Wendy Hirsh is a researcher and consultant, specialising in the future-oriented aspects of people management. Wendy regularly contributes to CRF research and events. She is a Principal Associate of the Institute for Employment Studies and Visiting Professor at both Derby and Kingston Universities. Wendy works across private, public and third sectors with recent assignments in the police, ports and international development. She has been researching how workforce planning in companies is responding to the uncertainties and possible impacts of Brexit on business and the labour market.

Catherine has worked within a range of multinational companies, including Unilever, RS Components, Mercedes-Benz and Marston’s Plc. Throughout her career, Catherine has gained a breadth of experience across factory, distribution, sales, retail, head office and corporate environments. At Marston’s Plc, a FTSE 250 listed company, Catherine was Group People Director, responsible for working with the Board and the HR team to maximise return on Marston’s people investment, for both the Company and their 14,000 employees based in a multi-site organisation of 6 manufacturing sites and 1600 pub outlets. Under her leadership Marston’s was named as the Best Macro Employer in the West Midlands under the National Apprenticeship Awards and the HR team as Best HR team in Hospitality. Catherine now leads the HR function at British Sugar.

Hugh Mitchell is the former Chief HR and Corporate Officer of Royal Dutch Shell. During a career spanning 37 years, Hugh’s portfolio included global responsibility for Human Resources, Brand and Communications, Real Estate, Health, Security and Shell Aircraft, as well as Regional Oversight for Africa. Hugh is currently Vice Chair of Edinburgh Business School. He is a visiting lecturer at London Business School and continues in a range of HR Advisory roles. Previously, he was Non Executive Director of RSA Insurance, including Chair of the Remuneration Committee (2012-2018) and has served as a Board member for over 10 years at IMD Business School in Lausanne and The Centre for Advanced Human Resources at Cornell University (USA).

Sarah Hamilton-Hanna is passionate about ensuring individuals and organisations have the opportunity to develop to unleash their full potential. She is an advocate of inclusive work environments and a big supporter of diversity, especially women in the workplace. Sarah is currently the CHRO for TT Electronics. Prior to joining TT, Sarah spent 3.5 years at Tate and Lyle and 14 years at Associated British Foods, where she had a variety of HR Leadership roles. This included M&A work and leading business Transformation in divisions including business crisis and turnaround, as well as running the ABF Leadership Development programmes.

Peter Blausten is a senior advisor and has non-executive roles in the charity and government sectors. He was Group HR Director of FTSE30 and FTSE250 international companies, a partner in a US restructuring consultancy, and worked as an independent consultant with private equity and corporate clients. His sector experience includes consumer, aviation, engineering, financial services, infrastructure, healthcare, scientific services, and real estate. He was Civil Service Commissioner for the UK Government Cabinet Office.