership plays in driving business performance, fostering inclusive cultures, and navigating an increasingly complex talent landscape. Compiled and edited by Zoe Wickens and Adam McCulloch, this overview highlights key leadership transitions at companies such as Marshalls, Kier, Morton Fraser MacRoberts, Aegon, Halo, and Blue Light Card, reflecting a concerted effort to bolster people strategies amid evolving market demands.
Jo Hodge Takes the Helm as Chief People Officer at Marshalls
Marshalls, a prominent supplier in hard landscaping, building, and roofing products, has announced the appointment of Jo Hodge as its new Chief People Officer. This move signals a robust commitment to enhancing its human capital and corporate culture. Hodge will be tasked with spearheading the group’s comprehensive people strategy, focusing on critical areas such as staff development, leadership capability enhancement, and cultivating a high-performing and inclusive culture throughout the organization. Her mandate extends to ensuring that Marshalls continues its investment in its employees, aligning people initiatives with broader business objectives.
Hodge brings a wealth of experience to Marshalls, having previously served four years as Group People, Sustainability, and Social Impact Director at Ibstock, a leading manufacturer of building products. During her tenure at Ibstock, where she was also a member of the executive team, she played a crucial role in shaping the people strategy, with a particular emphasis on organizational performance, leadership development, and fostering an inclusive environment. Her background in integrating sustainability and social impact within the people function is particularly relevant in today’s corporate landscape, where Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are increasingly influencing business strategy and talent attraction.
With over 25 years of diverse experience spanning fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG), logistics, financial services, and construction, Hodge has held senior people leadership positions at renowned international companies including Kraft Foods, Mondelez International, JDE Peet’s, and Unipart Logistics. This broad sectoral exposure equips her with a multifaceted understanding of talent management challenges and best practices across varied operational contexts. Furthermore, her dedication to diversity and inclusion is evidenced by her role on the advisory board for BPIC Network, an organization committed to increasing the participation of ethnic minority individuals within the built environment sector. This experience aligns perfectly with Marshalls’ stated aim of developing an inclusive culture.
Simon Bourne, Chief Executive at Marshalls, expressed confidence in Hodge’s appointment, stating, "Jo brings extensive experience in people leadership, organizational development, and sustainability, alongside a strong track record of building high-performing and inclusive cultures." This endorsement highlights the strategic value Marshalls places on a holistic HR leader who can blend traditional talent management with contemporary ESG considerations. The construction sector, facing ongoing skill shortages and a push for greater diversity, stands to benefit significantly from such leadership. According to a recent report by Construction Skills Network, the industry needs to recruit over 200,000 new workers by 2027, making robust people strategies like those Hodge will implement essential for growth and stability.
Niki Steel Joins Kier as Chief Human Resources Officer
Kier, a major infrastructure services, construction, and property group, has announced the appointment of Niki Steel to its executive committee as Chief Human Resources Officer, effective August. This high-profile hire underscores Kier’s commitment to optimizing its talent management and fostering a high-performance culture across its substantial workforce of 10,000 employees. Steel’s arrival is expected to be a pivotal moment for the group, as she steps into a critical leadership role. The transition will be supported by Louisa Finlay, who previously held the role of Chief People Officer and has recently moved into the position of Chief Operating Officer, ensuring continuity and strategic alignment.
Steel transitions to Kier from multinational engineering firm IMI, where she spent the past two years as Chief People Officer for sector operations. Her tenure at IMI provided her with significant experience in a global engineering environment, which is highly relevant to Kier’s complex and diverse operations. Her career spans over two decades, encompassing a wide array of industries, including digital education media, visual effects, and home technology. She has held key roles at prominent organizations such as Pearson, a global education company, and Dyson Group, known for its innovative technology. This varied background suggests a leader adept at adapting HR strategies to different organizational cultures and technological landscapes.
Stuart Togwell, Chief Executive for Kier, lauded Steel’s appointment, remarking, "Niki is a fantastic addition to Kier and our executive committee. She is a highly experienced HR and operational leader, with a strong track record of driving performance across organizations in both the UK and across the globe. Her warm, energetic leadership style will play an important role in supporting all of our people and growth ambitions." This statement emphasizes not only Steel’s strategic capabilities but also her leadership style, which is crucial for engaging a large and geographically dispersed workforce in the demanding construction and infrastructure sectors.
Niki Steel herself expressed enthusiasm for her new role, stating, "It’s an exciting time to be joining Kier, I can see so much opportunity for the group and I cannot wait to join. Working alongside Stuart and all of the executive committee, I am looking forward to getting into the business, hearing and listening to employees and supporting them to help drive forward the group’s ambition." Her eagerness to engage directly with employees reflects a people-centric approach, which is increasingly vital for talent retention and productivity in industries facing skilled labor shortages. The construction industry in particular has seen a heightened focus on employee well-being and development in recent years, making Steel’s strategic vision particularly timely.
Kamal Panglea Appointed Chief People Officer at Morton Fraser MacRoberts
Leading law firm Morton Fraser MacRoberts (MFMac) has announced the appointment of Kamal Panglea as its Chief People Officer. This strategic hire is aimed at further strengthening the firm’s leadership team and significantly investing in its people strategy. Panglea’s mandate will be to continue MFMac’s dedicated focus on nurturing a supportive culture, enhancing performance, and ultimately enriching the experience delivered to clients through its talent. In the highly competitive legal sector, attracting, retaining, and developing top-tier talent is paramount, making this a critical appointment for MFMac.
Panglea brings an impressive career spanning over 25 years in human resources. Most recently, he served as People Director for Audit and Assurance at Deloitte Middle East, based in Dubai. In this expansive role, he was responsible for 12 countries across the region, with additional oversight within the broader Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region. This international experience, particularly within a large professional services firm like Deloitte, provides him with invaluable insights into managing diverse workforces and complex organizational structures.
Prior to his role at Deloitte, Panglea contributed his expertise to the government of Saudi Arabia, further diversifying his experience across public and private sectors. A significant portion of his career, 12 years, was spent at Lloyds Banking Group, based in both Edinburgh and London. At Lloyds, he held a variety of roles across centers of excellence and business partnering functions, where he gained extensive experience in supporting large, complex organizations through periods of significant change and growth. This background is particularly relevant to the legal industry, which is undergoing its own transformations driven by technology and evolving client demands.
Chris Harte, Chief Executive Officer at MFMac, underscored the importance of Panglea’s appointment: "Kamal brings a wealth of international experience and a strong track record of leading people strategies across complex organizations. His insight and leadership will play a key role as we continue to evolve our culture, support our people and deliver the best possible experience for our clients." This statement highlights the firm’s ambition to leverage Panglea’s global perspective to refine its talent management and client service, recognizing the inextricable link between employee experience and client satisfaction. The legal sector is increasingly focusing on holistic well-being and professional development to counter burnout and foster long-term commitment from its professionals.
Jennifer Palmieri Named Chief Human Resources Officer at Aegon
Financial services giant Aegon has announced the appointment of Jennifer Palmieri as its new Chief Human Resources Officer. This significant leadership change also sees Palmieri becoming a member of Aegon’s executive committee. She succeeds Holly Waters, who retired on June 1, marking a smooth transition in a critical executive function. This appointment reinforces Aegon’s commitment to strategic HR leadership in a dynamic financial services environment.
Palmieri arrives with over 25 years of extensive experience in leading HR strategy, orchestrating operating model transformations, driving talent development initiatives, and enhancing employee engagement. Her most recent role was Chief People Officer at Westfield Insurance, an international property and casualty insurance firm. There, she was instrumental in shaping the human capital strategy for a global enterprise.
Before her tenure at Westfield Insurance, Palmieri dedicated nearly 18 years to health insurance provider Cigna. During her long career at Cigna, she held several senior HR roles, culminating in her position as Senior Vice President Human Resources Officer. This extensive background in the insurance and broader financial services sector equips her with deep industry knowledge and a proven ability to navigate the unique challenges and regulatory landscapes inherent to these fields. Her expertise in large-scale transformation is particularly valuable as financial institutions continually adapt to technological advancements and changing customer expectations.
Lard Friese, Chief Executive Officer at Aegon, welcomed Palmieri, describing her as a highly experienced HR leader with a strong track record of developing talent and supporting business transformation. Friese emphasized that Palmieri would "play an important role in supporting the transition of Aegon’s head office and legal seat, strengthening our people and leadership capabilities to support engagement and the continued growth of our organization." This statement highlights the dual strategic importance of her role: managing significant organizational change, such as the relocation of the head office, while simultaneously fortifying the company’s human capital to fuel sustained growth. The financial services sector, in particular, demands rigorous talent management and robust HR frameworks to maintain compliance, drive innovation, and manage risk.
Jennifer Liston-Smith Joins Halo as Chief Purpose Officer
In a unique and forward-thinking appointment, Jennifer Liston-Smith has joined Halo Workplace Nurseries compliance platform as Chief Purpose Officer. This role marks a significant strategic move for Halo, as it integrates Liston-Smith’s extensive expertise in employer best practice for family support with its cutting-edge Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, designed to help employers manage workplace nursery partnerships. The creation of a "Chief Purpose Officer" role itself reflects a growing trend towards purpose-driven business and integrated ESG strategies.
Liston-Smith brings over two decades of experience in coaching, consulting, and thought leadership within the critical area of working parents and carers. She has a distinguished track record of advising many of the world’s leading employers on their family support programs, making her an authority in this specialized field. Her profound understanding of both employer and employee needs will be instrumental in Halo’s mission.
Anna Semple, Chief Executive Officer of Halo, commented on the appointment, stating, "Jennifer brings the ideal skillset with her deep experience in the needs of both employers and employees, her astute understanding of legislation and her values around business as a force for good. We’re extremely pleased to welcome her on board." This highlights the multidimensional value Liston-Smith adds, combining practical experience with a strong ethical compass.
Edinburgh-based Halo has been established to assist employers in leveraging the statutory provision for tax-exempt employee childcare. The sophisticated software platform, developed over many months, provides employers with the tools to run compliant nursery partnerships, offering robust evidence tracking of their involvement in the management and financing of nursery settings. This addresses a critical need for organizations looking to offer valuable employee benefits while navigating complex regulatory requirements.
Liston-Smith, a respected business psychologist, conference speaker, and consultant, previously served as Director, Head of Coaching, Consultancy and Thought Leadership with My Family Care. In this role, she pioneered and built the coaching and consultancy provision. She later became Head of Thought Leadership for Bright Horizons, further solidifying her reputation as a leading voice in the field of family-friendly workplaces.
Commenting on her new role, Liston-Smith emphasized the critical need for the Halo platform, stating it was much needed as a way for employers to operate nursery partnerships that comply with legislation and HMRC guidance. She added, "It’s good for the labour market, for employers, parents and children. I’m very excited to be joining this innovative business with a mission." Her enthusiasm underscores the societal and economic benefits of accessible and compliant childcare solutions, which are increasingly recognized as essential for gender equality in the workplace and overall economic productivity.
Julia Diggs Appointed Chief People Officer at Blue Light Card
Blue Light Card, a leading discounts and reward platform dedicated to serving and retired frontline workers, has appointed Julia Diggs as its new Chief People Officer. This strategic appointment sees Diggs joining the executive team, where she will lead the platform’s people strategy, supporting its continued growth and development. For an organization deeply rooted in purpose and community, the role of a Chief People Officer is particularly crucial in maintaining its unique culture and mission.
Diggs brings an impressive career spanning over 25 years, during which she has gained extensive experience across various organizational stages—from start-ups and scale-ups to large public and private entities. Her expertise encompasses a diverse range of sectors, including energy, healthcare, media, retail, and technology. This broad background has equipped her with the unique ability to lead organizational transitions, strengthen corporate cultures, and build the capabilities necessary for businesses to scale effectively. Her experience is especially relevant to Blue Light Card, which operates as a purpose-driven, tech-enabled platform experiencing rapid growth.
Diggs joins Blue Light Card from Ovo Energy, where she most recently held the position of Vice President of People. During her tenure at Ovo Energy, she played a pivotal role in steering a complex post-acquisition integration, a task that requires exceptional leadership in change management and cultural alignment. Furthermore, she was instrumental in building a progressive employment brand, an achievement that aligns well with Blue Light Card’s mission to support frontline workers.
Commenting on her appointment, Diggs expressed her admiration for the organization: "Blue Light Card has built something special, a purpose-powered, tech-enabled organisation that makes a meaningful difference to millions of frontline workers across the UK. What immediately stood out to me was the strength of the culture, the behaviours and attitudes that are powering the strategy, shaping performance and fuelling growth." Her statement highlights the core appeal of Blue Light Card – its strong mission and vibrant culture, which she will now be responsible for nurturing and scaling. In today’s competitive talent market, particularly for tech roles, a strong employer brand and a clear purpose are significant differentiators.
Broader Implications: The Evolving Role of HR Leadership
These senior HR appointments in June and July collectively highlight a critical shift in how organizations perceive and utilize their human resources functions. The role of the Chief People Officer (CPO) or Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) has evolved far beyond traditional administrative tasks, becoming an integral part of the executive committee and a key driver of strategic business objectives.
The appointments at Marshalls and Kier underscore the increasing importance of robust talent management, leadership development, and inclusive culture initiatives within the large-scale, often physically demanding, construction and infrastructure sectors. These industries face unique challenges, including an aging workforce, skilled labor shortages, and the imperative to attract a more diverse talent pool. Leaders like Jo Hodge and Niki Steel are tasked with creating environments that not only attract but also retain and develop employees, fostering long-term career paths.
Kamal Panglea’s appointment at Morton Fraser MacRoberts reflects the intensified "war for talent" within professional services, particularly the legal sector. Law firms are increasingly competing not just on compensation but on culture, professional development, and work-life balance. Panglea’s international experience and focus on evolving culture are crucial for MFMac to remain competitive and deliver high-quality client service through a highly engaged workforce.
At Aegon, Jennifer Palmieri’s role is indicative of the financial services industry’s continuous need for transformation and talent development amidst regulatory changes and technological disruption. Her experience in operating model transformation and talent development will be essential as Aegon navigates complex organizational changes and seeks to strengthen its leadership capabilities.
The most innovative appointment, Jennifer Liston-Smith as Chief Purpose Officer at Halo, signals a broader corporate trend towards embedding purpose and social impact directly into the executive leadership. This role emphasizes the growing importance of employee well-being, family support, and ESG principles as core business drivers, not just HR add-ons. It also highlights the convergence of HR technology (SaaS platforms) with specialized expertise to deliver tangible benefits to employees and employers.
Finally, Julia Diggs’s role at Blue Light Card illustrates the critical need for CPOs in purpose-driven, tech-enabled scale-ups. Maintaining a strong, authentic culture while undergoing rapid growth is a significant challenge, and Diggs’s background in organizational transitions and employment branding makes her uniquely suited to guide Blue Light Card through its next phase of expansion while staying true to its mission of supporting frontline workers.
In essence, these appointments collectively paint a picture of HR leadership as a strategic imperative. The individuals stepping into these roles are not merely overseeing personnel; they are architects of organizational culture, strategists for talent acquisition and retention, champions of diversity and inclusion, and key partners in driving business growth and transformation in an ever-changing global economy. The focus on developing high-performing, inclusive, and supportive cultures, leveraging technology, and aligning people strategies with broader corporate purpose is a clear trend emerging from these significant leadership changes across the UK business landscape.
