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Katrina Simpson Haines

Katrina Simpson-Haines


HR Director GB



Professional Overview

Katrina Simpson-Haines is a seasoned HR executive with over 20 years of experience driving strategic people initiatives across global organizations. As the HR Director GB at Sysco, she oversees all aspects of human resources for the company's operations in Great Britain. Katrina is also a Board Trustee at Safe In Sussex, leveraging her expertise to support the non-profit's mission. With a strong background in organizational development, talent management, and change leadership, Katrina is adept at aligning people strategies with business objectives to maximize organizational performance.

Experience Summary

Current Role
As the HR Director GB at Sysco, Katrina is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive HR programs and policies to support the company's growth and workforce in Great Britain. She oversees a team of HR professionals and collaborates closely with business leaders to address critical people-related challenges, enhance employee engagement, and foster a positive, inclusive work culture. Under Katrina's leadership, the HR function has played a pivotal role in driving Sysco's operational excellence and market competitiveness in the region.

Career Progression
Prior to joining Sysco, Katrina held senior HR roles at several prominent organizations, including Samworth Brothers, Pentland Brands, and BRITVIC PLC. She has a proven track record of driving organizational transformation, talent development, and change management initiatives that have resulted in tangible business impact. Throughout her career, Katrina has demonstrated a keen understanding of global HR best practices and her ability to navigate complex, cross-functional challenges.

Academic Background
Katrina holds a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management from the University of Sussex. She is a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and has completed executive training programs in strategic HR leadership and organizational design.

Areas of Expertise
  • Strategic HR management and policy development

  • Talent acquisition, performance management, and succession planning

  • Organizational design and change management

  • Workforce analytics and HR technology implementation

  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion program development

  • Employee engagement and culture-building initiatives


Professional Impact
  • Spearheaded the integration of HR systems and processes following Sysco's acquisition of a major regional competitor, ensuring a seamless transition for the combined workforce

  • Implemented a comprehensive leadership development program at Pentland Brands that resulted in a 25% increase in internal promotions and a 15% reduction in voluntary turnover

  • Drove the implementation of a global HR shared services model at BRITVIC PLC, streamlining HR operations and realizing cost savings of over £2 million annually

  • Served as a subject matter expert and panelist at several industry conferences, sharing insights on best practices in global HR strategy and talent management


Conclusion
With her exceptional track record of HR leadership and strategic people management, Katrina Simpson-Haines is poised to continue driving Sysco's human capital initiatives and contributing to the company's overall success in the GB market. Her versatile expertise, combined with a demonstrated commitment to organizational excellence, make her a valuable asset to both Sysco and the broader HR community.