DeLaRue
05/07/2007
A Praxis interim manager put in the HR infrastructure for a whole new division and created a three-year HR strategy.
When DeLaRue, the world’s largest commercial security printer and paper maker, decided to create a new Global Services division there was clearly a key role for HR.
The search was on for a Group HR director. “But in the shorter term we needed a top professional to do a ‘one off’ job”, says Tracey Graham, Managing Director Identity Systems. “Someone who could focus on the new division, help put the HR infrastructure in place and create the culture to move the business forward and deliver significant results. So we turned to Praxis.”
DeLaRue selected interim manager Kathryn Riley who has 20 years’ experience in the financial services industry. Kathryn Gray, DeLaRue’s former HR Development Manager, recalls, “We had not used a professional interim manager before. But when I met Kathryn I felt her understanding of good HR practice and her pragmatic interpretation of our requirements, coupled with her energy and drive, were just what we needed.”
Tracey agrees, “Kathryn had undertaken change management and created HR structures in a wide range of organisations. She brought a wealth of experience to DeLaRue.”
The new Global Services division incorporated five individual businesses. Kathryn’s first task was to create a three year HR strategy to ensure the different businesses gained synergy through a shared operating structure.
She then embarked on a wide-ranging agenda which included developing a resourcing policy, creating a reward structure, ensuring every job had a role profile, and writing a success factor guide. “Initially I worked closely with the strategy and finance directors, and with their support tackled some interesting HR initiatives, including 360 degree appraisals, mentoring, coaching and cultural development.”
One of her key achievements was acting as catalyst to create a Global Services management team with a holistic approach to managing the business as a division as opposed to five independent businesses. Tracey Graham explains, “Kathryn organised a ‘top team’ away event for the business unit heads to help us network as a team. She made the whole event happen and forced us to answer some difficult questions.
“She took her obligations seriously and was a true professiol. Because she is very strategic, looking at the bigger picture and not getting involved in the detail, she provided us with much needed objective and focus. She always gave impartial advice because as an interim manager she didn’t have a political axe to grind. The worse thing we could do is not build on the valuable foundations she has put in place for us. ”
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