Personnel Today
  • Home
    • All PT content
  • Email sign-up
  • Topics
    • HR Practice
    • Employee relations
    • Learning & training
    • Pay & benefits
    • Wellbeing
    • Recruitment & retention
    • HR strategy
    • HR Tech
    • The HR profession
    • Global
    • All HR topics
  • Legal
    • Case law
    • Commentary
    • Flexible working
    • Legal timetable
    • Maternity & paternity
    • Shared parental leave
    • Redundancy
    • TUPE
    • Disciplinary and grievances
    • Employer’s guides
  • AWARDS
    • Personnel Today Awards
    • The RAD Awards
  • Jobs
    • Find a job
    • Jobs by email
    • Careers advice
    • Post a job
  • Brightmine
    • Learn more
    • Products
    • Free trial
    • Request a quote
  • Webinars
  • Advertise
  • OHW+

Personnel Today

Register
Log in
Personnel Today
  • Home
    • All PT content
  • Email sign-up
  • Topics
    • HR Practice
    • Employee relations
    • Learning & training
    • Pay & benefits
    • Wellbeing
    • Recruitment & retention
    • HR strategy
    • HR Tech
    • The HR profession
    • Global
    • All HR topics
  • Legal
    • Case law
    • Commentary
    • Flexible working
    • Legal timetable
    • Maternity & paternity
    • Shared parental leave
    • Redundancy
    • TUPE
    • Disciplinary and grievances
    • Employer’s guides
  • AWARDS
    • Personnel Today Awards
    • The RAD Awards
  • Jobs
    • Find a job
    • Jobs by email
    • Careers advice
    • Post a job
  • Brightmine
    • Learn more
    • Products
    • Free trial
    • Request a quote
  • Webinars
  • Advertise
  • OHW+

Movers and shakersThe HR profession

Top job Brian Benneyworth

by Louisa Peacock 23 Oct 2007
by Louisa Peacock 23 Oct 2007

Where were you working before and what were your duties?

I was HR director at Inchcape. For the last 12 months, I was responsible for developing a global leadership competency framework and performance management process.

What qualifications do you hold?

BA in business studies, and member of the Institute of Directors.

What are the duties in your current role?

I am responsible for developing and delivering HR strategy, overseeing a harmonisation programme and reviewing business planning processes – a first for me in a not-for-profit role.

What are the main challenges HR faces in the next five years?

Having a workforce that has the right skills to meet the ever-changing demands of customers.

What is the essential tool in your job?

My ability to connect with people at all levels.

And the most overrated?

E-mail – people use it to replace genuine and meaningful communication.

What is the worst thing about HR?

Still having to explain the difference between HR and personnel.

What is the strangest situation you have been in at work?

At Safeway, I stopped a shoplifter who had put a frozen chicken down his trousers. Needless to say his walk back to the office was somewhat uncomfortable.

Who is your ultimate hero?

My dad.

What is the most annoying piece of management jargon?

‘Let’s park that one’.

How do you fill your spare time?

I give careful and considered advice to football referees on Saturday afternoons.

What three words would you use to describe yourself?

Dynamic, friendly and innovative.

What is your favourite website?

Ebay.co.uk – it never ceases to amaze me what some people are willing to buy.

What song gets you on the dancefloor?

Come on Eileen by Dexy’s Midnight Runners.

What is your worst habit?

Saying in 50 words what I could say in 10.

What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?

Changing career from a supermarket manager to HR. I studied for eight years part-time and took a drop in salary. I don’t regret it for a single moment.

What three items would you take to a desert island?

My wife, my son, and an endless supply of fresh drinking water.

What is the best office party you’ve ever attended?

The one I remember very little about.

Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?

Stephen Covey – an inspirational storyteller.

CV

Sep 2007-present
Head of HR and administration, LHA ASRA Group (housing, regeneration and community services)

Apr 2006-May 2007
Group HR manager, Inchcape (automotive retailing)

Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance

Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday

OptOut
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Mar 2003-Apr 2006
HR director, Inchcape

Jun 1994-Mar 2003
Senior HR executive, Safeway

Louisa Peacock

previous post
On the move
next post
Christian magistrate Andrew McClintock awaits religious discrimination appeal verdict

You may also like

HR and employment leaders feature in King’s birthday...

16 Jun 2025

HR professionals lack mental health support, risking burnout

9 Jun 2025

Charlie Mayfield: HR needs more proactive approach to...

29 May 2025

Why HR burnout is a strategic issue

12 May 2025

CIPD appoints expert in AI to boost support...

8 May 2025

Stress for HR specialists greater at larger organisations

2 May 2025

CIPD: Employment Rights Bill timetable needs clarity

25 Apr 2025

Movers and shakers in HR: Stagecoach, Sodexo UK,...

11 Apr 2025

Senior HR pay rising faster than junior roles

28 Mar 2025

Employee Benefits Awards 2025 shortlist revealed

24 Mar 2025

  • AI is here. Your workforce should be ready. SPONSORED | From content creation...Read more
  • Preparing for a new era of workforce planning (webinar) WEBINAR | Employers now face...Read more
  • 2025 Employee Communications Report PROMOTED | HR and leadership...Read more
  • Prioritising performance management: Strategies for success (webinar) WEBINAR | In today’s fast-paced...Read more
  • Retaining Female Talent: Four Ways to Reduce Workplace Drop Out PROMOTED | International Women’s Day...Read more

Personnel Today Jobs
 

Search Jobs

PERSONNEL TODAY

About us
Contact us
Browse all HR topics
Email newsletters
Content feeds
Cookies policy
Privacy policy
Terms and conditions

JOBS

Personnel Today Jobs
Post a job
Why advertise with us?

EVENTS & PRODUCTS

The Personnel Today Awards
The RAD Awards
Employee Benefits
Forum for Expatriate Management
OHW+
Whatmedia

ADVERTISING & PR

Advertising opportunities
Features list 2025

  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Linkedin


© 2011 - 2025 DVV Media International Ltd

Personnel Today
  • Home
    • All PT content
  • Email sign-up
  • Topics
    • HR Practice
    • Employee relations
    • Learning & training
    • Pay & benefits
    • Wellbeing
    • Recruitment & retention
    • HR strategy
    • HR Tech
    • The HR profession
    • Global
    • All HR topics
  • Legal
    • Case law
    • Commentary
    • Flexible working
    • Legal timetable
    • Maternity & paternity
    • Shared parental leave
    • Redundancy
    • TUPE
    • Disciplinary and grievances
    • Employer’s guides
  • AWARDS
    • Personnel Today Awards
    • The RAD Awards
  • Jobs
    • Find a job
    • Jobs by email
    • Careers advice
    • Post a job
  • Brightmine
    • Learn more
    • Products
    • Free trial
    • Request a quote
  • Webinars
  • Advertise
  • OHW+