Garry Martin has been appointed group HR manager at manufacturing company Millbrook Industries, based in Southampton. He joins from telecoms firm Telsis, where he was HR manager. In his new role, he will be providing a full HR service to 800 employees.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
I want to transform a traditional personnel function into a modern HR department.
Which aspects are you most looking forward to?
Working with senior management to show the value that HR can add to the business.
What is the strangest situation you have been in at work?
Walking through the engine plant when employed by Ford in Dagenham in 1988, as the hourly-paid workforce all walked in the opposite direction. They had just decided to embark on what became an all-out strike for the next two weeks.
How will HR change over the next five years?
The increasing legislation will create a greater need for an in-depth understanding of employment law.
What is your essential viewing?
Coronation Street.
What is the best thing about HR?
The endless variety provided by people.
And the worst?
Dealing with human tragedies.
How do you fill your spare time?
Classic car restoration, and spending quality time with my wife and two daughters.
What is the greatest risk you have ever taken?
Turning down the offer of a career in international banking to pursue a career in HR. I have never regretted it.
What is the essential tool in your job?
A real sense of humour and my PC.
And the most over-rated?
Psychometric testing.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Gain an understanding of other departments so you can maximise the impact of HR.
What would be your ideal job?
Chief executive of Manchester United Football Club.
Who would play you in the film of your life and why?
Rowan Atkinson – my wife says that I remind her of him in appearance and humour.
Who is your ultimate guru?
Sir Alex Ferguson – now there is someone who knows how to get the best out of a team.
What is the best office party you’ve ever attended?
A masked Hallowe’en Ball was the best for atmosphere. It was also the worst, because you couldn’t recognise anybody!
Who would you most like to be stuck in a lift with?
ITV sports presenter Gabby Logan.
Martin’s CV
2004 Group HR manager, Millbrook Industries
2001 HR manager, Telsis
Sign up to our weekly round-up of HR news and guidance
Receive the Personnel Today Direct e-newsletter every Wednesday
2000 Senior HR adviser, Lockheed Martin Integrated Systems
1990 HR manager, Kenwood Appliances
