Sue Mackness has joined Adams Childrenswear as the new HR director.
Employing more than 4,000 full- and part-time staff, the company has 520
outlets in the UK and 71 around the world. Mackness joins the store from the
Arcadia Group, where she worked as retail HR manager for Top Shop, Top Man and
Miss Selfridge. She will lead the retail team to implement the HR strategy and
deliver business goals.
What do you hope to achieve in your new role?
I hope to continue the fantastic work which has been done to make Adams a
truly fun place to work.
What are you most looking forward to?
I am looking forward to supporting Adams in achieving its vision of moving
from a single format retailer to a multi channel business.
How do you think the role of HR will change in the next five years?
With the ever-increasing complexity of employment legislation, HR teams will
have the opportunity to truly act as business partners in delivering change.
What is your essential viewing?
Sex and the City – I can dream that my life is half as glamorous.
What’s the best thing about HR?
Being able to facilitate change and watch people grow as part of the
process.
And the worst?
People not understanding the true value that HR can bring to the business
and attaching old-fashioned assumptions to the role.
How do you fill your spare time?
I enjoy sailing and international travel.
What advice would you give to people starting out in HR?
Get to know the business you work in and how it operates from outside of the
HR viewpoint. Network with key players within the business and understand their
priorities.
Do you network?
Like most people, not as much as I should.
Who would play you in a film of your life?
Sarah Jessica Parker – I think she is really sassy.
Mackness’ cv
2003 Director of HR, Adams
Childrenswear
1999 Retail HR manager, Top Shop, TopMan and Miss Selfridge
1991 Personnel manager, Marks & Spencer
1984 Commercial manager, Marks & Spencer
