I was born and brought up in Middlesbrough, in the North-East of England. My first degree was Business Studies, from City University in London; and my MBA was awarded by the Open University.
I started in consultancy, qualified as an accountant (FCMA) and then had a mid-career switch to HR (FCIPD) and have been a HR Director for the last twenty years across four organisations and industries: Volkswagen Group; Skanska; Network Rail, and River and Mercantile Group. I have a particular passion for Pensions, and have been a Trustee for four schemes, of which I became Chair of three.
During the last four years I have undertaken a research Doctorate (DBA) via Cranfield University. I have always had a passion for Diversity and Inclusion, and my research has focussed on the recruitment and retention of autistic people in the workplace.
I am married with three grown up children, and I love sports, especially playing golf and doing triathlons.