GMI Construction Group has appointed Simon Mennell to the newly created role of Group HR Director to support its strategic growth plans.
One of the largest independent construction companies in the North of England and the Midlands, it continues to increase its presence within its operating regions together with its headcount which has this year increased to nearly 300 members of staff.
Simon, who has a wealth of experience across a wide range of sectors including aviation, insurance, law, food manufacturing, news and information, has been tasked with developing and strengthening the company’s HR structure, as well as creating strategies that support future organic growth.
Part of his focus will be on recruitment, attracting the right employees, developing the right skills, and retaining them, increasing ‘learn as you earn’ opportunities, including apprenticeships, and improving diversity and inclusivity within the workforce.
In a career spanning almost 30 years, he has worked for several globally recognised brands including Nestle, Dow Jones, and Qatar Airways, where he was Senior Vice President for HR, managing a global team of 560 professionals.
During that time, he has been responsible for founding HR departments from scratch, advising and leading HR functions during challenging times, as well as implementing several initiatives to improve workforce communication.
Lee Powell, Chief Executive Officer of GMI Construction Group, said: “This business is founded on achieving sustainable and controlled growth and much of its success is down to attracting and retaining high quality employees with the right attitude and aptitude.
“The fact that we have recruited someone of Simon’s calibre to the newly created role of Group HR Director reflects both GMI’s ambitions and its ability to attract the right people to key positions.
“In appointing Simon, we have again attracted someone who is a leader in his field who can help and support this company as it continues to grow.”
Simon said: “I look forward to drawing on my considerable experience to help GMI further develop and strengthen its HR structure by ensuring that people issues, and solutions are at the heart of everything.
“We share the same corporate and people values, including a strong belief that a skilled and motivated workforce is the absolute key to realising success.”
