Hawksford welcomes new Chief People Officer

Friday 29 January 2021

Hawksford has appointed a professional with 20 years’ HR experience as its new Chief People Officer.

Richard Summerfield’s new role will see him focus on the integration of acquisitions, hybrid working, employee experience, recruitment, employee development, performance management, as well as benefits and rewards.

He joins from Ocorian, where he was most recently Chief People Officer and a member of its Executive Board. Mr Summerfield is a CIPD fellow and founding member of the Jersey Good Business Charter.

"I am passionate about the 'future world of work' and have already begun implementing a strategy across the business as we focus on Hawksford's employee experience and ensuring we are in a position to attract and retain the very best talent in our industry across all of our global locations," he said.

"2020 brought unprecedented challenges to how businesses approach their working environment, culture, and employment practices, presenting real opportunities to design a modern and productive working experience for everyone, allowing for an optimised work-life balance," Mr Summerfield added.

CEO Michel van Leeuwen said: 'Richard brings forward-thinking and commercially focused leadership and his achievements in the industry are significant. As a growing business in a highly competitive global market, it is imperative that Hawksford offers an exceptional employee experience that covers all aspects of their expectations and needs.

"Hawksford is on a strong growth trajectory over the coming years, and ensuring colleagues are valued and that we are able to attract new talent is vital as we push ahead with our strategic plans."