Manchester-based Kellogg’s has appointed Melanie Bowes (pictured) as HR director for the UK and Ireland to oversee its people strategy across the UK and Ireland.
Having relocated from Melbourne, Australia for the role, Bowes will oversee a team of two employees responsible for the execution of people plans for the British and Irish markets, and the broader staff base at Kellogg’s head office.
Bowes will be responsible for leading the people strategy for Kellogg’s largest market in Europe, while also having HR responsibility for its European tech function, which is run out of Manchester. She has taken over from Christopher Hayden-Hayes, who moved into Kellogg’s European Employee Relations team.
Previous to Kellogg’s, Bowes was group head of human resources for Japanese brewer Asahi Beverages. In her five years there, she undertook a range of roles, including a secondment as HR manager in Tokyo. Prior to this, she held senior HR roles in the oil and gas industry.
Bowes said: “Kellogg’s is a brand with such heritage, so it’s incredibly exciting to be taking on the role of leading its people strategy for the UK and Ireland. In the short time I’ve been with the business, I can already tell what a great culture it has and it’s very clear its people are its most competitive advantage. I intend to apply my experience to Kellogg’s, to continue to attract top talent, develop policy change and champion equity, diversity and inclusion.”
Chris Silcock, managing director at Kellogg’s UK, added: “We’re thrilled to have Mel join our team as she steps into the role of HR director. She brings with her a wealth of experience as a human resources leader and we’re confident she will continue to positively drive our people plans forward.”